We all know how Colonel Sanders made his fortune, but have you ever wondered how he got his rank? Luckily for our feathered friends, becoming a Kentucky Colonel has nothing to do with chicken.
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (HOKC) is an independent, charitable organization focused on promoting local nonprofits and providing aide to Kentuckians. Fun fact: A Kentucky Colonel commission is the state’s highest civilian honor.
Here’s the super secret recipe to becoming a Kentucky Colonel:
- First, one must be nominated for their contributions to the community
- The Governor then grants the designation
- Congrats you are officially a Kentucky Colonel
- Contact your local chapter (in LEX, that’s the Thoroughbred Chapter) + start serving
- Without that final step, you’re just a Kentuckian with a cool title
Kentucky fried history
With origins dating back to militia members in the War of 1812, by 1931 the Kentucky Colonel designation was ceremonial. The HOKC’s charitable mission began in earnest in 1937 when Colonels across the US rallied to support recovery from the Great Flood.
HOKC has donated $68+ million to benefit the commonwealth — funding everything from education to disaster relief. Today, there are more than 30,000 active Kentucky Colonels with chapters in 18 other states, and seven foreign countries including Singapore, Brazil, and Nigeria.
A side of celebrity
Starting in the 1930s, Kentucky Governors have bestowed the honor on celebrities who embodied the charitable principles of the order. Mae West, Bing Crosby + Fred Astaire are three of the earliest examples of VIPs who came to Kentucky to receive the honor. In addition to movie stars you’ll find famous Kentucky Colonels with backgrounds in everything from business + sports to music and writing, including:
- Harland Sanders
- Ada Limon
- Muhammad Ali
- Jack Harlow
