Hi everyone!
It was my honor to participate in such a great event. Nice to have Someone Like Me get a mention in this article as well!
http://www.eaglenewsca.com/articles/2010/11/18/news/news01.txt
All the best -
John
www.johnwquinn.com
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
My Speech Given at the University of Michigan -
I want to personally thank you, Doctor, not only for that warm introduction, but also for the wonderful review you provided for my book. When my publisher asked me if I knew of any institution that I could contact about endorsing Someone Like Me, my first thought was of the University of Michigan. To have someone of your stature, with the fine men and women of this esteemed institution behind it, gave my memoir instant credibility and this author a shot of much needed confidence as I neared publication. Thank you very much.
It is a true honor for me to be here today. You see, I grew up a Michigan fan in a Michigan house. Some of my earliest memories center around Maize and Blue football. I remember many a Saturday afternoon in Garden City, my entire family of ten huddled around the nineteen-inch Zenith, living and dying with the heroic efforts of Leach, Lydle and Huckabee. I remember one game of the 1979 season in particular. I was upstairs in my bedroom listening to Bob Ufer call the final seconds of an epic Big Ten battle as my mom called me down for dinner. “The game’s almost over, Ma. Just a few more seconds.” There were actually six seconds left, and when Anthony Carter scored on that pass from Johnny Wangler, shedding Indiana defenders along the way, I don’t know who was more excited, me or Mr. Ufer, who was honking that crazy horn of his with everything he had.
So it was no surprise that I was in front of my set on 4 September of this year watching the Wolverine’s season opener against Connecticut. That’s when I first learned the story of Brock Mealer. As many of you know, Brock was involved in a car accident on Christmas Eve 2007 that left him paralyzed from the belly button down. Having fractured his T-12 and L-1, vertebrae, doctors told Brock and his family that he would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life and that he had a 1% chance of ever walking again. Mr. Mealer is quoted in saying, “One of the most vivid memories I have is the surgeon just giving me the news that this is the best I could hope for,” he said. “They always wanted me to accept that fact.”
I want you to think about something here. Doctors actually told this man that he had a 1% chance of ever walking again. When I first heard this, I got angry. Real angry. What medical professional would ever tell a patient that they have a 1% chance of doing anything? But then I thought about it a bit, my anger subsided and a smile came to my face. 1% Perfect. It’s all you need.
I remember being angry at doctors before, specifically military doctors. It was October 1980 and, after failing the entrance physical, was just told the Navy couldn’t use someone like me. I flunked the exam because I was born with cerebral palsy and my body just wasn’t strong enough to hit the standard set by government officials. The next day found me down in the basement of my childhood home, working hard to get stronger, both physically and mentally. As I willed my body forward, one painful step at a time, a constant thought keep driving me onward, “How dare they tell me I cannot do this.” I knew I had the ability to be a good sailor. I just needed the chance to prove myself. Twenty-two years later, I retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy. Having sailed around the world on carriers and battleships, I looked out into San Diego Bay during my retirement ceremony and thought, “Not bad for a guy who was told to go home.”
I love the fact that the event we are celebrating is called Investing in Ability Week. The word disability really bothers me. Look at the word again. I am not an English major, but I know that the prefix “dis” means the absence of. So the word disability means the absence of ability. If that’s the case, then yes, I have a disability. I cannot do fractions. In fact, when it comes to anything having to do with math, I struggle mightily. When discussing home improvements or car repairs, I don’t know which end of the screwdriver to hold. Another disability.
But there are many areas of my life in which I am very capable. Some big, others small. Everyone has some ability to offer this world. You just have to find it. You might walk different, stand different or have to use a device to help you get around. Remember this – having to do things outside the scope of what’s considered “normal” does not mean that it’s wrong or unsuccessful. It’s just different. Work hard and find the way that works best for you, your own unique style. Push the bar, flex the bar! Letting others set limits for you by either their words, expectations or their attitude gives them control over your life and potential achievements. Don’t let your handicap hold you back. By using our differences as an excuse for failure, we will never be able to rise up to our own personal level of greatness that lives inside each and every one of us.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt suffered with polio and became President of the United States. Albert Einstein didn’t talk until the age of three and was severely dyslexic. The English author/poet Milton lost his sight at the age of 43 and then wrote the classic tale Paradise Lost. How about Army CAPT David Rozelle , who lost his right ankle and foot as a result of injuries he suffered when his Humvee was destroyed by an anti-tank mine during the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Captain Rozelle worked hard to become qualified for a return to active duty, and did so just nine months after his traumatic injury. He became the first amputee to return to duty in a combat zone. What would the world be like if these people had given up? Can you imagine FDR saying, “I can’t do it, it’s too hard.”
The time has come to start focusing on people’s ability, not their disability. Tell patients what they can do, not what they cannot. If you set the bar of expectations low for people; they will hit it every time. Let’s give them a 99% chance of success, not 1% Let’s give people hope and show them what is possible. You put it very well, Doctor Hurvitz, in your endorsement of my memoir, when you stated, I see that I have not advised my patients to push the horizon enough. Thanks to John, I now know that given determination, bravery and desire, much more is possible for my patients than I could imagine before. John’s story is a must for every young person who ever looked at a goal and thought it was just out of reach. Perhaps he or she should look again."
When Brock led the Michigan football team out onto the field on that September morning, accompanied by his brother, he actually walked, on his own two feet. This warrior was also wearing a blue t-shirt that said simply “1%” I saw this and laughed out loud, not at Brock, but because I understood exactly what that percentage meant. As Brock approached the fabled M Go Blue Banner that all players run under and touch before each game, I noticed that the bar was raised just high enough for Brock to reach up….
And hit.
Hail to the Victors, valiant.
Thank you very much.
It is a true honor for me to be here today. You see, I grew up a Michigan fan in a Michigan house. Some of my earliest memories center around Maize and Blue football. I remember many a Saturday afternoon in Garden City, my entire family of ten huddled around the nineteen-inch Zenith, living and dying with the heroic efforts of Leach, Lydle and Huckabee. I remember one game of the 1979 season in particular. I was upstairs in my bedroom listening to Bob Ufer call the final seconds of an epic Big Ten battle as my mom called me down for dinner. “The game’s almost over, Ma. Just a few more seconds.” There were actually six seconds left, and when Anthony Carter scored on that pass from Johnny Wangler, shedding Indiana defenders along the way, I don’t know who was more excited, me or Mr. Ufer, who was honking that crazy horn of his with everything he had.
So it was no surprise that I was in front of my set on 4 September of this year watching the Wolverine’s season opener against Connecticut. That’s when I first learned the story of Brock Mealer. As many of you know, Brock was involved in a car accident on Christmas Eve 2007 that left him paralyzed from the belly button down. Having fractured his T-12 and L-1, vertebrae, doctors told Brock and his family that he would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life and that he had a 1% chance of ever walking again. Mr. Mealer is quoted in saying, “One of the most vivid memories I have is the surgeon just giving me the news that this is the best I could hope for,” he said. “They always wanted me to accept that fact.”
