Weatherman Chuck Gaidica to Emcee Grosse Ile Veterans Gala

Be on the lookout for a local celebrity sighting at this year’s .

Local 4 Director of Meteorology Chuck Gaidica is expected to be the master of ceremonies for the event. He might even be broadcasting live from the event, as long as there isn’t pressing news stories that need attention.

Look for Gaitica between 5 and 9 p.m. on Friday at the Grosse Ile Municipal Airport. Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Veterans Gala website.

Trenton-Grosse Ile Patch editor Nate Stemen sat down with Gaidica for a short interview about his knowledge of Grosse Ile and his support of America’s veterans.

Here are the questions followed by Gaidica's answers:

Have you ever been to Grosse Ile?

"I’ve been to Grosse Ile before. I have a friend who is a pilot there.

"I've flown myself down there in a small airplane and taken off from there, so I'm familiar with the airport. When I found out about the gala I was happy to do it because I'm a big supporter of the veterans."

You said you are a pilot. Do you still fly?

"I'm not currently flying now. I flew for about 15-16 years.

"I flew with the Blue Angles (as a passenger) and I flew with hurricane hunters through the eye of a hurricane (as a passenger). I got busy, and got involved in a lot of other things like working on a master's degree. I'm sure someday I'll get back to it. Once a pilot, always a pilot."

What have you done in the past to support America's veterans?

"I've been involved in a lot of different events including the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund. I emcee an event at the Suburban (Collection) Showplace for the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers for over 1000 people, (and I've been do it) for the past ten years. I try to do events like this when I have free time.

"I fly two American flags in my front and back yards for people who serve our country. I'm not a vet myself, but if feel it’s the least we can do."

What do you think you can bring to the Grosse Ile Veterans Gala?

"I hope I can help make it a fun night. That's my first goal. If we're able to bring out the TV cameras, that just elevates the event itself and brings attention to the vets and the VFW. If we can do that, then that's a major bonus."

"I'm just an extra hand. I'm just happy to come down and help out."