ASHLAND, KY (LOOTPRESS) – Today, the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels presented a plaque commissioning radio talk show host Tom Roten as a Kentucky Colonel. Appointments as Kentucky Colonels are done by the sitting Governor of the Commonwealth
According to the Governor’s website, “The highest honor awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky is that of Kentucky Colonel. Our Colonels are Kentucky’s ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world.
“Commissions as Kentucky Colonels are presented for contributions to the community, state, or nation, and for special achievements of all kinds.”
The Kentucky Colonels is an independent, nonprofit organization with the purpose of aiding and promoting the Commonwealth and its citizens. This week the Order is hosting five grant award presentations across the state.
Roten was the emcee for today’s event, held at the Jesse Stuart Foundation on 13th Street in Ashland, KY. Twenty-nine charities in Eastern Kentucky received a portion of $2.1 million in grants the KY Colonels will award this year. The Kentucky Colonels Good Works Program assists the neediest of the needy across Kentucky — often helping essential charities that are small and get overlooked.
At the conclusion of the grant award ceremony, Roten, was presented the honor by Kentucky Colonels Executive Director Sherry Crose. She spoke of Roten’s commitment to community and years of promoting charitable organizations in the region.
Roten recently marked his 20th anniversary as morning talk show host on NewsRadio 800 WVHU, an iHeartMedia station serving the Huntington, WV-Ashland, KY region. During that time, he has interviewed hundreds of guests from the region including many from Kentucky.
On his “Tom Roten Morning Show,” he talks regularly with state and federal lawmakers from the Bluegrass State. He also speaks to representatives of many Kentucky charitable groups. For over 10 years Roten has served as the Public Service Director for iHeartRadio in the local market. He has written and produced hundreds of public service announcements for non-profit organizations.
After receiving the Kentucky Colonel Commission, Roten, who was not expecting the honor, remarked, “This is such a tremendous honor. I am very grateful.”