I want you to think about something here. Doctors actually told this man that he had a 1% chance of ever walking again. When I first heard this, I got angry. Real angry. What medical professional would ever tell a patient that they have a 1% chance of doing anything? But then I thought about it a bit, my anger subsided and a smile came to my face. 1% Perfect. It’s all you need.
I remember being angry at doctors before, specifically military doctors. It was October 1980 and, after failing the entrance physical, was just told the Navy couldn’t use someone like me. I flunked the exam because I was born with cerebral palsy and my body just wasn’t strong enough to hit the standard set by government officials. The next day found me down in the basement of my childhood home, working hard to get stronger, both physically and mentally. As I willed my body forward, one painful step at a time, a constant thought keep driving me onward, “How dare they tell me I cannot do this.” I knew I had the ability to be a good sailor. I just needed the chance to prove myself. Twenty-two years later, I retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy. Having sailed around the world on carriers and battleships, I looked out into San Diego Bay during my retirement ceremony and thought, “Not bad for a guy who was told to go home.”
I love the fact that the event we are celebrating is called Investing in Ability Week. The word disability really bothers me. Look at the word again. I am not an English major, but I know that the prefix “dis” means the absence of. So the word disability means the absence of ability. If that’s the case, then yes, I have a disability. I cannot do fractions. In fact, when it comes to anything having to do with math, I struggle mightily. When discussing home improvements or car repairs, I don’t know which end of the screwdriver to hold. Another disability.
But there are many areas of my life in which I am very capable. Some big, others small. Everyone has some ability to offer this world. You just have to find it. You might walk different, stand different or have to use a device to help you get around. Remember this – having to do things outside the scope of what’s considered “normal” does not mean that it’s wrong or unsuccessful. It’s just different. Work hard and find the way that works best for you, your own unique style. Push the bar, flex the bar! Letting others set limits for you by either their words, expectations or their attitude gives them control over your life and potential achievements. Don’t let your handicap hold you back. By using our differences as an excuse for failure, we will never be able to rise up to our own personal level of greatness that lives inside each and every one of us.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt suffered with polio and became President of the United States. Albert Einstein didn’t talk until the age of three and was severely dyslexic. The English author/poet Milton lost his sight at the age of 43 and then wrote the classic tale Paradise Lost. How about Army CAPT David Rozelle , who lost his right ankle and foot as a result of injuries he suffered when his Humvee was destroyed by an anti-tank mine during the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Captain Rozelle worked hard to become qualified for a return to active duty, and did so just nine months after his traumatic injury. He became the first amputee to return to duty in a combat zone. What would the world be like if these people had given up? Can you imagine FDR saying, “I can’t do it, it’s too hard.”
The time has come to start focusing on people’s ability, not their disability. Tell patients what they can do, not what they cannot. If you set the bar of expectations low for people; they will hit it every time. Let’s give them a 99% chance of success, not 1% Let’s give people hope and show them what is possible. You put it very well, Doctor Hurvitz, in your endorsement of my memoir, when you stated, I see that I have not advised my patients to push the horizon enough. Thanks to John, I now know that given determination, bravery and desire, much more is possible for my patients than I could imagine before. John’s story is a must for every young person who ever looked at a goal and thought it was just out of reach. Perhaps he or she should look again."
When Brock led the Michigan football team out onto the field on that September morning, accompanied by his brother, he actually walked, on his own two feet. This warrior was also wearing a blue t-shirt that said simply “1%” I saw this and laughed out loud, not at Brock, but because I understood exactly what that percentage meant. As Brock approached the fabled M Go Blue Banner that all players run under and touch before each game, I noticed that the bar was raised just high enough for Brock to reach up….
And hit.
Hail to the Victors, valiant.
Thank you very much.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Hey! All You Fans of Barnes and Nobles Nook -
Hi everyone!
I just received word that Someone Like Me is now available for download onto your Nook E-Book readers! I am very excited about this and glad to be able to pass the following link to you!
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Someone-Like-Me/John-W-Quinn/e/9781933909080/?itm=1&USRI=someone+like+me
Thanks for all the support and please pass the word to anyone you know that has an e-book reader!
Keep charging!
John
www.johnwquinn.com
I just received word that Someone Like Me is now available for download onto your Nook E-Book readers! I am very excited about this and glad to be able to pass the following link to you!
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Someone-Like-Me/John-W-Quinn/e/9781933909080/?itm=1&USRI=someone+like+me
Thanks for all the support and please pass the word to anyone you know that has an e-book reader!
Keep charging!
John
www.johnwquinn.com
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Author John Quinn's Speech to the Tucson VA -
Thanks for that warm introduction. I appreciate the opportunity to be here today.
Courage is defined in Webster’s dictionary as – The mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.
Under honor, it says – The showing of unusually merited respect.
Commitment means – The state or instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled.
Military veterans of this great country know these three words very well. They are not just some corporate slogan dreamed up by an advertising firm to sell you a pickup truck. These words have meaning, depth and feeling. Veterans have lived these words, on the beaches of Normandy; the jungles of Vietnam, or the desert of Iraq. When a young man or woman willingly raises their right hand and swears an oath to protect and defend this nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic, they are demonstrating, for the entire world to see, the true meaning of courage, honor and commitment.
As many veterans know, living up to those words sometimes comes at a heavy price. Whether it was fighting house to house to liberate a small French town; working hard to regain some frozen piece of ground on a Korean peninsula; or manning a vital checkpoint in the hills of Afghanistan, military members have lived a life and experienced things that their civilian friends and family often have a hard time comprehending. So what do a high percentage of veterans do? Many return home, pack away their uniform, and keep his or her experiences to themselves. He or she keeps it secret perhaps because they don’t want to burden family members or society with their troubles. Maybe they subconsciously believe that they can forget all that’s happened, and in forgetting make them just go away. Besides, the soldier thinks, I am tough; I can handle this. I don’t need anyone’s help.
I know about secrets and the heavy price one pays for keeping them. I was born with cerebral palsy and kept that condition a secret for my entire 20 year naval career. The decision to do this was made by an 18 year old boy who wanted to wear the uniform of his nation. Looking back on it, I wish I would have told the truth about having a disability from the very start. But I didn’t think the military would have let me in and I wanted the same opportunity as everyone else. I did not want to be known as “that sailor with cerebral palsy,” I wanted to be known as a sailor.
As physically demanding as serving in the Navy with cerebral palsy was, with its four-hour watches, fire-drills and rolling decks, it was even harder for me emotionally. I had no one to confide in about the day-to-day challenges that someone with cerebral palsy faces. When the steady stream of “What’s wrong with you?” got to be too much, I couldn’t say, “Hey, I have CP, don’t you know how hard all this is for me?” Keeping my disability from government officials who would have possibly kicked me out of the Navy had they of known about my condition was the hardest secret I’ve ever kept, but not the only one.
