Ernesta Glover, a three-year environmental services employee at Vanderbilt
Medical Center, has joined the ranks of famous individuals like country
musician Waylon Jennings, NASCAR driver Sterling Marlin, and Tennessee Titans
CEO Bud Adams Jr. They all share the distinction of Aide-de-Camp in the
Honorable Order of Tennessee Colonels, which recognizes citizens who show
extraordinary levels of public service and volunteer spirit.
Glover received her commission April 23, but kindness and fellowship are
lifelong commitments for her.
“I’m the type that sees a need, and if I can do it, I’ll do it,” she said. “I’m just that type of person. I care about people.”
Glover was nominated for the award by Robert Davidson, who experienced her
volunteer spirit first-hand when his wife, Patricia, was a patient at VMC last
July. When Patricia’s surgery went much longer than expected, Davidson became anxious, but Glover
befriended him and shared her own experience spending time in a waiting room.
“I lost a son in 2000, but I tell people it’s not the end of the world. I tell them not to give up. They’ve got to stay positive,” Glover said.
“A friendly smile means a whole lot when you’re in that situation,” Davidson said.
Glover continued to check the Davidsons during Patricia’s recovery and was able to help the family again when Davidson’s wife needed a raised toilet seat.
“She found one in 10 minutes. It wasn’t a big thing, but it made all the difference in the world,” Davidson said.
Davidson was named a Tennessee Colonel himself in 1995 for his leadership with
the Palmyra, Tenn., volunteer fire department, and he thought Glover should be
similarly recognized for all the help she provided outside her job description.
“Her customer service and volunteer spirit were above and beyond the normal
expectations,” he said.
The award ceremony was completely unexpected for Glover, and she said she was “so surprised, shocked and happy.” She received a framed certificate signed by Gov. Phil Bredesen and a letter
outlining what it means to be named a Tennessee Colonel. In attendance for the presentation were her co-workers, staff and management of
Environmental Services and Associate Hospital Director George DeLong Jr.
“I’m so proud of what he (Davidson) did for me,” Glover said. “I appreciate it, and I love him for loving me.”
“People like her, they’re not the big wheels, but anybody within the organization can make a difference
in the lives of people, and that’s what Ernesta Glover did,” Davidson said.
