United States Army E4 Specialist Michael Gaynor III was born in Tacoma, Washington, and raised in New York. Growing up, he loved sports, playing the guitar, and anything that had to do with being outdoors, including visiting national parks, fishing, hiking, camping and participating in Boy Scouts.
Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who served in the military, as well as wanting to be a part of something bigger than himself, Gaynor decided to enlist in the US Army in 2008. He served in the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Second Infantry Division, Med Boarded in Fort Stewart, Georgia, and was deployed to Iraq. Gaynor loved the camaraderie, structure, and sense of purpose he experienced being in the Army. He had goals to eventually join the NYPD, like much of his family had before him. Early on during his deployment in Iraq, Gaynor was involved in a humvee rollover. He sustained a severed spine, broken ribs, collapsed lungs, a ruptured spleen, a concussion, and a broken shoulder. His recovery was long and grueling and still continues to this day, as he remains in outpatient care 14 years after his injuries.
Currently, Gaynor lives in Manhattan, NYC. He loves going to the gym, spending time outdoors, traveling, video games, and hanging out with family and friends. He is involved with the Wounded Warrior Program, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and is heavily involved in the wheelchair sports federation, helping civilian disabled athletes enjoy sports and get active. Additionally, Gaynor is actively in the process of starting a paralyzed veterans chapter in New York to help paralyzed veterans. His experience as a paraplegic for over a decade inspires him to be there for others who have similar experiences. In the future, he is excited to live in a fully accessible smart home from the Foundation that will be easy to navigate and make his life easier. He also has found his true calling, which is to help others, and is excited to pursue that to his full potential. Finally, United States Army E4 Specialist Michael Gaynor III would like others to know that no matter how hard life is and what it may throw at you, there is still life to live and fun to be had. The more we join together through family, friends and community, the more enjoyable and happy life can be no matter how much pain you are feeling.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided United States Army E4 Specialist Michael Gaynor III with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.