On April 22nd, 1987, my older brother Steve committed suicide at the age of 26. Being home on leave at the time of this shocking and tragic event, I helped clean up the mess he left behind by wiping blood down off the walls in his kitchen. My supervisor and I both decided at the time that we would keep the nature of how my brother died to ourselves. I thought, “I’m tough, I can handle this. I don’t need anyone’s help.” I was wrong. Three months later, I called the local crisis hotline, begging to talk to someone who understood. I believe making that call saved my life.
On the 4th of July, 1998, I was arrested for drunk driving. My chain of command was shocked that a top senior chief petty officer would wind up in the local jail. I was not surprised. As good as I was drinking beer, I was even better at hiding my massive daily consumption. Besides, I didn’t think I had a problem. I thought I could quit drinking anytime I wanted to. Come to find out, I could not, and my arrest was really a long overdue cry for help. Entering a 12-step program, I quickly realized that I am an alcoholic and I indeed needed help. I have not had a drink of alcohol since.
Here’s another definition from Webster’s I found appropriate. The word tough. The dictionary states someone who is tough is Characterized by severity or uncompromising determination; capable of enduring strain; hardship or severe labor.
I was raised to be tough. My dad was a cop, so we were brought up by the book of tough. Chapter one of that book is titled - Don’t show emotion, handle your problems by yourself and don’t ask for help. As a military man, I used to follow that code, and thought of myself as a tough person. Maybe I am, I don’t know. I can tell you this – As tough as I thought I was, a bottle of beer nearly defeated me. The suicide of my brother almost killed me and keeping my cerebral palsy under wraps damn near drove me crazy.
I share all this with you for one purpose. If you are a veteran and are suffering, let us help you. It’s okay to ask for help. I know that it’s a difficult thing for many vets to admit that they need help in tackling a problem or issue that they feel is beyond their control. You might look at getting help as a sign of weakness. I’ve learned that it’s actually a sign of strength. Its true emotional toughness to reach out, risking discomfort and vulnerability to face the pain of probing into the past. In addition to helping yourself, who knows - openly talking about your issues might also help others.
Helping people is one of the primary reasons why I wrote my memoir Someone Like Me. I thought if I wrote about having cerebral palsy; my battle with the bottle; or of Steven’s suicide; that someone might read about my experiences and realize, “Hey, I can relate to this guy, maybe I need to get some help too.” You know what? That’s exactly what’s happening. Since the first week the book has been out, people all over the world have written me letters of thanks and sharing their own experiences of how my book has helped them. It’s a strange, but wonderful feeling, knowing that the most painful issues of my life are now helping others all over the country.
It’s been said that you are only as sick as your secrets. Looking back on my life, I realize that I was sick for a long time without fully knowing it. The act of writing my book and putting my deepest fears on display for the entire world to read has proven very therapeutic for this navy man. It’s as if the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders.
It feels great to tell the truth.
Veterans – Let the truth set you free. I encourage all warriors in need to come on in, sit down and talk with the professional men and women of the Veterans Administration. They have programs specifically designed to ease your burden and get you back on track. Whether you suffer from a substance abuse issue like myself; need information on housing assistance or seek quality medical care; the VA wants to help – but you have to want to help yourself.
Just remember a couple of things –
You are never alone.
There is always hope.
May God Bless you all and may God continue to bless this great nation.
Thank you.
Courage is defined in Webster’s dictionary as – The mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.
Under honor, it says – The showing of unusually merited respect.
Commitment means – The state or instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled.
Military veterans of this great country know these three words very well. They are not just some corporate slogan dreamed up by an advertising firm to sell you a pickup truck. These words have meaning, depth and feeling. Veterans have lived these words, on the beaches of Normandy; the jungles of Vietnam, or the desert of Iraq. When a young man or woman willingly raises their right hand and swears an oath to protect and defend this nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic, they are demonstrating, for the entire world to see, the true meaning of courage, honor and commitment.
As many veterans know, living up to those words sometimes comes at a heavy price. Whether it was fighting house to house to liberate a small French town; working hard to regain some frozen piece of ground on a Korean peninsula; or manning a vital checkpoint in the hills of Afghanistan, military members have lived a life and experienced things that their civilian friends and family often have a hard time comprehending. So what do a high percentage of veterans do? Many return home, pack away their uniform, and keep his or her experiences to themselves. He or she keeps it secret perhaps because they don’t want to burden family members or society with their troubles. Maybe they subconsciously believe that they can forget all that’s happened, and in forgetting make them just go away. Besides, the soldier thinks, I am tough; I can handle this. I don’t need anyone’s help.
I know about secrets and the heavy price one pays for keeping them. I was born with cerebral palsy and kept that condition a secret for my entire 20 year naval career. The decision to do this was made by an 18 year old boy who wanted to wear the uniform of his nation. Looking back on it, I wish I would have told the truth about having a disability from the very start. But I didn’t think the military would have let me in and I wanted the same opportunity as everyone else. I did not want to be known as “that sailor with cerebral palsy,” I wanted to be known as a sailor.
As physically demanding as serving in the Navy with cerebral palsy was, with its four-hour watches, fire-drills and rolling decks, it was even harder for me emotionally. I had no one to confide in about the day-to-day challenges that someone with cerebral palsy faces. When the steady stream of “What’s wrong with you?” got to be too much, I couldn’t say, “Hey, I have CP, don’t you know how hard all this is for me?” Keeping my disability from government officials who would have possibly kicked me out of the Navy had they of known about my condition was the hardest secret I’ve ever kept, but not the only one.
On April 22nd, 1987, my older brother Steve committed suicide at the age of 26. Being home on leave at the time of this shocking and tragic event, I helped clean up the mess he left behind by wiping blood down off the walls in his kitchen. My supervisor and I both decided at the time that we would keep the nature of how my brother died to ourselves. I thought, “I’m tough, I can handle this. I don’t need anyone’s help.” I was wrong. Three months later, I called the local crisis hotline, begging to talk to someone who understood. I believe making that call saved my life.
On the 4th of July, 1998, I was arrested for drunk driving. My chain of command was shocked that a top senior chief petty officer would wind up in the local jail. I was not surprised. As good as I was drinking beer, I was even better at hiding my massive daily consumption. Besides, I didn’t think I had a problem. I thought I could quit drinking anytime I wanted to. Come to find out, I could not, and my arrest was really a long overdue cry for help. Entering a 12-step program, I quickly realized that I am an alcoholic and I indeed needed help. I have not had a drink of alcohol since.
Here’s another definition from Webster’s I found appropriate. The word tough. The dictionary states someone who is tough is Characterized by severity or uncompromising determination; capable of enduring strain; hardship or severe labor.
I was raised to be tough. My dad was a cop, so we were brought up by the book of tough. Chapter one of that book is titled - Don’t show emotion, handle your problems by yourself and don’t ask for help. As a military man, I used to follow that code, and thought of myself as a tough person. Maybe I am, I don’t know. I can tell you this – As tough as I thought I was, a bottle of beer nearly defeated me. The suicide of my brother almost killed me and keeping my cerebral palsy under wraps damn near drove me crazy.
