The Michigan Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) held its 8th annual "Salute to Veterans Gala" at the VistaTech Center at Schoolcraft College in Livonia on Wednesday evening.

Every year around Veterans Day, MPVA hosts an event to honor the men and women who currently serve, have served or died for our country. Veterans Day is this Friday, Nov. 11.

Rich Luterman, chief meteorologist at WJBK Fox 2 and Air Force veteran, served as the master of ceremonies for the event. The highlight of the evening was an inspiring keynote address delivered by retired United States Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer John Quinn. 

A Detroit area native, Quinn was born with cerebral palsy and has spent his life challenged by the physical effects of his condition. Despite the obstacles, he persevered and achieved his dream of joining the U.S. Navy. He served this country with distinction for 20 years, all while keeping his condition a secret throughout his naval career.

“It’s a noble thing to do to serve your country and to wear the uniform of your nation. I’m here tonight to tell my story and to say thank you for your service to these veterans. We all need to maintain the same high standards we adhere to in the military. We need to take care of one another. My message for veterans is that you’re never alone and that there is always hope,” said Quinn.

Quinn recently published his memoirs, Someone Like Me, An Unlikely Story Of Challenge And Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy, and personally autographed copies of the book at the end of the evening on Wednesday.

As he considered the service men and women currently returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Quinn said, “Veterans coming home now should remember that if they need help, they should ask for it. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help, it’s actually a sign of strength.”

The MVPA (Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America) is based in Novi and celebrated its 50th anniversary in April of this year. They work to enhance the lives of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease, as well as any citizen with a disability, through advocating for civil rights, supporting research and education, assuring quality health care, and offering health, sports and recreational programs for disabled persons.

To support their efforts, consider visiting their online auction. The auction runs through Nov. 16 and all proceeds will benefit MVPA.