Mike Castaldo was born in New York City and raised by his father, Roger, a traffic clerk, and his mother, Ann, a homemaker. He studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York and later at the City College of San Francisco.
While at Pratt, Mike enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. In the Corps, Mike served with distinction, receiving the highest marks for proficiency and conduct. He also enjoyed bringing his art history books to drill weekends and would jokingly tell fellow Marines, "I'm training myself for a diplomatic post." Mike's sense of humor remains alive and well today. While living in New York, Mike met fellow Pratt alum Christine Murzyn when she moved into an apartment that he was vacating. With all of his possessions moved out except for an old couch, Christine volunteered to help Mike carry the couch down two flights of narrow, dimly lit stairs. "This is the girl for me," Mike thought and less than one year later they were married. After Mike and Christine married, they moved to San Francisco to start their new life together. In California, they enjoyed repeated camping trips to some of the worlds most sought after destinations; Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Death Valley and the Grand Canyon. Between camping trips, they celebrated the births of their three boys, Louis (now 17), Nicholas (now 15) and Samuel (now 12). They both believe that their three boys are the best things that have ever happened to them.
In 2005, Mike moved his family to Dover, New Hampshire so that his children could be closer to their grandparents and reconnect with their New England roots. In New Hampshire, Christine took a job as an architect at a firm in Portsmouth and Mike began work as a cook in Dover. Their three children are enrolled in the Dover public school system.
Turning the age of 40, Mike gained new perspective and discovered P.E.P.F.A.R. (President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief) and the grassroots ONE Campaign. Inspired by a short video of two young boys in Africa crying for losing their mother and their mother dying in the next room and reflecting on his own sons Mike decided that he had a moral obligation to assure that "where you lived did not determined whether you lived". This led him down a remarkable path of discovery and renewed faith in the power of a single voice. In OneVote'08 Mike met personally with every single presidential candidate and many other members of Congress politely advocating for the world's poorest billion. By New Year's Day 2008 Mike was achieving global notoriety and was featured in a Reuter's article by Mark Egan; where he is recognized for his tireless efforts to focus voters on the issues of extreme poverty, malaria, AIDS/HIV and how the United States can help. Mike was mentioned in many political blogs, interviewed by most major news outlets, a guest on "Political Chowder" as well as a feature story on "NH Chronicle".
After the crash course of the 2008 campaign many opportunities opened up for Mike including enough encouragement for him to explore a run for U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to represent New Hampshire's First Congressional District. He traveled to 90+ cities and towns listening to many savvy New Hampshire voters. Along the way Mike garnered enough support to start naming town chairs. He spoke at numerous town GOP meetings and Town Halls including candidate debates and forums. Mike found a receptive audience when speaking frankly about the issues relevant to the New Hampshire Voter. As summer loomed and the race began to heat up it became clear that simply having the support of good people was not enough to compete in a national race. The need for massive financial backing presented a barrier that was insurmountable. For this reason Mike decided it was prudent to withdraw his name from the running.
Mike was immediately approached by Jim Bender candidate for US Senate asked for his endorsement and help for in running a dignified and respectful campaign. After the primaries he was entreated by Chris Sununu who was running in a very competitive race with a long time incumbent. After a hard fought campaign Chris ultimately prevailed defeating his opponent soundly.
While at Pratt, Mike enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. In the Corps, Mike served with distinction, receiving the highest marks for proficiency and conduct. He also enjoyed bringing his art history books to drill weekends and would jokingly tell fellow Marines, "I'm training myself for a diplomatic post." Mike's sense of humor remains alive and well today. While living in New York, Mike met fellow Pratt alum Christine Murzyn when she moved into an apartment that he was vacating. With all of his possessions moved out except for an old couch, Christine volunteered to help Mike carry the couch down two flights of narrow, dimly lit stairs. "This is the girl for me," Mike thought and less than one year later they were married. After Mike and Christine married, they moved to San Francisco to start their new life together. In California, they enjoyed repeated camping trips to some of the worlds most sought after destinations; Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Death Valley and the Grand Canyon. Between camping trips, they celebrated the births of their three boys, Louis (now 17), Nicholas (now 15) and Samuel (now 12). They both believe that their three boys are the best things that have ever happened to them.
In 2005, Mike moved his family to Dover, New Hampshire so that his children could be closer to their grandparents and reconnect with their New England roots. In New Hampshire, Christine took a job as an architect at a firm in Portsmouth and Mike began work as a cook in Dover. Their three children are enrolled in the Dover public school system.
Turning the age of 40, Mike gained new perspective and discovered P.E.P.F.A.R. (President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief) and the grassroots ONE Campaign. Inspired by a short video of two young boys in Africa crying for losing their mother and their mother dying in the next room and reflecting on his own sons Mike decided that he had a moral obligation to assure that "where you lived did not determined whether you lived". This led him down a remarkable path of discovery and renewed faith in the power of a single voice. In OneVote'08 Mike met personally with every single presidential candidate and many other members of Congress politely advocating for the world's poorest billion. By New Year's Day 2008 Mike was achieving global notoriety and was featured in a Reuter's article by Mark Egan; where he is recognized for his tireless efforts to focus voters on the issues of extreme poverty, malaria, AIDS/HIV and how the United States can help. Mike was mentioned in many political blogs, interviewed by most major news outlets, a guest on "Political Chowder" as well as a feature story on "NH Chronicle".
After the crash course of the 2008 campaign many opportunities opened up for Mike including enough encouragement for him to explore a run for U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to represent New Hampshire's First Congressional District. He traveled to 90+ cities and towns listening to many savvy New Hampshire voters. Along the way Mike garnered enough support to start naming town chairs. He spoke at numerous town GOP meetings and Town Halls including candidate debates and forums. Mike found a receptive audience when speaking frankly about the issues relevant to the New Hampshire Voter. As summer loomed and the race began to heat up it became clear that simply having the support of good people was not enough to compete in a national race. The need for massive financial backing presented a barrier that was insurmountable. For this reason Mike decided it was prudent to withdraw his name from the running.
Mike was immediately approached by Jim Bender candidate for US Senate asked for his endorsement and help for in running a dignified and respectful campaign. After the primaries he was entreated by Chris Sununu who was running in a very competitive race with a long time incumbent. After a hard fought campaign Chris ultimately prevailed defeating his opponent soundly.
A STRONG VOICE FOR GOOD
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