PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Newington –
In a three-part ceremony, the 157th Air Refueling Wing and the New Hampshire Air National Guard underwent a change in leadership June 4 at Pease Air National Base in Newington.
Col. Nelson Perron became the commander of the Wing while the outgoing commander, Col. John Pogorek, was promoted to brigadier general and accepted command of the NHANG.
“I couldn’t be happier to be turning the Wing over to Nelson Perron,” Pogorek said. “He is the right person at the right time to take control of this wing.”
Perron began his military career in 1993. He was a telecommunications specialist with the Vermont Air National Guard. Following initial pilot training, Perron joined the NHANG in 2001 as a KC-135 pilot.
Over the past two decades, Perron has served in numerous roles as both an aviator and an administrator, logging more than 3,000 flying hours. Prior to assuming command of the Wing, he served as commander of the 157th Operations Group.
"My pledge to you is that I will give 110% every day to these airmen because they deserve it," Perron said. “I will make sure that they are resourced properly and have what they need to be successful.”
Perron praised the Wings’ accomplishments throughout the turbulent past few years and shared his vision for the future.
"Be ready, the call will come,” he said. “In the future, we’ll be asked to do more.”
Pogorek accepted his new assignment as the assistant adjutant general for the NHANG from outgoing commander Brig. Gen. Jed French.
“I’m so pleased you are succeeding me as commander,” said French, who retired after more than 40 years of military service. “You are being promoted because you are the consummate American airman.”
In his last speech as Wing commander, Pogorek thanked the men and women of the 157th for their service and sacrifices.
“I can’t tell you enough how proud we all are of what our Wing has accomplished,” he said