WESTFIELD, Mass. (AP) – The commander of the Air National Guard 104th Fighter Wing has announced plans to retire next month, saying, “My time has come.”

Col. Michael Boulanger, 54, led the 104th for five years and was awarded a Bronze Star for his service during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Boulanger commanded the 387th Air Expeditionary Group shortly before and during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit was based less than 100 miles from the Iraqi border and included nearly 500 104th personnel and 11 of its A-10 attack jets.

All the members of the 104th returned from duty safely.

Boulanger is facing mandatory retirement because he’s served as a colonel for 30 years.

“My time has come,” Boulanger told The Republican of Springfield. “After five years, it’s probably time to step aside.”

Boulanger, a Montague native, lives in Westfield. His military career began with the Marines in 1968 with a tour of Vietnam. After Vietnam, he joined the 104th.

Col. Marcel E. Kerdavid, vice commander of the 104th, will assume the top post on Jan. 8.

Boulanger said he “no idea” what he’ll do next.

“It’s hard to imagine giving up something you have been doing all your life,” he said. “It’s been an unbelievable adventure. It’s been an unbelievable career.”