WAXHAW, N.C. -- The community of Waxhaw gathered together on Friday to give one veteran the hero's welcome he deserves.
- Wounded vet Sgt. Mike Verardo has had 119 surgeries since his time in Afghanistan
- His last surgery had him in the hospital for four months
- His community of Waxhaw gathered to welcome him home Friday
Wounded veteran Sgt. Mike Verardo survived Afghanistan, but eight years later, Verardo has just endured his 119th surgery. The last surgery put him in the hospital for four months.
On Friday he returned home from Walter Reed Hospital and received a homecoming fit for a hero.
Sgt. Mike’s neighbors in Waxhaw lined their quiet suburban street, crowding tents and huddling under umbrellas, cheering for him as he returned homes.
He was escorted by Union County sheriff deputies.
"I'm just happy on so many levels," Sgt. Mike said. "I'm going to spend Christmas with my kids, the community coming out to say hi and support me. It feels great. A lot of guys are worse off than me. Yeah, I had 119 surgeries, but I'm moving around. I'm truly blessed. I have a great family, three beautiful, healthy girls, a loving wife."
Sarah Verardo, Mike's wife, serves on the board for the Independence Fund, an organization that supports veterans who suffer catastrophic injuries like her husband.
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