The Independence Fund in partnership with the North Carolina Legislature present Wounded Heroes Day Celebration

WHO? NC Speaker of the House Tim Moore, NC Majority Leader John Bell, NC Rep David Willis (bill co-author), Senator Todd Johnson (bill co-author) and Veterans SGT Michael Verardo, SPC Josh Craven, SGT Brian McGuire, SFC Marc Owens, CPL Nicolas Firth, SFC Todd Reed, SSGT Chris Clark, SGT Dale Wilson, SSGT Steven Bunker, SSGT Timothy Blodgett, CPL Timothy Labossiere, CPL Cody Stanton, SGT Cory Colli, SGT Gregory Hedrick, CPL David Tupper, CPL Garrett Carnes, and PFC Richard Hughes Jr (see attached bios).

WHAT? The Independence Fund in partnership with the North Carolina Legislature present Wounded Heroes Day Celebration

WHY? The Independence Fund celebrates the passage of HB138, to recognize Wounded Heroes Day in the State of North Carolina annually on April 21 in honor of SGT. Michael Verardo’s Alive Day. An Alive Day marks the anniversary of when a Service Member suffered catastrophic wounds in combat, nearly resulting in death. This effort has been bipartisan and unanimous, showcasing that in a time when so much is divided — every American can stand behind our Veterans. The Independence Fund has invited 20 wounded heroes for a patriotic celebration at the Legislature’s Bicentennial Plaza. North Carolina plays home to more than 155,000 disabled Veterans.

WHEN? Wednesday, April 21st, 2021

WHERE? North Carolina Legislative Complex
Bicentennial Plaza
1 W Edenton St
Raleigh, NC 27601

WHAT TIME? 4:30pm EST (check-in); Event begins @ 5pm EST

PARKING? 140 E Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601

PR Contact(s): Stacey Barker e: [email protected]; Todd Schuetz e: [email protected] c: 691.971.1834

*RSVP IS REQUIRED*

About The Independence Fund: Founded in 2007, the Independence Fund (501c3) is committed to empowering our nation’s catastrophically wounded, injured, or ill Veterans to overcome physical, mental, and emotional wounds incurred in the line of duty. The Fund is dedicated to improving the lives of Veterans and their families. Through the Fund’s Mobility, Caregiver, Adaptive Sports, Advocacy, Suicide Prevention, Family, and Crisis Relief programs, The Independence Fund strives to bridge the gap of unmet needs for Veterans and their caregivers. The Independence Fund believe in fairness and equality for all veterans and families irrespective of race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation, and will continue to uphold these American values.