Brig. Gen. John Pogorek, New Hampshire Air National Guard Commander, Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident

The New Hampshire Air National Guard (NHANG) confirmed Tuesday that Brig. Gen. John Pogorek, 57, was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident near his residence on Monday. Gen. Pogorek had served as commander of the NHANG since June 2022, known for his distinguished career as a tanker pilot and leadership within the 157th Air Refueling Wing. Under his command, the wing transitioned to the KC-46 tanker fleet from the older KC-135, marking a significant modernization effort at Pease Air National Guard Base near Portsmouth.

Governor Chris Sununu expressed condolences on behalf of the state, praising Gen. Pogorek’s dedication to New Hampshire and the nation. A graduate of the Air Force Academy in 1989, Pogorek had a decorated career spanning various critical flight roles, including special operations and combat search and rescue missions. He joined the NHANG in 1999 and held key leadership positions before assuming command of the 157th Wing in 2018.

As assistant adjutant general for the NHANG, Gen. Pogorek oversaw a diverse team of over 1,300 personnel, including officers, airmen, and civilians, at Pease Air National Guard Base. Known for his expertise as a pilot with over 6,675 flying hours accrued over 31 years, Pogorek played a pivotal role in the fielding and operational deployment of the Air National Guard’s first fleet of KC-46A refuelers. He leaves behind his wife, Whitney, and their five children.