Governor Matt Bevin is reviewing what it takes to be commissioned as a “Kentucky Colonel.” The governor’s spokeswoman Jessica Ditto says Bevin has temporarily stopped issuing commissions pending a review of the requirements necessary to receive the honor. She says he wants to make sure the title remains significant.
The title of Kentucky Colonel dates back to the early 19th century, when Kentucky had a volunteer militia. Today, the governor often bestows the title to honor a person’s good deeds or service. According to The Honorable Order of the Kentucky Colonels there are approximately 85,000 with the title.
Elvis Presley and Bill Clinton are Kentucky Colonels, so are some of the members of WKMS staff, including Chad Lampe, Todd Hatton and Dave Shinall.
