HERO TRIBUTE: Army sergeant who helped thousands of wounded warriors passes away at 40

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From Fox News: President Donald Trump is honoring Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Verardo, one of the most catastrophically wounded heroes of the Afghanistan war and a Purple Heart recipient who died at age 40 Tuesday due to complications from injuries sustained on the battlefield.

Trump praised Verardo in a Truth Social post as “a true American Hero” whose courage and sacrifice “will forever inspire us.”

Verardo’s story was not only one of sacrifice for his nation but also of lasting impact. His courage in the face of devastating injuries and the determination of his wife, Sarah, led to the creation of the Independence Fund’s Trackchair initiative for wounded veterans.

With the support of Fox News viewers, more than 2,000 all-terrain Trackchairs were delivered to double, triple and quadruple amputees, the Independence Fund has said. The initiative gave freedom back to wounded veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan and even Vietnam, allowing them to hunt, fish and go off-road with their families.

Verardo was badly injured when he stepped on an IED while serving in Afghanistan, on April 24, 2010. He lost his left leg in the explosion, and his left arm was seriously damaged. He also suffered severe burns and a traumatic brain injury, and endured 120 surgeries over the next four years.

In 2013, Verardo married his high school sweetheart, Sarah Conklin, who had stood by him throughout his recovery. The couple had three daughters together.

In a moving Instagram post on Wednesday, Sarah wrote:

It was the honor of my lifetime to be his wife. His person. My heart is broken. He fought the good fight every single day and gave us everything he had. I promised him that I will forever do relentless good in his honor. And I thanked him for the best gifts anyone has ever given me. Our precious three girls. His legacy.

Michael Verardo. Proud paratrooper. Loving Dada to our girls. Forever New England patriots fan. Dog lover. And my home, my reason, my why, and my drive. Always always.

February 16, 1985 – August 26, 2025
Michael fought and finished the good fight.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sarah Verardo (@sarahaverardo)

President Trump paid tribute to Verardo in a Truth Social post. He wrote:

We honor the extraordinary life and service of Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Michael Verardo, a true American Hero, who gave everything for our Nation.

After suffering catastrophic injuries from an IED in Afghanistan on April 24, 2010, Michael endured 120 surgeries with unwavering Courage, and the strong support of his incredible wife, Sarah, and three beautiful daughters. Sarah’s tireless advocacy for Wounded Warriors and Military Families exemplifies the Spirit of America.

Michael’s Legacy of Resilience, and Sarah’s Selfless Dedication, will forever inspire us. Brave Patriots like Michael, and their families, will never be forgotten. We will cherish them in our hearts, forever!

Verardo and his wife had just attended an event with President Trump in the Oval Office on April 23.

UFC Fighter Tim Kennedy had shared details about the event in a post on May 13. He wrote:

I had the incredible honor of joining President Donald J. Trump in the Oval Office to recognize Wounded Heroes Day—a day to honor those who have borne the scars of war in service to our nation, named in honor of SGT Michael Verardo on his Alive Day.

Michael, along with the other warriors who were present, represents the strength, resilience, and sacrifice that form the very soul of what it means to be an American warrior.

Some of these heroes navigate life in wheelchairs. Others face challenges most of us will never fully understand. But every single one of them continues to fight, to lead, and to remind us what real courage looks like.

I was humbled to be in their presence.

One year ago, I stood beside President Trump on the campaign trail as we honored these same warriors on Wounded Heroes Day. To return to the White House a year later—and to see these heroes recognized in the Oval Office—shows how deeply this President values those who have given so much.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins wrote, “.@DeptVetAffairs mourns the loss of Army SGT(R) Michael Verardo, one of the nation’s most influential wounded warriors. Michael and his wife Sarah became the faces of @IndyFund, which advocates for wounded Veterans and their families to this day. We pray for Sarah and Michael’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

Former vice president Mike Pence wrote:

Karen and I were deeply saddened by the news of the passing of an American hero, retired U.S. Army Sergeant Michael Verardo. Michael served his country bravely in Afghanistan in the 82nd Airborne Division where he sustained devastating wounds in combat that followed him home but he became an example to so many of faith and strength.

I met Michael and his amazing wife during his recovery at Walter Reed and at the White House and marveled at their love for each other and their devotion to improving the lives of other wounded warriors across North Carolina and America.

@Karenpence and I send our deepest sympathies and prayers to Sarah and their beautiful family, friends and all who admired this true American Patriot. Our Nation and our family will never forget or fail to be inspired by Sergeant Michael Verardo’s service and example. God bless Michael Verardo and his precious family.🙏🏻🇺🇸

Many other tributes are being posted for Verardo:

Sarah posted the following photo of her husband with their three young daughters in 2022:

 

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A post shared by Sarah Verardo (@sarahaverardo)

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