INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana National Guard’s top officer says he will end a 45-year career next May.
Adjutant General Martin Umbarger announced the decision to retire after informing Governor Mike Pence Tuesday evening.
In a letter penned to soldiers, airman, state employees, retirees and families, Gen. Umbarger says it is time to pass the “colors of leadership” onto the next generation.
He has led Guard soldiers since being appointed Adjutant General in March 2004.
Governor Pence issued a statement following the announcement:
“With nearly five decades of service to the Indiana National Guard, Adjutant General R. Martin Umbarger is a patriot and true public servant to the people of Indiana. His leadership and insight have been invaluable to the Guard, our state, and this great nation, and I believe him to be a Hoosier hero in every sense of the word.
The governor said he will work with Umbarger to name a replacement in the coming months. The Indiana National Guard is the fourth largest in the nation.
Umbarger met Abbas Altemimi while serving in Iraq. Altemimi, an Iraqi native, has since moved to Decatur County and we covered his unique story in June.
