A “Hammer” of a different kind!- Nevada Day 2011!
“If I had a Hammer” was the title of a Pete Seeger classic in the 1949 made famous by Peter, Paul and Mary! The ‘Hammar’ I’m going to share with you was 12 years old when he first heard the song.
For many thousands of Nevadans the name Lonnie Hammargren congers up images of a mystical and strange Doctor who resides behind the wall of his Castile off Sandhill Road in eastern Las Vegas. Glimpses of Space Ships and Roller Coasters, Space Capsules and Neon Signs are a never ending fascination to the cars that cruise slowly by.
Should you however be one of the privileged few, who get to meet and spend some time in his presence, a totally different image immerges.
Lonnie is unquestionably one of the world’s most intriguing men. As a Neurosurgeon/paratrooper Lonnie made over 100 combat missions over Viet Nam and earned the Bronze Star. After leaving the US military he was grabbed by NASA and was the Flight Surgeon assigned to the Apollo Space program.
Settling in Las Vegas Nevada, Lonnie devoted his neurological skills to the Boxing fraternity and devoted his out of office hours to his adopted State of Nevada. Elected Lieutenant Governor, a post he held for 4 years; he also served as President of the State Senate for 4 years, Chairman of the Nevada Tourist Commission, a member of the State Board of Transportation, the State Board of Education and the State Board of Regents.
Internationally recognized for his charity work he has been Knighted for his service in Greece, Italy, England, Russia and Malta. Designed Field hospitals in Honduras and Nicaragua and is the Honorary Consul to Belize.
On October 30th Lonnie will once again open his home for a Nevada Day celebration where an expected 2000 lucky visitors will have the chance to meet him in person and tour his magnificent home of World and Nevada history. A $10 donation will aid the Living Grace Home for young, pregnant unmarried mothers. (www.livinggracehome.com ) The Hammargren Home will be open from 1pm to 5pm and a shuttle service will bring guests from near-by parking stations. It is expected that numerous celebrities and TV personalities will also be present.
Dr. Peter J. Shield PhD (http://pjshield.com)