Colonel :

Among other things, this is our annual "have you moved" issue.  Before you know it, it will be time for the printing of 2012 Membership Cards and related materials.  This is the address we have on file for you.  Please check to see if everything is correct:

Colonel

,

We don't know how many Kentucky Colonels are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan but we know there are quite a few.  We have recently received emails from, among others,Col. Martin Moore who says he will be home in time to attend Kentucky Colonels Day on Millionaire's Row (November 12).  Incidentally, invitations for that event are out and so far we have reservations from 29 US states, Ontario, Canada and Glasgow, Scotland. Back to Colonels in the wars... Col. Jamie Skaggs told us of having lunch with Sgt. John Green from Kentucky.  Reported Col. Skaggs,  "This young Gunnery Sergeant is probably one of the brightest Marines I have ever met.  He has multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and has a genuine concern for all his men and country." With that, Col. Skaggs recommended Sgt. Green for a Kentucky Colonel Commission.  Col. Mark Stevens told us about an effort by the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division to set up "a

prosthesis program for the local folks.  There are thousands of Afghans who are

missing limbs due to Soviet minefields and Taliban IEDs".  And Col. Ryan Janovic emailed a photo of 6 Colonels sent to Afghanistan as part of the Duke Brigade that was stationed at Fort Knox.  Col. Janovic also referenced our November 12th event: "Many of us were at the party last year.  Sadly, we will miss it this year but we look forward to joining you once again in 2012."  The Honorable Order's thanks and appreciation to all our soldiers... especially those in the war zones.    

In the photo, left to right,  Col. Alan Streeter, Col. Janovic, Col. Chris Toner, Col. James Vizzard, Col. Ronald Brown, Col. Mark Borowski.

Time out for a little fun.  Usually, it is the hats and dresses of the ladies that get most of the fashion photographer's attention at the Kentucky Derby.  This year, though, three Kentucky Colonels' Derby Extravaganza guests "stole the show".  Normally very conservatively dressed Colonel Chris Klau of Maryland came up with the idea for he and his guests.  He went shopping online and below is the result of his purchases.  Col. Klau is in the red; his guests were Dave Dundas (blue) and Mike Hedlesky (yellow).  By the way, they are standing beside a bus from Wayside Christian Mission, one of the largest homeless shelters in the region.  A few years ago, a bus used by the mission to pick up children from regional shelters for transportation to school was totaled in an accident.  The Good Works Program helped them secure a new "used" bus as a replacement.  Now, at Derby time each year, we "rent" the bus to transport the Honorable Order's Board and staff to the Extravaganza. 

Finally this month (except for the Emporium special), a peek at the 2012 medal of distinction.  This photo shows the factory sample.  The medal is currently in production.  We will begin issuing it on October 1... and yes, we have gone back to attaching the medal to a ribbon.   Also, a follow up to last month's story on the medals issued to this point in time. We have learned over the years that medal collecting is pretty big with many folks.  There are several "Medal Societies" around the world... including  the Zimbabwe Medal Society.  It seems there is a Kentucky Colonel in that group and next month we'll report on his requested presentation to the members related to our Medal of Distinction.