UNION COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Sgt. Michael Verardo, a soldier from Union County, North Carolina, was laid to rest on Tuesday with full military honors at Weddington Methodist Church. He passed away on August 26 due to injuries he sustained in Afghanistan in 2010, fifteen years after being wounded in combat.
His funeral drew dignitaries from all over the country.
A warrior never dies.
“Sergeant Michael Verardo’s story is marked by bravery, resilience, and dedication,” expressed former Vice President Mike Pence during the funeral service.
Verardo, a paratrooper with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, did not stop fighting.
“Sergeant Michael Verardo had an unyielding spirit and represented the pinnacle of American values,” remarked Jennifer Griffin, chief National Security correspondent for Fox News, while delivering Verardo’s eulogy.
The first battle came when Verardo was hit and wounded in an IED attack in Afghanistan in April 2010.
He didn’t want to leave his comrades behind, so he asked to go back into battle, even after being injured.
The second IED attack was catastrophic. It blew off Verardo’s leg, burned his torso, and left him with a traumatic brain injury.
Still, he did not give up, despite amputations and 120 surgeries.
He married his high school sweetheart, Sarah, and they had three beautiful girls.
“I gained profound respect for a man who faced challenges that would have overwhelmed many of us,” stated Sen. Thom Tillis at the funeral service.
Verardo lived for 15 years after he was wounded in war.
“Michael, my love for you will endure forever, and through our daughters, your spirit will always live on,” said Sarah Verardo as she paid tribute to her husband.
A warrior never dies.
“I’ve got it from here, I love you, my precious husband, and thank you,” said Sarah Verardo to close out her remarks.
