
U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Verardo wanted to return to the fight. After sustaining wounds from an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Afghanistan on April 10, 2010, the 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper refused to be medically evacuated and asked to remain with his unit. Two weeks later, while Verardo was on a patrol, a second IED explosion left him with catastrophic injuries. As a helicopter airlifted him off the battlefield, everyone in his unit thought they would never see him again.
But Verardo continued to fight for his life, undergoing 120 surgeries on his amputations, burns and other injuries. After returning home, he began fighting a different kind of battle on behalf of other war veterans, advocating for meaningful and permanent improvements to wounded veteran care.
In 2013, during Verardo’s recovery, he married his high school sweetheart, Sarah Conklin, and together they raised three daughters. Tragically, he passed away on Aug. 26, 2025, after battling his injuries for 15 years.

On Nov. 19, Verardo’s family gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to say goodbye to their husband and father. More than 200 people attended the funeral service, including fellow veterans, wounded warriors and senior government officials—such as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Douglas A. Collins, U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel Lt. Gen. Brian Eifler, Dr. Sebastian Gorka and numerous members of Congress.
The Verardo family’s pastor, Rev. Dr. Terry Moore, described the cold and cloudy day as sacred, honoring a hero to the country, his family and friends. U.S. Army Chaplain (Capt.) Shannon Demoret noted that Verardo received the Purple Heart, “having shed his blood for our nation.” During the service, Secretaries Hegseth and Collins each spoke, expressing sympathy for the Verardo family’s loss.
As the service concluded, a bagpiper played “Amazing Grace” while mourners laid flowers on Verardo’s casket. A group of veterans, including wounded warriors, pounded medals and unit crests onto the casket, a sign of respect and brotherhood for a fallen comrade.
After the service, Sarah said her husband believed there was no higher honor and greater reward than to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. “Our daughters will grow up knowing that their daddy lies among America’s greatest, and that his service and sacrifice are held in the company of heroes,” she said.
