by Israel “DT” Del Toro, Jr. with T.L. Heyer
ABOUT THE BOOK
An inspiring memoir of promises kept, overcoming obstacles, and what it means to sacrifice for others, written by a Special Warfare Operator with the US Air Force.
When Israel “DT” Del Toro, Jr.’s Humvee rolled over a roadside improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, he had one thought as he lost consciousness: I have to keep the promise I made to my dad. DT was orphaned at the age of fourteen, and on the night before his father died, he repeated the promise his dad had required of him: “Take care of your brothers and sisters.”
Throughout his childhood and into adulthood, DT indeed looked after his younger brother and sisters, even to his own detriment and sacrifice. When he enlisted in the Air Force, progressing in ranks as a skilled marksman calling airstrikes, his promise extended to his brothers and sisters in the Air Force—his fellow soldiers and brothers-in-arms.
When DT was injured in action, he lay in a coma for three months with third-degree burns on 80 percent of his body. He nearly died three times, and doctors predicted—if he survived—he would forever breathe with a respirator and never walk again. DT pushed through every limit to his full recovery, and he became the first 100 percent disabled veteran to reenlist in the Air Force.
DT’s promise to his dad extends now to his fellow wounded warriors throughout the world as he advocates for awareness and affecting change in public policy for wounded, injured, and ill soldiers. He is a patriot who has kept his promise and changed the world with the spirit of his heart, soul, body, and mind.
- Page Count : 288
- Publisher : St. Martin’s Press
- Genre : Bios & Memoirs
- Pub Date : 07/04/2023
A Patriot’s Promise begins with a young man’s home life, his promise to his father, and the death of his mother. It then continues with the choices that he makes along his life’s journey, choices that made him who he is today. A man of influence and courage.
This captivating story caught my attention from the first page. It is the story of a man who was severely injured when his Humvee rolled over a roadside improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, burning over 80 percent of his body. It’s the story of a man who was given a 15% chance of living, and then, most likely he would be unable to walk and have to be on a ventilator. But more than the things that happened to him, I saw a man who all through his life took control and made choices. I saw a brave man who lived his life. He didn’t let circumstances control his life.
As many of us know who have relied on caregivers, DT’s wife should not be overlooked. This brave lady stood beside her man through everything. And if you’ve ever traveled with a little one, DT’s wife experienced things that would throw most of us into a panic attack. She stood in line for hours at airports, battling immigration, and going through the embassy. This happened with no help, limited English, a three-year-old. and knowing that she was heading to meet her wounded warrior who was being flown to the US from Afghanistan. She had been waiting for years to come from Mexico to the USA as a soldier’s wife, but at the time he was wounded, the paperwork still hadn’t come through. This beautiful woman was an inspiration, too.
This is a book that spoke to me in so many ways.
My Concerns
None
Final Thoughts
From an early age, Del Toro’s decisions exhibited the type of person he was. As his story unfolded, I continually wondered if I would have taken the high road or handed out invitations to a never-ending pity party.
A truly inspiring memoir.
I received a gifted copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press. I was under no obligation to post a positive review.
An Interview With DT
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Senior Master Sergeant ISRAEL “DT” DEL TORO, JR., served in the US Air Force in Afghanistan as a Special Warfare Operator. Del Toro was injured in action in 2005, and his long recovery included adaptive sports as well as advocacy for his fellow wounded warriors. He was instrumental in the creation of the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. In February 2010, Senior Master Sergeant Del Toro was the first 100 percent disabled airman to reenlist in the Air Force. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
