Hometown Hero Michael Sportello

U-S Army Staff Sergeant Michael Sportello is from Herkimer.

He served in the Army, but had become a civilian and received a B-A from SUNY I-T. Michael was working a well-paying job when 9/11 happened. Michael knew America needed his help, so he left his job and went back in the Army to fight the Global war on Terrorism.

While Michael was serving in Iraq in 2003, he helped clear buildings and disarmed enemy soldiers all while under sniper fire. He was decorated for heroism in combat. Staff Sergeant Michael Sportello retired from the U.S. Army in 20-10 as a decorated, Combat Wounded Warrior.

Michael worked at Compeer of the Mohawk Valley as the Vet2Vet coordinator where he enjoyed helping veterans, and is starting his own program so he can continue to help out veterans with many needs... something he considers a "brotherhood."

The son of Veronica and Louis Sportello, Jr., Michael loves spending time with his family. A year after Michael's last tour in Iraq, he met Clarice, "the love of his life" and after a 7 year relationship, they were married in September of this year.

Michael enjoys coaching his son's little league & Herkimer Hornets Pop-Warner football team. He loves to travel with his wife, son Michael & daughter Breanne. Michael missed a Christmas with his family while in Iraq...but, this year, Michael will spend his favorite time of year with the ones he loves.