[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 118 (Monday, July 22, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE OF BRIGADIER GENERAL JOHN W. POGOREK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHRIS PAPPAS

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 2024

  Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service 
of Brigadier General John ``Pogo'' Pogorek, who was Commander of the 
New Hampshire Air National Guard (NHANG). On July 8, 2024, he was the 
victim of a tragic accident near his home in Rochester, New Hampshire. 
General Pogorek was a beloved father, husband, son, and brother who 
dedicated his life to service in both the Air Force and NHANG.
  Born in Ware, Massachusetts, General Pogorek received a Bachelor of 
Science in Human Factors Engineering from the United States Air Force 
Academy and was commissioned as an officer in 1989. He Joined NHANG in 
January 1999, serving in numerous leadership roles, including 
commanding the 157th Maintenance, Operations, and Air Refueling Wing 
Groups. General Pogorek was promoted to Commander of the NHANG in June 
2022 and served as the principal advisor to the Governor of New 
Hampshire.
  General Pogorek made a remarkable impact on New Hampshire and our 
country throughout his 35 years of service. During his career he logged 
over 6,000 flight hours piloting T-1, C-130, KC-135, and KC-46 
aircraft. He also helped design the KC-46 tail art and helped to bring 
back military airshows to New Hampshire. For his dedicated service, 
General Pogorek received accolades such as the Meritorious Service 
Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal Aerial Achievement 
Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal 
with oak leaf cluster, the AF Outstanding Unit Award, and several 
others. He was dedicated to the health and safety of everyone that is 
currently serving at Pease, and those that served there in the past, 
along with their families.
  General Pogorek was deeply devoted to his family, and in 2018, he and 
his beloved wife Whitney established Red Gate Farm. The family farm 
quickly grew into a heritage breed meat business, where General Pogorek 
transitioned his service and dedication from country to community. 
General Pogorek and his family developed relationships selling their 
meat to local farmers markets as he adapted to life as a farmer.
  General Pogorek's family and friends describe him as a kind, humble, 
funny, and resilient man. He had a passion for learning and inspired 
those around him, both within his career of service and outside of it. 
Those who knew General Pogorek recognized his dedication to his country 
and family, and admired his loyalty, kindness, and leadership. We are 
forever grateful for his selfless service and sacrifice.
  During this difficult time, my thoughts and condolences are with his 
wife Whitney, his children, Megan, Jacob, Jenna, Jason, and Jackson, 
his mother Mary, his siblings, Karen, Donna, Kevin, and Sandra, and all 
of General Pogorek's loved ones. On behalf of the constituents of New 
Hampshire's First Congressional District, I commend General Pogorek for 
his exemplary service and sacrifice to our Nation. His legacy will 
endure, and he will be dearly missed.

                          ____________________