News from Kentucky

It is my great pleasure to inform all his friends in the alpine world that Alan Grainger (formerly of Manchester, England and now resident in Kentucky, USA) has been awarded the status of Colonel for his services to employment issues in this beautiful State.

Colonel Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, was not a military person. The commission of Colonel was awarded to him by the Governor of Kentucky. The title "Kentucky Colonel" is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the title was also bestowed on Winston Churchill, Pope John xxiii, Muhammed Ali, Ronald Reagan amongst others. A person cannot apply for the title, they have to be nominated by a current Colonel and testimonials have to be written to illustrate their worth as members of society, and their involvement in the community, industry or politics.

So why am I telling you all this? Well yesterday, Judge Buzz Carloftis (himself a Kentucky Colonel) and Judge Executive of Rockcastle County, who Alan has been working closely with to bring employment back to the County since Plasticware closed down, presented Alan with his commission as a Kentucky Colonel, signed by the Governor of Kentucky and the Secretary of State for Kentucky.
Is that cool or what?

Heartiest congratulations to one of the nicest guys in this wonderful alpine fraternity of ours. Well done buddy.