Rep. Awana receives "Kentucky Colonel"

Rep. Karen Awana received a "Kentucky Colonel" certificate from Kentucky Governor Steven L. Beshear for her work with the National Conference of State Legislatures. For the past several years, Rep. Awana has been an active member of the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators representing Hawaii.

The Kentucky Colonel is described as the highest honor awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Colonels are Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world.

Kentucky colonelships are awarded for an individual's contributions to his or her community, state or nation, and for special achievements.

The official "Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels" was founded in 1932 by then Governor Ruby Laffoon and is incorporated as a charitable organization. Kentucky's governor and lieutenant governor serve as the commander-in-chief and deputy commander-in-chief, respectively.

Rep. Awana is in good company. Kentucky Colonels include political leaders such as President Lyndon B. Johnson and English Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Astronaut John Glenn was commissioned as a Colonel during his mission while orbiting Earth.

Other well-known Colonels are: Muhammad Ali, Betty White, George Clooney, Ashley Judd, Johnny Depp, Kenny Perry, Elvis Presley, and, yes, Harland "Colonel" Sanders.