Kentucky Colonel

Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the U.S. state of Kentucky. It is the best-known colonelcy in the United States. A Kentucky Colonel Commission, the certificate, is awarded in the name of the Commonwealth by the governor of Kentucky to individuals with "Honorable" titular style recognition preceding the names of civilians aged 18 or over, for noteworthy accomplishments, contributions to civil society, remarkable deeds, or outstanding service to the community, state, or nation. The governor bestows the honorable title with a colonelcy commission, by issuance of letters patent. While many famous and noteworthy people have received commissions as Kentucky colonels, the award is equally available to those of all backgrounds based on their deeds. A Kentucky colonel is traditionally considered a goodwill ambassador of the Kentucky state, culture, folklore, traditions, and values. Although Kentucky colonels are considered in common law to be aides-de-camp to the governors and members of their staff and thus entitled to the style of "Honorable", Kentucky colonels are usually just referred to and addressed as "Colonel" and use the abbreviation "Col." or Kentucky colonel when the term is not being used as a specific title for an individual. Most properly in writing this becomes "Col. First Name, Middle, Surname, Kentucky Colonel".