I share all this with you for one purpose. If you are a veteran and are suffering, let us help you. It’s okay to ask for help. I know that it’s a difficult thing for many vets to admit that they need help in tackling a problem or issue that they feel is beyond their control. You might look at getting help as a sign of weakness. I’ve learned that it’s actually a sign of strength. Its true emotional toughness to reach out, risking discomfort and vulnerability to face the pain of probing into the past. In addition to helping yourself, who knows - openly talking about your issues might also help others.
Helping people is one of the primary reasons why I wrote my memoir Someone Like Me. I thought if I wrote about having cerebral palsy; my battle with the bottle; or of Steven’s suicide; that someone might read about my experiences and realize, “Hey, I can relate to this guy, maybe I need to get some help too.” You know what? That’s exactly what’s happening. Since the first week the book has been out, people all over the world have written me letters of thanks and sharing their own experiences of how my book has helped them. It’s a strange, but wonderful feeling, knowing that the most painful issues of my life are now helping others all over the country.
It’s been said that you are only as sick as your secrets. Looking back on my life, I realize that I was sick for a long time without fully knowing it. The act of writing my book and putting my deepest fears on display for the entire world to read has proven very therapeutic for this navy man. It’s as if the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders.
It feels great to tell the truth.
Veterans – Let the truth set you free. I encourage all warriors in need to come on in, sit down and talk with the professional men and women of the Veterans Administration. They have programs specifically designed to ease your burden and get you back on track. Whether you suffer from a substance abuse issue like myself; need information on housing assistance or seek quality medical care; the VA wants to help – but you have to want to help yourself.
Just remember a couple of things –
You are never alone.
There is always hope.
May God Bless you all and may God continue to bless this great nation.
Thank you.
Attention All Kindle Fans!
I just found out that Someone Like Me is now available for download onto your Kindle! Many of you have asked me about this as I travel the country and I'm excited to offer this for you! Here is the link to the Amazon Kindle Store.
http://www.amazon.com/Someone-Like-Me-ebook/dp/B0046ZTE20/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1287108272&sr=1-1
I hope you enjoy it and please make sure to tell your friends and family! I think E-Readers are wonderful, especially for our troops deployed so far from home.
For all you fans of the Barnes and Noble Nook, I haven't forgotten about you. My memoir will be available to you very shortly, within the next few days. I will post again when I get a Nook update.
Thanks so much!
John
http://www.amazon.com/Someone-Like-Me-ebook/dp/B0046ZTE20/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1287108272&sr=1-1
I hope you enjoy it and please make sure to tell your friends and family! I think E-Readers are wonderful, especially for our troops deployed so far from home.
For all you fans of the Barnes and Noble Nook, I haven't forgotten about you. My memoir will be available to you very shortly, within the next few days. I will post again when I get a Nook update.
Thanks so much!
John
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Lastest News on Someone Like Me -
Hi Everyone! I hope you all are doing well. I wanted to give you an update on everything that is going on with Someone Like Me.
- I just received word from my publisher that Someone Like Me will be available for download onto Kindle/Nook and IPad late next week (15 October). Many of my readers have asked for this and I am very excited to soon offer this capability for you. As a career Navy man, I can just imagine sailors onboard ship or troops deployed overseas downloading my memoir onto their e-readers. Amazing! I will post another update when the exact date is firmed up. Thanks for all your patience,
- I will be speaking at the Tucson Veteran Administation Building on Thursday, 14 October at 1130 as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. There will be live music, food and much more. I hope you can stop by and say hello.
- I will be traveling back to my home state of Michigan to speak at the University of Michigan's Investing in Ability Week. I will be speaking on 27 October at 1:30pm. Here is a link with all the details. I am honored to be asked to share a few thoughts and I hope to see you there.
http://www.lib.umich.edu/gallery/events/someonelikeme
- On Saturday, 6 November, I am honored to take part of the 2010 Flag Still Stands For Freedom Veteran's Day Virtual Telethon. I am scheduled to be on at 1000 EST. Here is a link to provide you with more details of what I am sure will be a great event!
http://flagstillstandsforfreedom.com/2010/08/23/someone-like-me/
- For all my San Diego friends, I will be in Coronado the week of 8 November. Having spent a good portion of my Navy career in San Diego, it will be great to be back to a place I consider a second home. Hope to see many of my friends during my stay. While in town, I will be addressing the Special Education Parents Advisory Committee (SEPAC) during their monthly meeting. The November meeting is scheduled for 9 November at 5:30pm. Here is a link with more details.
http://coronadosepac.blogspot.com/
- Attention Tucson! Mark your calendars for 10 December! That is when I will be having a book signing at Golds Gym (North) from 8am-10:30am. If you remember, I had a signing at Golds back in April, and it was a blast! The Golds Gym staff have been great in their support of Someone Like Me and I thank them for this opportunity. Books will be on sale for 15.00 (cash/check) and they will make a great Christmas gift for a friend or family member. Here is a link to the Golds Gym (North) location.
http://www.goldsgym.com/gyms/index.php?gymID=0694
That's it for updates! Thanks for all the cards, letters, Facebook postings and Tweets - You all are amazing and I really appreciate you taking the time out of your busy lives to contact me to say how much Someone Like Me has meant to you. Please continue to tell your friends, family and co-workers and have a wonderful night!
John
- I just received word from my publisher that Someone Like Me will be available for download onto Kindle/Nook and IPad late next week (15 October). Many of my readers have asked for this and I am very excited to soon offer this capability for you. As a career Navy man, I can just imagine sailors onboard ship or troops deployed overseas downloading my memoir onto their e-readers. Amazing! I will post another update when the exact date is firmed up. Thanks for all your patience,
- I will be speaking at the Tucson Veteran Administation Building on Thursday, 14 October at 1130 as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. There will be live music, food and much more. I hope you can stop by and say hello.
- I will be traveling back to my home state of Michigan to speak at the University of Michigan's Investing in Ability Week. I will be speaking on 27 October at 1:30pm. Here is a link with all the details. I am honored to be asked to share a few thoughts and I hope to see you there.
http://www.lib.umich.edu/gallery/events/someonelikeme
- On Saturday, 6 November, I am honored to take part of the 2010 Flag Still Stands For Freedom Veteran's Day Virtual Telethon. I am scheduled to be on at 1000 EST. Here is a link to provide you with more details of what I am sure will be a great event!
http://flagstillstandsforfreedom.com/2010/08/23/someone-like-me/
- For all my San Diego friends, I will be in Coronado the week of 8 November. Having spent a good portion of my Navy career in San Diego, it will be great to be back to a place I consider a second home. Hope to see many of my friends during my stay. While in town, I will be addressing the Special Education Parents Advisory Committee (SEPAC) during their monthly meeting. The November meeting is scheduled for 9 November at 5:30pm. Here is a link with more details.
http://coronadosepac.blogspot.com/
- Attention Tucson! Mark your calendars for 10 December! That is when I will be having a book signing at Golds Gym (North) from 8am-10:30am. If you remember, I had a signing at Golds back in April, and it was a blast! The Golds Gym staff have been great in their support of Someone Like Me and I thank them for this opportunity. Books will be on sale for 15.00 (cash/check) and they will make a great Christmas gift for a friend or family member. Here is a link to the Golds Gym (North) location.
http://www.goldsgym.com/gyms/index.php?gymID=0694
That's it for updates! Thanks for all the cards, letters, Facebook postings and Tweets - You all are amazing and I really appreciate you taking the time out of your busy lives to contact me to say how much Someone Like Me has meant to you. Please continue to tell your friends, family and co-workers and have a wonderful night!
