On December 5, 2005, Air Force Special Ops Paratrooper Israel Del Toro’s life changed completely when, returning to his base, the Humvee he was in ran over an IED. The resulting explosion and fire burned Del Toro over 80% of his body. He survived, somehow, and was transported back to a U.S. hospital. Against enormous odds, his trials and tribulations to live were just beginning.
For the next four months, Del Toro lay in a coma. On three separate occasions his devoted wife, Carmen, was called to his side as doctors feared he would not make it overnight. His story is not only one of courage and overcoming horrific obstacles from war, but also conquering myriad roadblocks throughout his life.
His amazing story began inspiring other wounded troops, and soon thereafter Del Toro became an advocate for others in the Burn Unit and those badly injured. He continues to inspire today, speaking at numerous organizations and foundations, and numbers among his strongest friends President George W. Bush, Prince Harry, Gary Sinise, and Jon Stewart. Del Toro has gone on to set records and win medals at The Warrior Games and The Invictus Games. He’as the recipient of a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He won the Pat Tillman Courage Award at the ESPYs. Perhaps his most amazing accomplishment, though, occurred in February of 2010 when he became the first completely disabled airman ever to re-enlist in the Air Force and become an instructor.
Today Del Toro is officially retired from the Air Force, but still encouraging troops and others dealing with major setbacks in their lives. He advocates for awareness and change in public policy for wounded, injured, and ill soldiers. Most recently, he put pen to paper and authored ‘A PATRIOT’S PROMISE: Protecting My Brothers, Fighting for My Life, and Keeping My Word’ which details his entire story.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Israel’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/idt21/?hl=en
Israel’s new book – ‘A PATRIOT’S PROMISE: Protecting My Brothers, Fighting for My Life, and Keeping My Word’:
https://www.amazon.com/Patriots-Promise-Protecting-Brothers-Fighting-ebook/dp/B0B9KV5HR1
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