Just call him 'Colonel,' if you please: Country music's Tommy Cash yields two honors

October 15, 1:32 AMNashville Country Music ExaminerLisa L. Rollins

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  October has been an award-filled month for veteran
  country artist Tommy Cash. (Photo/Rollins Media)

After 40-plus years as a country performer, he’s scored a string of chart-topping hits, recorded with everyone from George Jones to Marty Stuart—not to mention his iconic brother—and served proudly and honorably in the United States Army.

But thanks to the powers that be, the living legend known as Tommy Cash has managed to accomplish a career first by being recognized by Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen as an honorary colonel.

Currently touring in support of his newly released Fade To Black CD on the InLight label, Tommy was taken by surprise recently when he was presented with the Colonel Aide de Camp, an honorary commission in the State of Tennessee that has been awarded to individuals for meritorious service since 1943.

Per information from the governor’s office, only elected officials may request Colonel Aide de Camp certificates. In turn, the Arkansas-born hit-maker was nominated for the honor by Sen. Jim D. Tracy for his many contributions to and on behalf of the Volunteer State, especially his esteemed history of traveling worldwide to promote Tennessee through his musical talents, as well as his dedication to aiding the music industry through service.

In addition to touring more than 120 shows annually in both the United States and Europe, Cash is “known for (his) music and willingness to serve on boards to help promote the music industry,” according to the senator’s nomination, which lists Cash’s longtime membership and service to the Reunion of Professional Entertainers, also known as ROPE, where he currently serves on its board of directors.

And speaking of ROPE, the locally based entity, like the governor's office, touted its appreciation for Cash and his service to the music industry earlier this month at its 22nd Annual Golden ROPE Banquet & Awards Show, where Tommy was presented with its Business Award.

"I am honored to have received the Business Award for the year from ROPE," shared Cash, who did time as Hank Jr.'s guitarist back in the day. "I was thrilled to be nominated, but winning was a great surprise!"

As for his honorary Colonel Aide de Camp recognition, which was coincidentally bestowed on Cash during the ROPE event, "Making country music and supporting it comes naturally to me; there is no prize or trophy I see for doing what I think I was born to do," he says. "However, I am humbled and most grateful to have been chosen as a recipient of the Tennessee Colonel honor that was signed by our governor. I am so blessed to have such dear friends who would support me in this way."

FYI/Tommy Cash Interview Online: Hooah Radio, an Internet-based radio station operated by veterans for U.S. troops and their families, will rebroadcast its recent interview with Tommy Cash on Nov. 11, Veterans Day. To listen to the interview, with host DJ Bette, please access www.hooahradio.com.

For more info: Official Tommy Cash Web site, Tommy Cash on Facebook, Tommy Cash on MySpace, Tommy Cash on Twitter