John
Friday, September 3, 2010
My Interview in Exceptional Family Magazine -
Hi everyone! I wanted to pass along this interview that I did recently with Exceptional Family magazine. It appears in the September 2010 edition.
I hope you like it!
http://www.eparentdigital.com/nxtbooks/exceptionalparent/201009/#/52
Thanks for all the support!
John
http://www.johnwquinn.com/
I hope you like it!
http://www.eparentdigital.com/nxtbooks/exceptionalparent/201009/#/52
Thanks for all the support!
John
http://www.johnwquinn.com/
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Flag Still Stands For Freedom Veteran's Day Telethon -
Hi everyone!
I am excited to tell you about an upcoming event that I will be a part of. Its the Flag Still Stands For Freedom's 2010 Veteran's Day Virtual Telethon. The funds raised during the telethon will help support numerous veteran's groups around the country. I am honored to participate. The telethon is scheduled for Saturday, 6 November. I will be appearing via webcam at 1000 EST.
Here is link to what is sure to be a fantastic event! Please mark your calendars!
http://flagstillstandsforfreedom.com/2010/08/23/someone-like-me/
All the best - John
www.johnwquinn.com
I am excited to tell you about an upcoming event that I will be a part of. Its the Flag Still Stands For Freedom's 2010 Veteran's Day Virtual Telethon. The funds raised during the telethon will help support numerous veteran's groups around the country. I am honored to participate. The telethon is scheduled for Saturday, 6 November. I will be appearing via webcam at 1000 EST.
Here is link to what is sure to be a fantastic event! Please mark your calendars!
http://flagstillstandsforfreedom.com/2010/08/23/someone-like-me/
All the best - John
www.johnwquinn.com
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Brenna's Book Report -
I received a wonderful note in the mail the other day from my friend, Stacy Stanecki from Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Enclosed was a book report that her daughter, Brenna did for school on my book Someone Like Me. Brenna will be entering the 10th grade this fall and here is her report:
Someone Like Me
The biography Someone Like Me by John W. Quinn is the heartwarming story of a young boy with cerebral palsy who has big dream of being in the Navy, and all of the pain he went through to get there. In his book, John Quinn has proved that anything is possible, and anyone can reach their dreams.
John’s story is his tale of, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Every day when he was young, and when he was in the Navy, John had many problems relating to cerebral palsy, alcohol, and the tragic losses of his close family member, yet he still manages to reach the second highest enlisted rank in the Navy. In the end, John leaves us with one message; “You are never alone, there is always hope.”
This book is one of the most memorable and interesting books I’ve ever read. It speaks an important message, and fills anyone who reads it with instant joy and hope. At times I laughed, and others I cried. Now that I know more about this remarkable man, I have someone that I can really look up to. From now on, I’ll be sure to encourage anyone and everyone to do their best, just like John.
Hope. Perseverance. Strength. Those three words sum up exactly what this book is about. After keeping his cerebral palsy a secret for 20 years, John W. Quinn is now teaching people across America about cerebral palsy, and inspiring everyone with his story. What I took away from this book is that anything is possible with a little hard work, and a whole lot of heart. If anyone asked me if they should read this book, I would say yes instantly. It is interesting, and it also addresses an important problem in our world today – prejudice. This book tells us that no matter how someone acts or looks like, we are all created equal on this one earth.
Author Note – Brenna got an A! Thanks for choosing my book for your report! Great job!
Someone Like Me
The biography Someone Like Me by John W. Quinn is the heartwarming story of a young boy with cerebral palsy who has big dream of being in the Navy, and all of the pain he went through to get there. In his book, John Quinn has proved that anything is possible, and anyone can reach their dreams.
John’s story is his tale of, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Every day when he was young, and when he was in the Navy, John had many problems relating to cerebral palsy, alcohol, and the tragic losses of his close family member, yet he still manages to reach the second highest enlisted rank in the Navy. In the end, John leaves us with one message; “You are never alone, there is always hope.”
This book is one of the most memorable and interesting books I’ve ever read. It speaks an important message, and fills anyone who reads it with instant joy and hope. At times I laughed, and others I cried. Now that I know more about this remarkable man, I have someone that I can really look up to. From now on, I’ll be sure to encourage anyone and everyone to do their best, just like John.
Hope. Perseverance. Strength. Those three words sum up exactly what this book is about. After keeping his cerebral palsy a secret for 20 years, John W. Quinn is now teaching people across America about cerebral palsy, and inspiring everyone with his story. What I took away from this book is that anything is possible with a little hard work, and a whole lot of heart. If anyone asked me if they should read this book, I would say yes instantly. It is interesting, and it also addresses an important problem in our world today – prejudice. This book tells us that no matter how someone acts or looks like, we are all created equal on this one earth.
Author Note – Brenna got an A! Thanks for choosing my book for your report! Great job!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
My Interview on KVOA News 4 Tucson -
Here is an interview I did recently for KVOA Tucson. I hope you enjoy it. Please continue to spread the word of Someone Like Me to your family and friends!
Don't forget that you can join me on Facebook and Twitter by clicking on the links I have on my website. Thanks so much!
Dream Big!
John
http://www.kvoa.com/news/authors-story-making-a-difference-for-others/
http://www.johnwquinn.com
Don't forget that you can join me on Facebook and Twitter by clicking on the links I have on my website. Thanks so much!
Dream Big!
John
http://www.kvoa.com/news/authors-story-making-a-difference-for-others/
http://www.johnwquinn.com
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The Wampler Foundation -
Hi everyone! Check out the great work that the Wampler Foundation is doing for kids with cerebral palsy. Steve Wampler sends these children to a week-long camp free of charge.
Great work, Steve!
http://www.wamplerfoundation.org/
http://www.johnwquinn.com
Great work, Steve!
http://www.wamplerfoundation.org/
http://www.johnwquinn.com
Monday, June 28, 2010
My Radio Interview with Hailey Wiseman -
Hi everyone! Here is an interview I did with the remarkable Hailey Wiseman. She is great and this is my favorite interview to date. Its 45 minutes in length and I hope you like it.
