Brigadier General John "Pogo" Pogorek

For as long as he could remember, John wanted to fly. In his family home in Ware, MA, John's childhood room included a collection of toy planes hung over his bed. His desire to fly led him to enter the Air Force Academy, where he took his first-ever plane ride.
This passion for aviation shaped John's entire life and career. Commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard, Brigadier General John "Pogo" Pogorek, tragically passed away in an accident on July 8th, 2024. Pogo's distinguished military career began after graduating from the US Air Force Academy in 1989, and he later joined the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 1999. Over his 35 years of dedicated service to his country, Pogo piloted various aircraft, including the T-1, C-130, KC-135, and the KC-46, amassing over 6,000 career flying hours. His leadership roles included serving as Maintenance and Operations Group Commander, Wing Commander, and finally assuming command of the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 2022. Pogo was instrumental in designing the KC-46 tail art and played a pivotal role in reintroducing military air shows to New Hampshire, leaving an indelible mark on both his unit and the broader military community.
John welcomed the birth of his four children – Megan, Jacob, Jenna, and Jason – between 1995 and 2008. In 2012, he met Whitney, and in 2015, they joyfully celebrated their marriage, blending their families and adding Whitney's son, Jackson, to their lives.
In 2018, John and his wife established Red Gate Farm, which quickly grew into a heritage breed meats business serving local farmers markets. For the past six years, John and Whitney poured their energy into raising their family and their farm animals, making their mark on both their Guard and farming communities. John loved being a farmer.
John had a passion for life, relationships, family, farming, and flying. He had a talent for encouraging others with his engaging questions, warm personality, and support. He admired and respected the airmen with whom he served. He was a generous, loyal friend. John deeply loved his wife and his children and went above and beyond to serve and support them.
He was funny, kind, generous, and humble. He was resilient when faced with adversity and an expert problem solver. He never stopped learning and never stopped inspiring those around him to find their own passions. He was deeply admired by all who knew him, and even more deeply admired and loved by his family.
John was predeceased by his father, Walter "Bud" Pogorek. He is survived by his mother, Mary Pogorek (Wall), and his siblings: Karen Gaulin and her husband Steve, and their daughter Ashley; Donna Fitman and her husband Donald, and their sons Nicholas, Andrew, and Devin; Kevin Pogorek and his wife Stephanie, and their children Allison and Ty; and Sandra Sullivan and her husband Jeff, and their children Shea, Kendal, and Lena.
John is also survived by his beloved wife, Whitney Lee Pogorek, and their children: Megan Pogorek and her partner Chris Suprin, Jacob Pogorek, Jackson Douglas, Jenna Pogorek, and Jason Pogorek.
John was our rock.
He will be missed beyond words.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests financial contributions in memory of John Pogorek can be made to the New Hampshire Military Assistance Foundation.
Public viewing and funeral services will be held on Pease Air National Guard Base at 10 am and 11 am respectively. A private burial will follow with family only.