New Hampshire Air National Guard commander killed in hit-and-run in Rochester

The commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard was killed in a hit-and-run in Rochester on Monday night. A vehicle struck and killed Brig. Gen. John W. "Pogo" Pogorek on Crown Point Road around 6 p.m. Monday, and that driver left the scene, police said.Rochester police said Pogorek was stopped on the side of the road and was securing a load on his trailer when a red Toyota Rav 4 allegedly struck him and continued 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 had been driving at the time of the crash, which is still under investigation.Pogorek, 57, was named commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 2022. "For the last 15 years, he's been not only a friend, I also worked directly for him in two different jobs, and I officiated the wedding of him and his wife, his widow," said Big. Gen. William R. Davis, chief of staff for the New Hampshire Air National Guard. He was dear to me and close to me as many people here at the base, and I'm heartbroken."In the commander role, he served as the top adviser to Adj. General 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 perform its mission. He was also responsible for all operations at Pease Air National Guard Base.“Gen. 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 deeply 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 the family of Gen. Pogorek,” Sununu said in the statement. “Gen. Pogorek served his state, country, and community with honor. His commitment and contributions to the Granite State will never be forgotten.” Pogorek graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1989 and later joined the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 1999. In the years since, he moved up the ranks. Pogorek is survived by his wife Whitney and their five children. His wife said the two would have celebrated their anniversary Wednesday.