Dream Big! John
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/haileywiseman/2010/06/28/perseverance-faith-triumph
Dream Big! John
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/haileywiseman/2010/06/28/perseverance-faith-triumph
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Interview on the Stan Milam Radio Show -
Hi everyone! Here is a radio interview I did recently on the Stan Milam Radio Show. It's about 30 minutes in length and I hope you like it.
http://www.wclo.com/podcasts/stan-milam-show/2010/jun/15/overcoming-challenges-cp/
http://www.wclo.com/podcasts/stan-milam-show/2010/jun/15/overcoming-challenges-cp/
Sunday, June 13, 2010
My speech to the 2010 graduates of Garden City High School -
To the graduating class of 2010. I bet I know what's on many of your minds. Who is this guy and more importantly, how long is he going to talk because I have a party to get to? 30 years ago I had the same thoughts. Don't worry; this will just take a few minutes.
I grew up around here, over on Gilman Street. It's the big house with an anchor parked on the front lawn. My brother, Jim lives there now with his wife, Sallie and their two children. Jim is just one of my seven brothers and sisters raised in that home by my parents, Edgar and Shirley. Many of your parents might know my father by another name, his alter-ego of Fred the Ice Cream Man.
My childhood was fairly typical for children growing up in the 1970s. We played Nerf football out in the street, Home Run Derby on the corner lot, and rode our Schwinn Sting Ray bikes around the neighborhood until the streetlights came on.
But as nostalgic as my life on Gilman sounds, my childhood was considerably different from most kids because of one simple fact. I was born with cerebral palsy which is a condition where my brain and body don't communicate very well. CP affected the muscles in my legs and arms as well as the muscles that control movement of my eyes. I was in constant pain.
When I was a kid, Mom drove me a couple days a week to Children's Hospital where I underwent grueling physical therapy sessions with someone I refer to as the Administer of Pain. When not at Children's, I was made to do my exercises at home. It seemed like I was always striding around our living room with thick surgical rubber tubing looped around my skinny legs in the hope that they would grow strong and true. I walked with a limp, wore thick glasses and long pants all summer long.
As sick as I was growing up, my folks raised me to believe I was no different from anyone else and could accomplish anything I put my mind to. So when I told them that I wanted to join the junior high wrestling team, Dad said, "Sure, go ahead. Just don't come home crying saying it's too hard. Finish what you start, Mister." I never won a match during my entire wrestling career. But I kept my word to my father and never quit.
When I told my mom and dad of my life-long dream of joining the Navy, they patted me on the back and wished me luck.
Well, I failed the entrance physical needed to join the military. I fell over when ordered to get down in a catcher's squat. I was too weak to hold up my own body weight and was told the Navy couldn't use someone like me.
Arriving home in shame, I told Dad that I couldn't pass the physical because it was too hard. My father looked me square in the eye and said, "John, life is hard. Question is, what are you going to do about it?"
The next day found me down in the basement on that house on Gilman struggling to get into that catcher's squat. I worked out every day for a year in that musty cellar, and then tried to join the Navy again. I passed this time with flying colors. I think I was the best duck-walker in the entire building.
When blood poisoning ravaged my legs in boot camp and brought me to the brink of being discharged and sent home, I refused to give up on my dream. I kept at it. Ten grueling weeks later I graduated from basic training with my parents sitting proudly in the grandstands.
Graduates, you are going to leave here today and find out a few things fairly quickly. You'll learn there are people in this world that will place roadblocks in your way and smile as they do it. These folks will use words like "impossible"; "never"; or phrases like, "That's the way it's always been done around here."
I've met those people. And if I'd listened to them, I wouldn't be standing here today, a kid who left his hometown 30 years ago with a limp and a dream of serving his country only to return as a Senior Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy. If I had listened, I wouldn't have never begun typing out my memoir which was recently published and now inspiring people all around the world.
Graduates. When you leave here, you will find that life is hard. My question to you is this -
What are you going to do about it?
May God Bless you all and may God continue to bless this great nation.
Thank you.
http://www.johnwquinn.com
I grew up around here, over on Gilman Street. It's the big house with an anchor parked on the front lawn. My brother, Jim lives there now with his wife, Sallie and their two children. Jim is just one of my seven brothers and sisters raised in that home by my parents, Edgar and Shirley. Many of your parents might know my father by another name, his alter-ego of Fred the Ice Cream Man.
My childhood was fairly typical for children growing up in the 1970s. We played Nerf football out in the street, Home Run Derby on the corner lot, and rode our Schwinn Sting Ray bikes around the neighborhood until the streetlights came on.
But as nostalgic as my life on Gilman sounds, my childhood was considerably different from most kids because of one simple fact. I was born with cerebral palsy which is a condition where my brain and body don't communicate very well. CP affected the muscles in my legs and arms as well as the muscles that control movement of my eyes. I was in constant pain.
When I was a kid, Mom drove me a couple days a week to Children's Hospital where I underwent grueling physical therapy sessions with someone I refer to as the Administer of Pain. When not at Children's, I was made to do my exercises at home. It seemed like I was always striding around our living room with thick surgical rubber tubing looped around my skinny legs in the hope that they would grow strong and true. I walked with a limp, wore thick glasses and long pants all summer long.
As sick as I was growing up, my folks raised me to believe I was no different from anyone else and could accomplish anything I put my mind to. So when I told them that I wanted to join the junior high wrestling team, Dad said, "Sure, go ahead. Just don't come home crying saying it's too hard. Finish what you start, Mister." I never won a match during my entire wrestling career. But I kept my word to my father and never quit.
When I told my mom and dad of my life-long dream of joining the Navy, they patted me on the back and wished me luck.
Well, I failed the entrance physical needed to join the military. I fell over when ordered to get down in a catcher's squat. I was too weak to hold up my own body weight and was told the Navy couldn't use someone like me.
Arriving home in shame, I told Dad that I couldn't pass the physical because it was too hard. My father looked me square in the eye and said, "John, life is hard. Question is, what are you going to do about it?"
The next day found me down in the basement on that house on Gilman struggling to get into that catcher's squat. I worked out every day for a year in that musty cellar, and then tried to join the Navy again. I passed this time with flying colors. I think I was the best duck-walker in the entire building.
When blood poisoning ravaged my legs in boot camp and brought me to the brink of being discharged and sent home, I refused to give up on my dream. I kept at it. Ten grueling weeks later I graduated from basic training with my parents sitting proudly in the grandstands.
Graduates, you are going to leave here today and find out a few things fairly quickly. You'll learn there are people in this world that will place roadblocks in your way and smile as they do it. These folks will use words like "impossible"; "never"; or phrases like, "That's the way it's always been done around here."
I've met those people. And if I'd listened to them, I wouldn't be standing here today, a kid who left his hometown 30 years ago with a limp and a dream of serving his country only to return as a Senior Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy. If I had listened, I wouldn't have never begun typing out my memoir which was recently published and now inspiring people all around the world.
Graduates. When you leave here, you will find that life is hard. My question to you is this -
What are you going to do about it?
May God Bless you all and may God continue to bless this great nation.
Thank you.
http://www.johnwquinn.com
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Newspaper Article about Someone Like Me -
Hi everyone! Here is a newspaper article that appears in the Northwest Explorer newspaper dated 19 May 2010. I hope you enjoy it!
