Veterinarian

“4-H provided me with the means to explore the world. With the care and support of my parents and knowledgeable leaders, I learned of many areas that would become important in my life.…As a veterinarian, I have been able to pass on the help I received to 4-H members and leaders so they can continue to improve their head, heart, hands and health. Much of who I am relates back to my 4-H experiences.”

Howard C. Pennington owned a veterinary practice in Lenawee County until 1985 when he began relief veterinary practice. He continues to offer his veterinary services to vet practices in the community and state. For the past eight years he has been a veterinary member of the OH-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team and was deployed as team deputy commander to New Orleans on Katrina Relief in October 2005. Pennington is a life member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), serving as a past chairman of the MVMA Accreditation Committee and current member of the Public Health Committee. He is also a member of the Southern Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, serving as president and treasurer several times. In 2004, he received the W. Kenneth McKersie Award from the MVMA for his community service.

In addition to his veterinary work, Pennington is also very active in his local community. He is a Boy Scout assistant leader, chairman of both the Lenawee County Campfire Girls and Lenawee County Health Department, a 10-year member of Lenawee County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Board of Directors, and a member of the Kiwanis Club of Adrian. In 2005, Pennington was named Kiwanian of the Year. He is co-leader of the West Adrian Livewires 4-H club, the 4-H Horse Barn Building Committee chair, and also chairs the Kiwanis Club Building Committee for 4-H Rabbit Barns.