The commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash on Monday, police said.
The Rochester Police Department announced in a social media post on Tuesday that 57-year-old John Pogorek, the brigadier general, assistant adjutant general commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard, was killed in the crash.
Authorities said that a preliminary investigation revealed that the 57-year-old married father of five stopped his 2014 Toyota Tundra on the side of the road when the incident happened.
Police said that Pogorek had gotten out of his pick-up truck to secure his load, when a red Toyota RAV4 struck him while he was outside his vehicle.
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SECOND DARTMOUTH STUDENT FOUND DEAD IN CONNECTICUT RIVER IN TWO MONTHS
According to his biography, Pogorek graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989, and joined the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 1999.(New Hampshire National Guard)
Following the collision, Pogorek was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Police later located the RAV4, and identified the driver as Paul Clement, 81, who police said continued driving after the crash. It was not immediately clear whether Clement would face any charges.
A juvenile passenger who was inside Pogorek’s truck during the crash was not injured, police said.
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John Pogorek was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Rochester police.(New Hampshire National Guard)
Pogorek became the commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard in June 2022, according to the New Hampshire Air National Guard.
Previously, he was the commander of the 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base in New Hampshire, and the commander of the 157th Operations Group at the same base.
GOLD STAR FATHER OF SLAIN MARINE SHARES WHAT FREEDOM MEANS TO HIM: ‘TAKEN ON A WHOLE NEW MEANING’
He first joined the New Hampshire Air National Guard in January 1999.
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“Gen. Pogorek was an exemplary wingman, mentor and friend to many,” New Hampshire Adjutant Gen. David Mikolaities said in a statement, “He served his state and nation with the utmost professionalism and dedication. He will be deeply missed.”
Republican Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire offered his condolences to the family of Gen. Pogorek.(Paul Steinhauser/Fox News)
In a statement on X, Gov. Chris Sununu thanked Pogorek for his lifetime of service to his country.
“On behalf of the entire State of New Hampshire, I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Gen. Pogorek,” Sununu wrote. “Gen. Pogorek served his state, country, and community with honor. His commitment and contributions to the Granite State will never be forgotten.”
He is survived by his wife, Whitney Pogorek, and their five children.
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The Rochester police said that the crash remains under investigation and anyone with information can contact the department at 603-330-7128.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Pease Air National Guard Base for comment.
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.
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She is a native of Massachusetts and is based in Orlando, Florida.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to sarah.rumpf@fox.com and on X: @s_rumpfwhitten.
Schultz said she “highly respects” Aspell, too, but there was a “dissonance between reality” when eyeing what the public and city employees were earning.
Ward 6 City Council Aislinn Kalob, too, would not be voting for the increase, saying it had been “heavily on my mind since we’ve had our nonpublic sessions,” which lasted about six hours of work. She appreciated Kretovic clearly outlining the job of city manager. But people were frustrated with the city manager, and she saw that in the comments in online forums.
“I do feel, after really digging into this, and learning about his job,” she said, “and thinking toward the future when, eventually, at some point, somebody new will be sitting in that seat, we are the ones who direct policy and he is the one that implements it… there is anger out there that should be directed more toward us.”
Kalob said, too, a room full of firefighters, upset about their contract, also made voting for the wage increase something she could not consider.
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Michele Horne of Ward 2 echoed similar concerns to Schultz, saying there was significant “wage disparity” between the public and staff and the city manager. She also agreed with Kalob’s point that previous councils created this contract.
Sunflowers are my absolute FAVORITE flowers. I truly feel like they have magical uplifting abilities. Hence, why I’ve always kept fresh sunflowers in my house, brightening up my kitchen table or even my TV stand.
Obviously, it was a dream of mine to have my maternity photos taken in a sunflower field. They reflect sunshine and exude happiness.
Not to mention, one of my favorite quotes is about sunflowers! “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It’s what sunflowers do.” Helen Keller
A beautiful reminder to keep an optimistic outlook on life and not dwell on the negative.
