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Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Verardo died Aug. 26, 2025, at age 40 after surviving a catastrophic injury by an IED in Afghanistan 15 years ago.

Verardo contended with 120 surgeries and a traumatic brain injury following the 2010 explosion that took his left leg and shredded his right arm.

His wife, Sarah Verardo, became a national advocate for wounded veterans and their families, serving as CEO of the Independence Fund.

Verardo's story gained national attention, leading to an April meeting with President Donald Trump. Former Vice President Mike Pence was among those offering eulogies at his funeral.

This is a goodbye to one of the nation’s most prominent wounded warriors, but also a tribute to a related force I will get to at the end of this column.

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