About Mike
Mike grew up in Garden City and attended Chaminade High School, Class of 2000. His interests varied while growing up as is with many kids. One thing that stayed constant was his love of all things military. From playing manhunt in full camouflage to loving the movie Sniper, Mike knew always knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. Mike also loved music (from Metallica to Sinatra), movies (owner of Rocky, Godfather and Star Wars full DVD box sets), and following his NY teams (Mets, Islanders & Jets).
Following an arduous admissions process he was appointed to the United States Naval Academy and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics in May 2004. Mike was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the USMC at graduation. He completed The Basic School at Quantico, Va., before graduating as Class Honorman at the Armor Officer Basic Course at Fort Knox, Ky., in July 2005.
He took command of 1st Platoon, A Company after joining 2nd Tank Battalion. He settled down in Jacksonville, NC where he was stationed at Camp Lejeune. Mike bought a three bedroom house where he would host poker games, smoke cigars, and drink some nice scotch. He led his Marines through several company and battalion level exercises to prepare them for their deployment with RCT-5 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
While deployed to Iraq, he led his Marines on numerous independent operations. Among his awards for service are the Iraq Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Medal.
Mike was only 24 when he died. A full life still to live.