Inspiring war veteran highlights Yellow Ribbon meeting

Published April 24, 2009
By Tech Sgt. Kristin Mack
507th Air Refueling Wing

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro has always been a fighter, but it's his relentless spirit and sense of humor that keeps him going strong despite all of the odds he has faced while battling the severe burn injuries he suffered during an attack from the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2005.

The 507th Air Refueling Wing had the honor to hear his courageous story at the wing's yellow ribbon integration program held at Rose State College April 4, 2009.

The sergeant was one of the guest speakers at this event held for wing members returning from deployment as part of a reintegration program. As the audience sat with fascination listening to the sergeant's story, there were eruptions of laughter due to the sergeant's innate ability to include humor in every part of the story.

He spoke of the intensive training he completed at the beginning of his career to become part of the elite Tactical Air Control Party group. His TACP schooling included airborne and survivor school before becoming a jump master then attended air assault school and through all of it he excelled among his peers and always strived a little more.

"I really pushed myself and volunteered for competitions (during training),"said Sergeant Del Toro. "I finished the three-year training program in two years," he said.

After completing their training, TACPs are assigned to Army units where they advise ground commanders on the integration and execution of air and space power on the battlefield. Sergeant Del Toro's first assignment was Pope Air Force Base, N.C., where he stayed for six years before being deployed around the world, as this high demand position requires.

He went to Korea and Iraq before receiving orders to his dream assignment in Italy. With a new wife by his side he was just beginning to settle down in his career and enjoy the local sites before receiving orders to Afghanistan for a six-months tour. Even though it put a little strain on his marriage, Sergeant Del Toro knew this was his duty, and headed off to his assignment with dignity and pride.

Being part of an elite few in his field, he was the joint terminal attack controller on the mission with the Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion of the 503 Infantry Brigade in southern Afghanistan. As the JTAC, he worked alongside two companies and a scout team while setting out to complete 25-30 missions.

On Dec. 4, 2005, while the sergeant was on one of the many missions assigned during his tour he was accompanying a new second lieutenant and recent graduate of West Point. When the lieutenant saw a man on the hill he got in his truck and took off, Sergeant Del Toro and the other troops soon followed right after.

"When you're out there, you're all teammates taking care of each other, "said Sergeant Del Toro. "You also must always be aware of your surroundings; never stop or get distracted," he said.

By the time they got there the enemy was gone. After they crossed the creek on their return back Sergeant Del Toro felt something hit his left side. When he got out of his truck, he was engulfed in flames.

"I tried to run but got tired and collapsed. My body started shutting down," said Sergeant Del Toro. "I couldn't stop thinking about my wife and son. "

The lieutenant came by his side and said, "DT you're not going to die. You have to be there for your son," then helped them both jump in the creek. They called for help and after arriving at the hospital, the last thing he remembered before passing out was the doctor cutting off his favorite watch.

When Sergeant Del Toro woke up in March 2006, he was told by doctors that he suffered 80 percent burns on his entire body and only had a 20 percent chance of living. He would have to remain in the hospital for two years and may not walk again; at best he would be on a respirator for the rest of his life.

"I had people who flew in to visit me from all over the world," said Sergeant Del Toro. "There were chiefs that would visit and also help with my family. I was supposed to die three times in the hospital but made it through."

Sergeant Del Toro began progressing quickly and was out of the hospital and back home in May 2006, after only two months, 22 months ahead of schedule.

"When I looked at myself at the mirror I looked like a monster and broke down," said Sergeant Del Toro. "I thought about my son and wondered if he would be afraid of me."

"After arriving home my son came running out and he stopped, looked, and gave me a big hug," said Sergeant Del Toro. "It was the best hug I've ever had."

After returning home, he continued therapy at Brooks Army hospital in San Antonio, Texas. He has endured multiple surgeries, skin grafts and physical therapy as part of his rehabilitation program.

In June 2006 he accepted a Purple Heart from Gen. T. Michael Mosley, not too long after his hospital release. The former Air Force chief of staff told him he had a story to tell, and urged him to tell it.

"The day of the ceremony I worked hard to be able to walk to the stage and accept the award," said Sergeant Del Toro. "It hurt but I did it. I wanted to show my family and friends I'm strong. "

Sergeant Del Toro continues to tell his story to people around the country speaking to military groups, sports teams and children sharing his inspirational experience. He gets stronger every day through his upbeat attitude, treatments and unwavering support of his friends and family.