— Photo courtesy of Iowa ESGR.

JOHNSTON — Van Diest Supply Company of Webster City was recently presented a State Chair Award from Iowa ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) for the company’s support of employee Keaton Schultz, who also serves as a Specialist in the Iowa Army National Guard.

Within the recent release, the ESGR State Chair Award recognizes employers across the state who carefully follow the law pertaining to uniformed service members and provide exceptional levels of personal support to the civilian soldiers.

In the award’s nomination submission, SPC Schultz expressed his appreciation to James Hedeen, Formulation Manager.

“All of my supervisors at Van Diest are eager and willing to work with me through the crazy schedules I have thrown at them in the past year-and-a-half,” Schultz said. “They’ve supported me through annual training and many drill weekends when I’ve been unable to work. They never complain and always make sure to keep in touch with me regarding my service. The company is very supportive of all veterans and actively seeks to employ veterans of any branch.

The owner Bob Van Diest and CEO Jake Van Diest are huge supporters of our country’s Armed Forces, and I would love the opportunity to thank the company for working with me, and other Guardsmen through our busy, and sometimes hectic schedules,” Schultz added.

The Iowa ESGR hosted its annual employer recognition dinner on Friday, April 28 in Johnston.

ESGR, an office of the Department of Defense, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States.

ESGR operates primarily through volunteer efforts in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam-CNMI, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In Iowa, approximately 100 volunteers assist Guard and Reserve members, their families and their civilian employers.

For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call 800- 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.