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So, you can imagine the joy I felt when I learned that New Hampshire had its very own Sunflower Festival at Coppal House Farm in Lee!
Coppal House Farm via FacebookCoppal House Farm via Facebook
About the Sunflower Festival:
During the summer, the farm transforms into a sea of golden blooms, giving visitors the chance to wander through thousands of sunflowers, snap photos, enjoy local food vendors, artisan crafts, listen to live music, and experience one of New Hampshire’s most beautiful summer traditions.
Other unique activities on the itinerary? Sip-n-snip! Guests can enjoy a cocktail or mocktail of their choice and cut their own fresh bouquet of flowers.
Coppal House Farm via FacebookCoppal House Farm via Facebook
Or maybe you’re a yoga fan? You can join a 60-minute sweat session from Lee, New Hampshire yoga instructors right in the heart of the flower field.
And because the farm grows oilseed sunflowers for culinary oil (which they harvest in the fall months), the flowers only stay at their peak for a brief window, making the festival a limited-time experience, according to the festival organizers…
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What makes this event even more special is the reason behind it. The festival started as a way to share the beauty of the sunflower fields, but it has grown into something much bigger. Organizers say the event has raised more than $90,000 for Make-A-Wish New Hampshire over the years and now shares a portion of its proceeds with several local nonprofit organizations serving the Seacoast community.
Anyone who knows me knows that paying it forward is something that’s incredibly important to me. It’s right up there with my love of sunflowers because both fill my cup in the best way. So, when I found out this festival celebrates my favorite flower and gives back to the community, I knew I had to share it.
Sunflower Festival Details:
This festival only runs from Saturday, July 25th until Sunday, August 2nd. You can get the full list of activities and more on the Coppal Farm website.
Daily Field Hours
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10:00 AM – 6:30 PM (last admission at 6PM because fields close at 6:30) Weekend Tickets (prepurchased online – day before) $12 per person ages 13 & older $10 per person ages 5-12 $10 per person Seniors (65+) & Military 4 yrs & under are always free Weekend Tickets (purchased day of – online or at farm): $16 per person ages 13 & older $14 per person ages 5-12 $14 per person Seniors (65+) & Military 4 yrs & under are always free includes: access to sunflower fields, craft fair, food vending area, tented shade area, picnic area, farm animals, & live music
Weekday Tickets (prepurchased online – day before) $8 per person ages 13 & older $6 per person ages 5-12 $6 per person Seniors (65+) & Military 4 yrs & under are always free
Weekday Tickets (purchased day of – online or at farm) $12 per person ages 13 & older $10 per person ages 5-12 $10 per person Seniors (65+) & Military 4 yrs & under are always free
What tickets include: Access to sunflower fields, food vending area, tented shade area, picnic area, and farm animals
READ MORE: A Classic Fairy Tale Comes To Life At Portsmouth’s Prescott Park This Summer
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This festival might just leave you smiling long after you leave the fields!
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See what flowers thrive in New England weather: Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
Gallery Credit: Logan
14 of the Best New Hampshire Farms Offering Locally Grown Strawberries
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Ed. Note: If this was you and you are interested, please email [email protected] so I can put you in touch with OP.
“Dear PoPville,
I was biking home from a doctor appointment a little before noon on Friday, and stopped at a red light on New Hampshire & L st nw. There was a woman across the street who was looking fine in her dark blue (I think they were) scrubs. I might be crazy, but it felt like we kept checking each other out. By the third time,
if we were in a romcom, one of us would have waved. Sorry I didn’t, but if you are reading this and date men, reach out to the Prince if you are interested in that man on the bike. Have a great weekend!”
Ed. Note: If this is you, please email [email protected] so I can put you in touch with OP. PoPville is not affiliated with either party, please proceed with any potential connection at your own risk using caution as you would any online encounter. For those curious about past missed connections, many have been made and when possible I’ll try to update when/if more are made.
