RE: apparently using a rank she didn’t actually have. Lt only, not Lt Col.
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I think I read what you reference, if it was by someone pointing out/whining that Wendy Rogers expressed being respectfully referred to by an earned title such as Senator or Colonel.
According to several websites, only one for which I share a link, she did indeed attain the rank of Lieutenant Colonel during her 20-year stint in the Air Force: https://ballotpedia.org/Wendy_Rogers
Based on protocol/proper etiquette, when speaking to a high ranking official, that person is addressed by shortening the title to the highest position in the title. So, she would/should be addressed as Colonel or Senator Rogers.
Thank you for the correction.