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Meet Your Neighbor: Meet the Neighbor – John S. Pennington, Sr.
By Callie Thomas
Let’s face it, shortcuts are a way of life. We text instead of call. We eat out more than we eat in. We DVR instead of watching TV in real time. But there are times when shortcuts just don’t work and time and attention are what get the job done. That kind of dedication is important to local resident John Pennington. He’s spent his life going the extra mile, whether it’s as a father of four and grandfather of seven or working his job as a mechanical designer before retiring as a superintendent from Bechtel. He also volunteers his time with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas and drives children from Las Vegas to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Los Angeles to get needed medical assistance. Pennington has even applied that philosophy to his current position as Transportation Chairman for the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. John doesn’t give up, even when the path is long and winding.
The “can do” resident of forty-four years has been lending a hand to the community through a variety of organizations, putting his skills in construction as well as his natural ability for sports to work through his volunteer efforts. Pennington has helped to construct the Boys and Girls Clubs building, coached Little League Baseball and Pop Warner Football hopefuls to victory and has made a difference in the lives of children, giving them the chance to get the help they need in order to walk or recover from a severe burn injury. For these children, there are no shortcuts. But with John’s help as a member of the Shriners organization, many have a fighting chance. He talked with us about his accomplishments, giving back to the community and life on the road.
How did you first become involved with the Shriners?
“I joined the Freemasons in 1963, which led to becoming a 32nd Degree Mason, one of the highest degrees possible in Masonry, and then joining the Shriners.”
You’ve been on the go ever since you’ve been with the Shriners.
“Yes. I’ve been involved with the Shriners network of hospitals, which offers orthopedic care, burn treatment, cleft lip and palate care and spinal cord injury rehabilitation for children eighteen and younger. Aside from donating to the hospitals and assisting at fundraising events, I drive children from Vegas to the Los Angeles hospital for their appointments.”
Do you spend a lot of time on the road?
“At present I’ve logged over 100 trips. It’s an all day event as we leave at 3:30 a.m. and we’re lucky to be back by 6 p.m. in the evening.”
You must feel a sense of pride helping these children get to medical treatment.
“Helping the children is the most rewarding part of my experience with the Shriners. When you see a child that could not walk and now they can, or when you have a burned child endure many surgeries to cover the scars or when a child is given a prosthetic to be able to use his arms or legs, it is such a wonderful fulfillment. Many times, it brings tears to my eyes.”
You’re also logging in hours as the Transportation Chairman for the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.
“I’ve done it for the past five years. The team is on call to transport players, officials and guests to various locations.”
You keep busy assisting other organizations too.
“In the past I’ve assisted the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas, was a Boy Scout leader when my son was involved (actually, all three of my boys were Eagle Scouts), and I’ve coached both baseball and football as I wanted to be a good role model for the boys. We won the Pop Warner championship two years in a row!”
Why do you think it’s important to give back?
“None of us should ever take for granted our good fortune. We all need help in one way or another.”
