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NH Air National Guard commander killed in crash

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The commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Rochester on Monday night. A vehicle struck and killed Brigadier General John W. “Pogo” Pogorek on Crown Point Road around 6 p.m. Monday, and that driver left the scene of the crash, police said.Rochester police said Pogorek was stopped on the side of the road securing a load on his trailer when a red Toyota Rav 4 allegedly struck him and drove off without stopping. A juvenile in Pogorek’s vehicle was not injured, police said.Police said they were able to locate the vehicle and determined that an 81-year-old Rochester man was behind the wheel at the time of the crash, which remains under investigation.Pogorek, 57, was named commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 2022. “Not only has he been a friend for the past 15 years, I’ve worked directly for him in two different jobs and officiated the wedding of him and his wife, his widow,” Big said. Gen. William R. Davis, chief of staff of the New Hampshire Air National Guard. He was dear to me and close to me, as were many other people here at the base, and I am deeply disappointed.” In his role as commander, he was the top advisor to Adj. Gen. David J. Mikolaities and Gov. Chris Sununu on all matters related to the New Hampshire Air National Guard, including the Guard’s “combat and operational readiness” and the 157th Air Refueling Wing’s ability to accomplish its mission. He was also responsible for all operations at Pease Air National Guard Base. “General Pogorek was an exemplary wingman, mentor and friend to many,” Mikolaities said in a statement. “He served his state and nation with the utmost professionalism and dedication. He will be greatly missed.”>>Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<“On behalf of the entire state of New Hampshire, I extend my sincere condolences to General Pogorek’s family,” Sununu said in the statement. "General Pogorek served his state, his country and his community with honor. His dedication and contributions to the Granite State will never be forgotten." Pogorek graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1989 and joined the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 1999. He rose through the ranks in the years that followed. Pogorek leaves behind his wife, Whitney, and their five children. His wife said the two celebrated their anniversary on Wednesday.

ROCHESTER, NH —

The commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Rochester on Monday evening.

A vehicle struck and killed Brigadier General John W. “Pogo” Pogorek on Crown Point Road around 6 p.m. Monday, after which the driver left the scene of the accident, police said.

Rochester police said Pogorek pulled over to the side of the road and was securing a load on his trailer when a red Toyota Rav 4 allegedly struck him and drove off without stopping. A juvenile in Pogorek’s vehicle was not injured, police said.

Police said they were able to locate the vehicle and determined that an 81-year-old man from Rochester was driving at the time of the accident. The investigation is ongoing.

Pogorek, 57, was appointed commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 2022.

“Over the last 15 years, not only was he a friend, but I worked directly for him in two different jobs and performed the wedding of him and his wife, his widow,” said Gen. William R. Davis, chief of staff of the New Hampshire Air National Guard. “He was dear to me and very close to me, as were many other people here on base, and I am deeply disappointed.”

In his role as commander, he was the top advisor to Adj. Gen. David J. Mikolaities and Governor Chris Sununu on all matters related to the New Hampshire Air National Guard, including the Guard’s “combat and operational readiness” and the ability of the 157th Air Refueling Wing to accomplish its mission. He was also responsible for all operations at Pease Air National Guard Base.

“General Pogorek was an exemplary wingman, mentor and friend to many,” Mikolaities said in a statement. “He served his state and nation with the utmost professionalism and dedication. He will be greatly missed.”

>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <

“On behalf of the entire state of New Hampshire, I extend my sincere condolences to General Pogorek’s family,” Sununu said in the statement. “General Pogorek served his state, his country and his community with honor. His dedication and contributions to the Granite State will never be forgotten.”

Pogorek graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1989 and joined the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 1999. He rose through the ranks in the years that followed.

John Pogorek and Mike Pence

New Hampshire Air National Guard

Brigadier General John Pogorek and former Vice President Mike Pence

Pogorek leaves behind his wife, Whitney, and their five children. His wife said the two celebrated their wedding anniversary on Wednesday.

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