Wounded Afghanistan hero Michael Verardo dies at 40 from struggle accidents

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President Donald Trump is honoring Retired U.S. Military Sgt. Michael Verardo, probably the most catastrophically wounded heroes of the Afghanistan war and a Purple Coronary heart recipient who died at age 40 Tuesday resulting from problems from accidents sustained on the battlefield.

Trump praised Verardo in a Fact Social put up as "a real American Hero" whose braveness and sacrifice "will ceaselessly encourage us."

Verardo’s story was not solely one in all sacrifice for his nation but in addition of lasting impression. His braveness within the face of devastating accidents and the dedication of his spouse, Sarah, led to the creation of the Independence Fund's Trackchair initiative for wounded veterans.

With the help of Fox Information viewers, greater than 2,000 all-terrain Trackchairs have been delivered to double, triple and quadruple amputees, the Independence Fund has stated. The initiative gave freedom again to wounded veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan and even Vietnam, permitting them to hunt, fish and go off-road with their families .

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Retired Military Sgt. Michael Verardo posed along with his spouse, Sarah, and their three daughters in a household portrait. (Courtesy of the Verardo household )

On April 24, 2010, whereas serving in Afghanistan’s Arghandab River Valley, Verardo stepped on an IED.

The blast claimed his left leg, left an arm badly broken, brought on extreme burns and inflicted a traumatic mind damage. He flatlined a number of occasions however survived due to medical care and sheer grit. He later defined why he marked April 24 every year as his "Alive Day," saying he selected to focus not on what he misplaced, however "on what I've."

Over the subsequent 4 years, Verardo endured 120 surgical procedures at Walter Reed and Brooke Military Medical Middle. In 2013 he married his highschool sweetheart, Sarah Conklin, who had stood by him by way of his restoration.

At their wedding ceremony, Verardo stated merely of his bride, "I’ve cherished her so long as I’ve identified her." The couple went on to lift three daughters collectively.

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Sgt. Michael Verardo held arms along with his bride, Sarah, throughout their wedding ceremony day in 2013 after years of restoration from his fight accidents. (Courtesy of the Verardo household )

Sarah has lengthy spoken in regards to the unseen challenges her husband carried after the blast.

"He had poly-trauma, that means a number of techniques suffered catastrophic damage," she defined in an interview with The Windfall Journal, noting that his restoration was by no means a straight line.

"Sporting our nation’s uniform was the glory of his lifetime, and caring for him is the glory of mine," she stated in the identical interview.

Sarah wrote of her husband in a touching Instagram post shared on Wednesday, "It was the glory of my lifetime to be his spouse. His individual. My coronary heart is damaged. He fought the nice battle each single day and gave us every thing he had. I promised him that I'll ceaselessly do relentless good in his honor."

North Carolina honored Verardo by declaring April 24 Wounded Heroes Day. Regardless of ongoing medical challenges and cognitive difficulties in later years, he remained an instance of perseverance and resilience to all who knew him.

Sarah usually emphasised that triumph took many types.

"Some amputees run races on prosthetics, however with others, a victory is solely making it by way of one other day," she stated. "I contemplate each equally inspiring."

Sgt. Michael Verardo walked along with his spouse, Sarah, and their three daughters exterior their dwelling. (Courtesy of the Verardo household )

As CEO of the Independence Fund, Sarah remodeled their private battle right into a nationwide motion. She helped launch the Trackchair initiative in partnership with Fox Information and its viewers, elevating hundreds of thousands of {dollars} and altering lives. This system later expanded to incorporate Vietnam veterans , making certain earlier generations of heroes have been honored and supported.

"We honor the extraordinary life and repair of Retired U.S. Military Sergeant Michael Verardo, a real American Hero, who gave every thing for our Nation," President Trump wrote in a Truth Social post .

"After struggling catastrophic accidents from an IED in Afghanistan on April 24, 2010, Michael endured 120 surgical procedures with unwavering Braveness, and the sturdy help of his unbelievable spouse, Sarah, and three stunning daughters. Sarah’s tireless advocacy for Wounded Warriors and Navy Households exemplifies the Spirit of America. Michael's Legacy of Resilience, and Sarah's Selfless Dedication, will ceaselessly encourage us. Courageous Patriots like Michael, and their households, won't ever be forgotten. We are going to cherish them in our hearts, ceaselessly!"

Michael Verardo will likely be laid to relaxation with full navy honors Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Weddington Methodist Church in North Carolina, in response to his household. The group is invited to attend and honor his sacrifice.

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His legacy lives on in each wounded veteran who regained independence by way of a Trackchair, in each household strengthened by the Independence Fund and within the enduring gratitude of a nation.

Although his battle is over, his story will proceed to encourage People to honor their heroes not simply on the battlefield however within the lengthy journey of restoration.