An Alive Day is the anniversary of the date when a Veteran almost lost their life in combat. The Independence Fund exists to support catastrophically wounded, injured, and ill Veterans, their families, and Caregivers, making Alive Days a crucial component of our mission. With first-hand knowledge, we understand the challenge that awaits these courageous people: when catastrophically wounded Veterans return home, the battle often is just beginning.
Wounded Heroes Day is observed every year on April 24, in North Carolina. It is a day dedicated to honoring U.S. Veterans who were wounded in combat and recognizes the ongoing sacrifices they and their families endure. Inspired by SGT Michael Verardo, who was critically injured in Afghanistan on April 24, 2010, and ultimately died from his injuries on August 26, 2025, the day serves as both a tribute and a call to action.
On April 10, 2010, SGT Michael Verardo was wounded by an IED while serving with Bravo Company, 2-508 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan. After being medically evacuated, he chose to return to fight alongside his brothers. Fourteen days later, on April 24, 2010, during his first patrol back, he was struck by a second IED and sustained catastrophic injuries. He survived against extraordinary odds, and that day became known as his Alive Day.
In 2021, the State of North Carolina established Wounded Heroes Day to be observed each year on April 24, honoring Michael and all wounded service members. In 2025, the day was recognized by the President of the United States at the White House, further solidifying that a grateful nation understands the high cost of freedom.
Officially established in North Carolina in 2021 and recognized in 2025 at the White House, Wounded Heroes Day brings together communities, businesses, and organizations to actively support wounded Veterans through awareness, service, and tangible impact, ensuring no wounded hero fights alone.
There are approximately 350,000 living Purple Heart recipients, representing about 2% of the U.S. veteran population. A wounded hero is someone who was injured in combat serving our country, often recognized with the Purple Heart.
Retired Army SGT. Michael Verardo served as an Infantryman in the 82nd Airborne until his medical retirement in 2013. He deployed with Bravo Company, 2-508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division to conduct combat operations in August 2009 and the unit suffered a 60% purple heart rate. Wounded initially April 10, 2010, Michael requested to be returned to duty and was wounded on his first foot patrol just two weeks later. This patrol had catastrophic and life-changing consequences. The improvised explosive device immediately blew off Michael’s left leg, much of his left arm, left him with burns on over 35% of his body, a traumatic brain injury, severe facial damage, damage to his airways, and other polytraumatic conditions that required a d blood transfusion.
On April 24, 2019, Mike’s ninth Alive Day, he had his 120th surgery post-Afghanistan. His condition has required years of physical, occupational, speech, and visual therapies. Originally listed as death imminent post-injury, Michael has continued to defy the odds.
In 2021, the state of North Carolina passed House Bill 138/Senate Bill 132 designating every April 24th as Wounded Heroes Day in honor of SGT Michael Verardo and all of North Carolina’s wounded Veterans.
Propelled by her experiences as a military Caregiver and impassioned Veterans advocate, Sarah Verardo has become an unparalleled leader in the Veteran community.
Compelled by the federal Administration’s move to withdraw troops from Afghanistan in spring 2021, Verardo kickstarted an effort in July to open The Independence Fund’s programs criteria to all Special Immigrant Visa recipients living in the US. Because of this advocacy, TIF was the first national VSO to include combat interpreters in Veteran programming. As the withdrawal escalated, Verardo created the Allies program at TIF, offering SIV holders financial assistance, and all Afghans navigation of available resources.
In a move that was at once vital and inspiring, the August 2021 collapse of Afghanistan led Verardo and three others to co-found direct-response rescue and aid organization Save Our Allies. Since, SOA has evacuated more than 17,000 US citizens, SIV holders, and wartime Allies from the country and assisted in medical and humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine. Stateside, The Independence Fund’s Allies program has remained committed to the successful and permanent settlement of these Allies.
SGT Verardo died as a result of his combat injuries on August 26, 2025, after sustaining more than one hundred surgeries and years of recovery. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, and their three daughters: Grace, Mary Scott, and Elizabeth.
