Topeka ? A state Senate panel has approved the promotions of three Kansas National Guard colonels to the rank of brigadier general.

Gov. Mark Parkinson promoted Cols. Lee Tafanelli, Eric Peck and Vic Braden. The approval by the Senate Confirmations Oversight Committee advances the promotions to the full Senate when it convenes in January.

Besides his National Guard service, Tafanelli is a Republican member of the Kansas House. He recently became assistant adjutant general for the Kansas Army National Guard.

Peck is the new director of the Great Plains Joint Training Center in Salina. Braden is the deputy commander of the 35th Infantry Division, headquartered at Fort Leavenworth. He’s also a deputy Kansas attorney general.