New Hampshire Air National Guard commander killed in hit-and-run accident – ​​Boston 25 News

A decorated military leader, pilot and war veteran, Pogorek served the country in myriad roles for more than three decades. Over the course of his career, he received numerous medals and awards, including the Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the NATO Medal and the Kuwaiti government’s Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Governor Chris Sununu expressed his condolences to Pogorek’s family in a social media post when news of the military general’s sudden death broke.

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

At 5:22 p.m. Monday, emergency crews responded to the area of ​​10 Crown Point Road for a report of a traffic accident involving a pedestrian, Boudreau said.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a red Toyota RAV4 traveling westbound on Crown Point Road struck Pogorek, who was outside his vehicle re-securing the load of his 2014 Toyota Tundra, which was parked on the side of the road.

The red 2012 Toyota RAV4 “continued without stopping,” Boudreau said. Pogorek was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police later located the RAV4 and identified the driver as Paul Clement, 81, of Rochester.

A teenage passenger who was in Pogorek’s Toyota Tundra at the time of the accident was not injured, police said.

Pogorek earned a bachelor’s degree in human factors engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and was commissioned into military service in May 1989, according to his biographical information on the New Hampshire National Guard website.

In January 1999, he joined the New Hampshire Air National Guard and transferred to the KC-135R and then to the KC-46A Pegasus.

During his career, he served as a KC-135R instructor and check pilot, squadron operations leader, 478th Expeditionary Operations Squadron commander, 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron commander, 157th Maintenance Group commander, and 157th Operations Group commander.

Prior to his current position, Pogorek served as commander of the 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base.

In his role as commander, Pogorek was responsible for leading, controlling and executing plans and programs for over 1,300 officers and enlisted personnel at Pease Air National Guard Base.

The Strafford County Regional Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team responded and assisted with the investigation.

A section of Crown Point Road from the intersection of Meadorboro Road and Estes Road to the intersection of Strafford Road was closed for several hours while emergency crews were on scene.

The investigation into the fatal accident is ongoing, the police chief said.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact Detective Matthew Flathers at 603-330-7128 or [email protected].

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates as more information becomes available.

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