SALEM (AP) — Col. Bruce W. Prunk has been promoted to the rank of brigadier general in the Oregon Air National Guard.

In a ceremony in Salem on Monday, Prunk also was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq when he deployed as the deputy commander of the 732nd Air Expeditionary Group, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing.

In his remarks, Prunk said the men and women serving in Iraq are doing an incredible job, and added that the enlisted force is the “heart, soul, and backbone” of the guard.

Prunk joined the Oregon Air National Guard in 1983.

He retired as the assistant Portland police chief in 2004.