Information AboutKentucky Colonel |
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The title Kentucky Colonel has been around since 1814. When the Kentucky Militia was deactived following the War Of 1812 , Governor Isaac Shelby commissioned Charles S. Todd, one of his officers in the campaign, as an Aide-de-camp on the Governor's Staff with the rank and grade of Colonel . Todd married Shelby's youngest daughter two years later. Early Colonels actually served military roles. In the latter part of the 1800s, the position took on a more ceremonial function. Colonels in uniform attended functions at the Governor's mansion and stood as symbolic guards at state events. By the late 1800s, the title had become more of an Honorary one. In fact the title is handed out so freely that in recent years the Kentucky state legislature has taken steps to limit how many may be granted in a given year. Award of the title requires nomination from an existing Colonel. Nominators are expected to consider the nominee's service and contributions to the Global community before making a nomination. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The sitting Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky bestows the honor of a Colonel's Commission , by issuance of a certificate. GOOD WORKS After a person receives a Commission they are invited to join the 'The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels'. This organization is an independent, non-profit corporation. The mission of this organization is to raise money to support needy charities, educational efforts, and other works that will help all citizens of Kentucky . The organization's good works do not stop at the borders of the Commonwealth. Recently the organization supported Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, partnering with another organization and contributing $25,000. A particularly embarrassing incident for the order occurred in the early 1980s when Kentucky journalist Tom Loftus submitted a nomination to the order for his friend's dog Waldo. When Waldo Wecker was accepted into the order, the story received nationwide attention and became a source of amusement on national shows such as Good Morning America and Paul Harvey 's radio program. Governor John Y. Brown, Jr. , who signed the document granting the honor, received particular ridicule. Both Waldo and Loftus were stripped of the title. FAMOUS COLONELS Some of the more famous recipients have been:
SIMILAR HONORS An analogous honor, with a tongue-in-cheek tweak at the Kentucky Colonel title, is Nebraska 's equivalent: Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska. {Link without Title} SEE ALSO
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