Does your state have "Kentucky Colonels"? Should such honorary appointments be partisan, nonpartisan, or support charities?

That is not true.
Kentucky colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Commissions for Kentucky colonels are given by the governor and the secretary of state to individuals in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state or the nation.

PO2 Robert M. - I wrote that a long time ago so I'm not super sure what I meant anymore other than to work in a Sanders joke. If I meant anything serious about it , I meant that I wouldn't like to see any sort of official titles bestowed for partisan reasons. I'm totally okay with it for nonpartisan or humanitarian reasons.

Honestly, no worries!
Chuckled myself! ( p.s. - you are authorized to wear the black bow tie! )

PO2 Robert M. - That's pretty amazing.

I know this thread is old, PO2 Robert M., but I just now saw it for some reason. Please accept my congratulations on being named a Kentucky Colonel. It is an honor to be so appointed.
I have three such honorariums.
I was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by then Governor John Y. Brown, Jr., on April 27, 1981. Once commissioned a Kentucky Colonel, you may join The Kentucky Colonels which "is an organization of talented and capable men and women appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky because of their service to the state. They act as the Governor’s ambassadors of Kentucky’s heritage and rich history of arts and entertainment.
Their objective is to support needy Kentucky charities and worthy Kentucky organizations by raising money from our membership to help those organizations who stand ready to help our citizens share in Kentucky’s boundless future. We celebrate this mission and encourage and affirm one another in these efforts." The Kentucky Colonels are unique in that they are organized as a 501 (c) (3) charity.
I was also appointed and commissioned an Arkansas Traveler by then Governor Bill Clinton on February 1, 1980! Lastly, I was nominated, constituted and appointed a Colonel and Aide-de-Camp by then Governor Edwin W. Edwards of the State of Louisiana on October 10, 1986.
A few other states nearby have similar honorary titles that I may try to wrangle in the future! One is to be commissioned as an Honorary Colonel in the Militia of the State of Alabama. In the State of Tennessee, you may be named a Colonel Aide de Camp, but it is only awarded at the request of a member of the Tennessee General Assembly. I think Georgia may have a similar title as well. LTC Stephen F. SGM (Join to see) SSgt (Join to see)
Seem familiar, 1SG John Millan?! ;)

Okay, I'll bite ... how do people get these appointments? Heck, I could use a shiny new title! :-)

LT Garth Young (Ret)
SGM (Join to see)

GySgt Ekblad, in the Army, "regiments"nominate and a certificate signed by the Secretary of the Army is issued. For state recognition, people can request it via proclamations clerk or through elected officials, etc. Some states, such as Texas, has private associations such as Texas Rangers who collect funds for charity (go online)...Kentucky Colonels nominate other people using a form that is on line via Kentucky Secretary of State. There is no fee, but one then gets mailings and is encouraged to donate. Let me know if you want to know more. Sometimes people who have these things believe or were led to believe they are more difficult to get than they actually are, and some states do have other honors that have higher standards.

Thanks SGM (Join to see) ... much appreciated!

Can put you in touch with some folk if you wish to pursue some of the items mentioned. Also some legitimate modern knighthoods that support charitable works (ranging from religious to recognized houses in Exile, such as Savoy)---read my book, Sovereigns, Dynasties, and Nobility via Amazon....