On November 19, 2025, the nation gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to honor the life and legacy of U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Verardo. As the sun broke through a gray sky, family, friends, and fellow service members stood in silent tribute to a soldier who embodied the spirit of American heroism. Verardo, a Purple Heart recipient, was remembered as not only a warrior but as a husband, father, and advocate for the injured.
Verardo’s journey began with his enlistment in the U.S. Army, where he became a paratrooper and deployed to Afghanistan as part of the 82nd Airborne Division. His service was marked by extraordinary bravery, as he survived two IED blasts in the Arghandab River Valley in April 2010. The second explosion caused catastrophic injuries, including the loss of his left leg, extensive burns, traumatic brain injury, and severe internal damage. Despite these challenges, Verardo displayed unwavering determination, celebrating his ‘Alive Day’ on April 24 of each year as a testament to his resilience.
After returning home, Verardo’s recovery journey spanned over a decade, with more than 120 surgeries and countless medical procedures at Walter Reed and Brooke Army Medical Centers. His wife, Sarah Conklin, a high school sweetheart and fellow advocate, joined him in his fight, and together they raised three daughters. Their lives became dedicated to improving care for severely wounded veterans, leading to the creation of The Independence Fund. Founded by Marine Corps veteran Steve Danyluk, the fund has delivered over 2,700 all-terrain Track Chairs, providing newfound independence to veterans across generations, including those injured in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam.
The ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery was more than a tribute to Verardo’s service; it was a celebration of a life dedicated to service beyond the battlefield. As the U.S. Army Band and Caisson Detachment performed with precision, a folded American flag was placed in Sarah Verardo’s hands as a symbol of appreciation from a grateful nation. The ceremony concluded with