NH Air National Guard commander killed in hit-and-run

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

Brigadier General John W. “Pogo” Pogorek died when an SUV struck him on the side of Crown Point Road where he had stopped to secure a load on his trailer, according to Rochester police. Police have since located the vehicle and 81-year-old driver involved in the incident, but police have not yet made any arrests.

Pogorek was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, according to Rochester police. He was 57 years old. A teenage passenger was also in Pogorek’s vehicle at the time of the accident, but police said he was not injured.

In a statement released Tuesday, the New Hampshire National Guard called Pogorek one of its “best Airmen and leaders.” Adjutant General David Mikolaities praised Pogorek as an “exemplary wingman, mentor and friend,” highlighting his professionalism and dedication in his service to the state and nation. Governor Chris Sununu also expressed his condolences to Pogorek’s family, saying his “dedication and contributions to the Granite State will never be forgotten.”

According to his biography, Pogorek graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1989 and joined the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 1999.

In the years that followed, he rose through the ranks, was promoted to commander, and served as Mikolaities and Sununu’s chief advisor on all matters related to the New Hampshire Air National Guard, including command and operations at the 157th Air Refueling Wing and Pease Air National Guard Base.

During his 31 years in the U.S. Air Force and New Hampshire Air National Guard, Pogorek was also a pilot and accumulated more than 6,300 flight hours.

Pogorek leaves behind his wife, Whitney Pogorek, and their five children.