My friend got Flying Colonel as late as the early 1990's, so it definitely didn't end with the introducing of Delta Frequent Flyer. He apparently was nominated by a Delta official, and was presented with his plaque and white membership card at his office by a Delta official. His photo was also taken and hung in the Tampa CRC (along will all Tampa based FC's and MM's), but I believe that they have all disappeared. Although now discontinued, his benefits were "lifetime" CRC membership, stationary, and a VIP phone number. again, all discontinued, although "FC" still appears on boarding passes, tickets, and manifests. The Flying Colonel program might have held more water before Delta Frequent Flyer, but the phone number and CRC was all that it was when my friend got it. Now it means nothing.

By the way, I believe this is the 20th Anniversary of a Delta FF program (first Delta Frequent Flyer, now SkyMiles).