Gold Star Family Support: Foundations
In Memory of PFC Michael Giannattasio
The family of PFC Michael Giannattasio has started the PFC Iron Mike Foundation to honor their son and heal by helping others. Michael's brother, Louis, is severely cognitively impaired. The mission of the PFC Iron Mike Foundation is to help others like Michael's brother get special therapies, unique to their special needs.
About Michael, from his family:"Our son, PFC Michael Giannattasio, at the age of twenty-two, suddenly died during basic Reconnaissance training on August 30, 2017. He had passed his swim tests at the top of his class ,where many Marines drop, and on the third day, with one more land navigation point to accomplish, he suddenly collapsed. While Michael's cause of death is still undetermined, we know that Mike was no ordinary man, no ordinary Marine. He was known throughout his life and especially in the Marines for giving his all.
"Mike's performance in the Marines was a reflection of how he had always pursued life, striving constantly to be the best, always pushing his limits. We can see it again with Michael's ambition to attend a private boarding high school where he would be challenged physically, academically and spiritually. He met the challenge. Michael won two awards, "Devotion to Duty" award, and the "Hammer" award, given to the athlete that shows uncommon work ethic and desire for improvement. Cleary these were obvious traits that describes well a man who would ultimately give his life in service for his country."
For additional information, visit the PFC Iron Mike Foundation web site:
https://ironmikefoundation.com/
