ROCHESTER, NH – The commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard was killed in a hit-and-run accident, authorities said Tuesday.
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Brig. John Pogorek was securing his trailer on the side of a Rochester road Monday night when he was struck by an SUV, Rochester Police said in a statement. Investigators later identified the vehicle and its 81-year-old driver. The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed.
Pogorek, 57, graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989 and joined the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 1999. He was appointed commander in 2022, serving as a top adviser to Gov. Chris Sununu and the state’s adjutant general and overseeing all operations at Pease Air National Guard Base.
“On behalf of the entire state of New Hampshire, I extend my sincere condolences to the family of General Pogorek,” Sununu said in a statement. “General Pogorek served his state, his country, and his community with honor. His commitment and contributions to the Granite State will never be forgotten.”
