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President Donald Trump is paying tribute to Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Verardo, one of the Afghanistan war’s most critically injured veterans, who sadly passed away at 40 due to complications from battlefield injuries.
Trump praised Verardo in a Truth Social post as “a true American Hero” whose courage and sacrifice “will forever inspire us.”
Verardo’s legacy is one of dedication to his country and immense influence. Despite his severe injuries, his resilience, alongside his wife Sarah’s unwavering support, inspired the Independence Fund’s Trackchair Initiative to support wounded veterans.
Thanks to contributions from Fox News viewers, over 2,000 all-terrain Trackchairs reached double, triple, and quadruple amputees, as reported by the Independence Fund. This initiative restored autonomy to injured veterans from Iraq, Afghanistan, and even Vietnam, enabling them to enjoy activities like hunting, fishing, and off-roading with family.
Sgt. Michael Verardo clasped hands with his wife, Sarah, on their wedding day in 2013, following extensive recovery from war wounds.
Throughout the years, Sarah has openly discussed the hidden struggles her husband faced after the explosion. In an interview with the Providence Journal, she described his injuries as poly-trauma, involving multiple severely injured systems. She remarked, “Serving in our nation’s military was his greatest honor, and caring for him has been mine.”
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Wednesday, Sarah wrote about her husband, “Being his wife was the honor of a lifetime. My heart is shattered. He fought bravely every day and gave his all. I vowed to him I will always do good in his memory.”
North Carolina honored Verardo by declaring April 24 as Wounded Heroes Day. Despite ongoing medical challenges and cognitive difficulties in later years, he remained an example of perseverance and resilience to all who knew him.
Sarah often emphasized that triumph took many forms: “Some amputees run races on prosthetics, but with others, a victory is simply making it through another day. I consider both equally inspiring.”
Sgt. Michael Verardo walked with his wife, Sarah, and their three daughters outside their home. (Courtesy of the Verardo family )
As CEO of the Independence Fund, Sarah transformed their personal battle into a national movement. She helped launch the Trackchair initiative in partnership with Fox News and its viewers, raising millions of dollars and changing lives. The program later expanded to include Vietnam veterans, ensuring earlier generations of heroes were honored and supported.
“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,” President Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
“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!”
His legacy lives on in every wounded veteran who regained independence through a Trackchair, in every family strengthened by the Independence Fund and in the enduring gratitude of a nation.
Though his battle is over, his story will continue to inspire Americans to honor their heroes not just on the battlefield but in the long journey of recovery.