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/05/18/el_sol/doc4bf318df108ba082219041.txt
Dream Big!
John
http://www.johnwquinn.com/
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/05/18/el_sol/doc4bf318df108ba082219041.txt
Dream Big!
John
http://www.johnwquinn.com/
Mission Unstoppable Radio Show -
Hi everyone! Here is a link to the Mission Unstoppable Radio Show that I did recently with Frankie Picasso. Listen for a special call-in guest star - my best friend, Phil Freeman!
http//www.blogtalkradio.com/missionunstoppable/2010/05/12/john-quinns-navy-secret-hiding-cerebral-palsy-from
http://www.johnwquinn.com/
http//www.blogtalkradio.com/missionunstoppable/2010/05/12/john-quinns-navy-secret-hiding-cerebral-palsy-from
http://www.johnwquinn.com/
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Champagne Sunday Radio Show Interview -
Hi everyone! This is an interview that I did on the Champagne Sunday Radio Program on 18 April 2010. I hope you enjoy it - I had alot fun doing it.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/big-blend-radio/2010/04/18/champagne-sundays
Thanks - John
http://www.johnwquinn.com/
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/big-blend-radio/2010/04/18/champagne-sundays
Thanks - John
http://www.johnwquinn.com/
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Born with Cerebral Palsy, Man Keeps His Condition a Secret to Join the Navy -
Man Defeats Pain, Joins U.S. Navy and Climbs the Ranks, Every Painful Step a Secret
John Quinn born with cerebral palsy, endures intense pain, prepares one year for Navy physical and succeeds. Keeps CP a secret to avoid medical dismissal and climbs the ranks while dealing with other painful challenges of life. He tells his story in new book "Someone Like Me"
Palisades, NY (Issues Wire / PRWEB) April 8, 2010 -- John Quinn was born with cerebral palsy. He couldn’t walk before he was four years old and when he could walk, every step was painful. He learned to live with pain and when he tried to do something more than just walk, the pain was intense. But John Quinn wanted to be someone more than a man struggling with CP. He wanted to join the U.S. Navy.
His big brother had been a sailor and John Quinn wanted to be like him. But the Navy didn’t want him. He failed the physical because he couldn’t do the duck walk.The Navy records did not indicate that he had cerebral palsy, the records maintained that he couldn’t walk like a duck. So John Quinn underwent self -applied physical therapy which drove his pain threshold to a thin-air level. Every day for a full year without break, he put his legs in a pain-inducing harness and learned to walk like a duck. His new book "Someone Like Me. An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy" tells of his ordeal and the remarkable years that followed.
John Quinn not only learned to walk like a duck but learned how to deal with a new intensity of pain. It enabled him to get in the U.S. Navy, keep secret his cerebral palsy a cause for medical dismissal, and have a 20 year career while climbing the ranks to senior chief petty officer. Retired Marine General Richard Neal, Quinn’s one-time commanding officer said “ 'Someone Like Me' will serve as an inspiration to a lot of people, not only those with CP, but just ordinary folks who want to read about someone who overcame adversity and succeeded in a most amazing way.”
And amazing was John Quinn’s success. Pain challenged his every step and he never faltered receiving numerous citations and awards. Physical pain, however, was not John Quinn’s only challenge. He learned to deal with emotional pain as a child when taunts and muffled laughter followed him as he walked with disjointed gait. He suffered intense spiritual pain when his brother committed suicide and he suffered the soul- searing pain and career- threatening envelopment of alcoholism that began when he frequently joined his buddies at the bar, to be “normal.”
John Quinn’s amazing story is of a man who not only accepted the challenges given to him by life, but of a man who defeated them and would not accept the limitations set for him by others. It is a book of the unconquerable human spirit.
"Someone Like Me, An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy," 9781933909745, Chronology Books, History Publishing Company LLC, pub date April 15, 2010 will be in bookstores nationally and on internet sites worldwide.
###
http://www.johnwquinn.com/
John Quinn born with cerebral palsy, endures intense pain, prepares one year for Navy physical and succeeds. Keeps CP a secret to avoid medical dismissal and climbs the ranks while dealing with other painful challenges of life. He tells his story in new book "Someone Like Me"
Palisades, NY (Issues Wire / PRWEB) April 8, 2010 -- John Quinn was born with cerebral palsy. He couldn’t walk before he was four years old and when he could walk, every step was painful. He learned to live with pain and when he tried to do something more than just walk, the pain was intense. But John Quinn wanted to be someone more than a man struggling with CP. He wanted to join the U.S. Navy.
His big brother had been a sailor and John Quinn wanted to be like him. But the Navy didn’t want him. He failed the physical because he couldn’t do the duck walk.The Navy records did not indicate that he had cerebral palsy, the records maintained that he couldn’t walk like a duck. So John Quinn underwent self -applied physical therapy which drove his pain threshold to a thin-air level. Every day for a full year without break, he put his legs in a pain-inducing harness and learned to walk like a duck. His new book "Someone Like Me. An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy" tells of his ordeal and the remarkable years that followed.
John Quinn not only learned to walk like a duck but learned how to deal with a new intensity of pain. It enabled him to get in the U.S. Navy, keep secret his cerebral palsy a cause for medical dismissal, and have a 20 year career while climbing the ranks to senior chief petty officer. Retired Marine General Richard Neal, Quinn’s one-time commanding officer said “ 'Someone Like Me' will serve as an inspiration to a lot of people, not only those with CP, but just ordinary folks who want to read about someone who overcame adversity and succeeded in a most amazing way.”
And amazing was John Quinn’s success. Pain challenged his every step and he never faltered receiving numerous citations and awards. Physical pain, however, was not John Quinn’s only challenge. He learned to deal with emotional pain as a child when taunts and muffled laughter followed him as he walked with disjointed gait. He suffered intense spiritual pain when his brother committed suicide and he suffered the soul- searing pain and career- threatening envelopment of alcoholism that began when he frequently joined his buddies at the bar, to be “normal.”
John Quinn’s amazing story is of a man who not only accepted the challenges given to him by life, but of a man who defeated them and would not accept the limitations set for him by others. It is a book of the unconquerable human spirit.
"Someone Like Me, An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy," 9781933909745, Chronology Books, History Publishing Company LLC, pub date April 15, 2010 will be in bookstores nationally and on internet sites worldwide.
###
http://www.johnwquinn.com/
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Enlighten Me Radio Interview -
Hi everyone! This is the radio interview that I did with host Joe Pena on his Enlighten Me radio show. Its 30 minutes in length and I hope you enjoy it.
http//www.joepenaproductions.com/?page_id=1985
http//www.joepenaproductions.com/?page_id=1985
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Author Holds His Book For the First Time!
That's the author John W. Quinn holding a copy of his memoir, Someone Like Me for the first time after receiving a box of them in the mail recently. What a feeling!
Friday, March 26, 2010
My Radio Interview on Santa Cruz Radio
Hi everyone!
