Middletown Soldier United with Fallen Comrade's Family

On Memorial Day, Patch ran an article about Retired Army Sgt. Michael Verardo of Middletown, who was severely injured while deployed in Afghanistan. When Melane Paranzino of Middletown read the article, she had a special reason to reach out.

Her son was also named Michael. He was also from Middletown. He was also Catholic. He was also in Afghanistan at the same time as Verardo. But her son never came home. Sgt. Michael F. Paranzino was killed in action in Kanadar on Nov. 5, 2010.

On Tuesday, Verardo and his fiancé Sarah Conklin met the Paranzino parents at St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown.

“It was great. It was kind of unreal to be there,” said Verardo. “Them with their son buried below us, me with my new prosthetic.”

Melane Paranzino said her husband Butch and her felt a special connection to Verardo and Conklin.

"It feels like God is revealing His plan by leading us to Michael and Sarah and we open our hearts to embrace them," she said. "It is an honor and privilege to  know them."

Both families said that although many people remain unaware, these are the real life consequences of war.  

"Try to avoid complaining about petty annoyances," said Paranzino. "Military families make huge sacrifices so the USA can remain the Home of the Free, because of the Brave who have fought for our freedom."

“I was glad to be able to tell them a little bit about my time in Kandahar and talk with Mrs. Paranzino about surviving surviving,” said Verardo. “We were able to laugh, we hugged a lot and cried and I gave her my rosary beads that had helped me so much.”

He said the Paranzinos showed great strength, patriotism and courage.

“I'm lucky enough to do as one of the blessed ones that got to come home,” said Verardo.

Details for an Upcoming Motorcycle Fundraiser Run

On Saturday afternoon, Viking Riders and the All Vets Club hosted a fundraiser party Verardo as a preview event to a motorcycle fundraiser run that will be held on June 9.

When: June 9

Registration: 8 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Cost: $25 per person

Where: Veterans Helping Veterans at the VFW Post 9404 at 29 South Main Street in Coventry. Riders can meet at the All Vets Club at 9 a.m. in Middletown.  Police will escort riders to Coventry. There will also be a van available to transport non-riders.

For more information contact Humbert DeGregory 401-301-4360

Verardo's fiancé Sarah Conklin is seeking raffle and auction items for the event. If you would like to donate, email Patch editor Olga Enger at olga.enger@patch.com for Conklin's contact information.