Topeka ? Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, adjutant general of the Kansas National Guard, is retiring in January.

Bunting announced his plans Tuesday in a news release. The retirement coincides with the end of Gov. Mark Parkinson’s administration.

Bunting was appointed adjutant general in 2004 by then-Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. He has spent 32 years in the military, beginning with the Kansas National Guard in 1978.

His replacement will be named by the next governor.

During his seven years, Bunting has commanded 5,500 soldiers and 2,200 airmen of the Kansas Air National Guard. He has also overseen the state’s response to numerous natural disasters, including the May 2007 tornado that devastated Greensburg.

Parkinson issued a statement thanking Bunting for his dedication and service.