Photo by: Ryan C. Harris
Graham Stone Johnson
Reporter
February 17, 2006
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Ed Hertzog shows his support for Pittsburg
Steelers. Photo by: Ryan C. Harris |
The smiling face of Ed Hertzog is gone from the Milligan cafeteria. He was laid off on Jan. 13 after Pioneer Catering dissolved his position.
Hertzog was offered part-time work but declined the position, deciding to take care of some recent health problems.
After visiting his family doctor, Hertzog was referred to a neurologist for further investigation into his health problems. His doctor recommended that he apply for disability.
“He needs all the prayers he can get,” said his wife, Debbie Hertzog, who also works in the cafeteria.
Though Hertzog sees his laying off as both a trial and “a blessing” and said he has “no hard feelings.”
“The Lord has taken care of me before,” Hertzog said. “He’ll do it again.”
Hertzog’s upbeat personality and constant grin had become a normal scene for students at Milligan.
“He was a great person,” said Zoey Phelps, a former cafeteria worker. “He was always smiling and having a good time. He knew everyone by name.”
Hertzog said, “I’m just so thankful that I got to meet all the kids. I tried to make their day happy. If they were down or something I would do what I could to make their day better. I wouldn’t let them leave without telling them to ‘Have a good day.’”
Hertzog promised to occasionally visit. He said what he misses most about the job is the students. “I love them all. I tried to be their parents away from home,” he said, “I just wanted them all to be happy.”
Director of Food Services Dave Taylor said the cafeteria management was unable to comment on the matter due to confidentiality policies.
Ed and Debbie Hertzog joined the cafeteria staff seven and a half years ago. Before their time here, the two managed a camp in Yale, Va., for 10 years. They then took a position as relief house parents at East Tennessee Christian Children’s Home in Elizabethton, and in turn arrived at Milligan College.
The Hertzogs have been married since 1972. They have three children and five grandchildren. Ed works as a supply preacher and is also an assistant Sunday school teacher at First Christian Church in Elizabethton. He now hopes to volunteer for Angel Food Ministries in Johnson City.