I wanted to share the link of my first radio interview that I had yesterday on Santa Cruz radio FM 101.1. It starts just before the two hour mark and last for an hour. I hope you enjoy it.
http//www.radio4all.net/files/janea95076@yahoo.com/4012-1-tony_walker,_lew_hamburger,_held_hostage_and_lived_to_tell_the_story_hostage_therapist,_john_quinn,_navy_vet_with_cp.mp3
Thanks! John
http://www.johnwquinn.com/
I wanted to share the link of my first radio interview that I had yesterday on Santa Cruz radio FM 101.1. It starts just before the two hour mark and last for an hour. I hope you enjoy it.
http//www.radio4all.net/files/janea95076@yahoo.com/4012-1-tony_walker,_lew_hamburger,_held_hostage_and_lived_to_tell_the_story_hostage_therapist,_john_quinn,_navy_vet_with_cp.mp3
Thanks! John
http://www.johnwquinn.com/
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Good Morning Arizona Interview -
I wanted to post the link to my Good Morning Arizona interview. I hope you enjoy it.
http//www.azfamily.com/good-morning-arizona/John-Quinn---Someone-Like-Me-88932832.html
http//www.azfamily.com/good-morning-arizona/John-Quinn---Someone-Like-Me-88932832.html
My Appearance on Good Morning Arizona -
Hi everyone! Just finished my appearance on Good Morning Arizona and everyone there was fantastic! To be honest, I am very relieved to get my first television appearance out of the way. I was a bit nervous, but think that things went well.
A couple of minor issues about my appearance - The news anchor introduced me as a Navy SEAL. As all my shipmates of SEAL Team THREE know, I am NOT a Navy SEAL and want to make this clear. She simply misread what was given to her. She did her best to clear this up at the start of the interview, but I wanted to let you all know that I did not represent myself as a Frogman to her.
Additionally, after just watching the interview for the first time, I saw that the shows producers put up a SEAL Trident in the background. I did not know that they were going to do this, it was completely the producers decision. If they would have told me they were going to do this, I would have had them put up a Enlisted Surface Warfare device since I am a surface sailor and that is what I have earned.
I just wanted to clear that up. I have the deepest respect for my SEAL friends and would never do anything to represent myself as a Frogman.
Thanks to everyone for your support on my first television interview. I will try and post the link as soon as I get it.
Go Navy - John
A couple of minor issues about my appearance - The news anchor introduced me as a Navy SEAL. As all my shipmates of SEAL Team THREE know, I am NOT a Navy SEAL and want to make this clear. She simply misread what was given to her. She did her best to clear this up at the start of the interview, but I wanted to let you all know that I did not represent myself as a Frogman to her.
Additionally, after just watching the interview for the first time, I saw that the shows producers put up a SEAL Trident in the background. I did not know that they were going to do this, it was completely the producers decision. If they would have told me they were going to do this, I would have had them put up a Enlisted Surface Warfare device since I am a surface sailor and that is what I have earned.
I just wanted to clear that up. I have the deepest respect for my SEAL friends and would never do anything to represent myself as a Frogman.
Thanks to everyone for your support on my first television interview. I will try and post the link as soon as I get it.
Go Navy - John
Friday, March 19, 2010
Events Listing -
Hi guys! Do you want to know where I will be in the coming weeks and months as I travel around talking about Someone Like Me? Just click on the "Events" link on my website to see where I will be next.
We work hard on keeping everything current and up-to-date. Hopefully I will be appearing in a town near you very soon.
There are alot of exciting events coming up - so keep checking back, join my Fan Page on Facebook and thanks again for all the support!
Here is a link to my website -
http://www.johnwquinn.com/
Keep charging! John
We work hard on keeping everything current and up-to-date. Hopefully I will be appearing in a town near you very soon.
There are alot of exciting events coming up - so keep checking back, join my Fan Page on Facebook and thanks again for all the support!
Here is a link to my website -
http://www.johnwquinn.com/
Keep charging! John
The Best Way to Send Along Your Thoughts or Comments -
Hi everyone! Did you want to send me some feedback about Someone Like Me and found that leaving a comment here on the blog confusing and difficult? First of all, sorry about that. Secondly, there are a couple of other ways you can contact me to ask a question, give a comment, or thoughts about my memoir. I would LOVE to hear from you!
I've set up an Official Fan Page on Facebook and many of my friends have been following me there. Just click on the link provided and it will take you right to the site. In just a few short months, I've attracted a following of over 1000 people! Its amazing! Come join the fun!
You can also email me directly thru the "Contact Me" link I've set up on my website. Just click on the link, then click on my email address. Again, I look forward to hearing from you and will personally answer each email as soon as I can.
Here is a link to my website:
http://www.johnwquinn.com/
Thanks!
John
I've set up an Official Fan Page on Facebook and many of my friends have been following me there. Just click on the link provided and it will take you right to the site. In just a few short months, I've attracted a following of over 1000 people! Its amazing! Come join the fun!
You can also email me directly thru the "Contact Me" link I've set up on my website. Just click on the link, then click on my email address. Again, I look forward to hearing from you and will personally answer each email as soon as I can.
Here is a link to my website:
http://www.johnwquinn.com/
Thanks!
John
Someone Like Me Available For Pre-Order Now!
Hi Everyone! I just wanted to let you know that my memoir, Someone Like Me - An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy, is now available for pre-order online. I've posted links to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Borders Books on my website under the "Buy The Book" link.
Many of you have been asking me about how to purchase an autographed copy of my book. Well, I'm pleased to say that you can now do that off my website as well. Again, its under the "Buy The Book" link. I will gladly personalize and sign your copy and get it back to you as soon as possible. It would make a nice gift for someone you love.
Here is the link to my website -
http://www.johnwquinn.com
Thanks for all the support - It's been wonderful!
Keep charging! John
Many of you have been asking me about how to purchase an autographed copy of my book. Well, I'm pleased to say that you can now do that off my website as well. Again, its under the "Buy The Book" link. I will gladly personalize and sign your copy and get it back to you as soon as possible. It would make a nice gift for someone you love.
Here is the link to my website -
http://www.johnwquinn.com
Thanks for all the support - It's been wonderful!
Keep charging! John
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Lastest Info on Someone Like Me -
Hi everyone! I just received word that you will be able to pre-order Someone Like Me - An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy on March 25, 2010. It will be available on the Amazon, Barnes and Noble websites as well as the History Publishing site.
I will post a link here on my website where you will be able to pre-order if you like. The book will ship on 15 April 2010. It will hopefully be in most major bookstores 01 September 2010.
I saw a proof of the book the other day and could not be prouder! I cannot wait for all of you to read it.
Keep charging! John
http://johnwquinn.com//
I will post a link here on my website where you will be able to pre-order if you like. The book will ship on 15 April 2010. It will hopefully be in most major bookstores 01 September 2010.
I saw a proof of the book the other day and could not be prouder! I cannot wait for all of you to read it.
Keep charging! John
http://johnwquinn.com//
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