Del Toro served as part of a joint terminal attack controller, or JTAC. These Air Force personnel hold the most dangerous and exposed jobs within the war zone- utilized by the most forward Army units on patrol or on the attack.
On December 4, 2005, Israel Del Toro’s life as a member of the US military was changed when his unit’s Humvee ran over a roadside bomb in remote Afghanistan. The IED explosion left him with severe burns covering 80% of his body and just a 15% chance to live. Despite the odds, Del Toro broke out of his coma three months later to more devastating news: he would probably never walk again or breathe without the assistance of a respirator.
Rather than being defeated, Israel Del Toro fought to recover the life he once had and the opportunity to continue serving his country.
In 2008, after a four year journey of rehabilitation, Del Toro re-enlisted. Serving under the Air Force’s limited assignment status provision, he began to train incoming recruits to do the very job he once held.
“I think DT is kind of blazing new ground in how the Air Force deals with their wounded warriors. Guys like DT that can still contribute in training, training men to do the job he was doing, releases other men that are healthy and otherwise able to deploy” -Barnett, Del Toro’s squadron commander.
This past February, Israel Del Toro reached one final and incredible goal in his recovery. Twelve years after his last jump, Del Toro completed his 131st jump for the US Air Force.
Israel Del Toro’s story is remarkable, and we couldn’t think of a more deserving candidate for this award. While watching the ESPYS this past weekend, we caught sight of some bright green surrounding the Air Force Academy’s Airstrip. Although our AvTurf was a small part of this awesome event, we were honored to be a part of his 131st jump. Israel Del Toro’s perseverance through all obstacles is incredible, and we at Act Global congratulate him on his inspiring determination.
Shelby Becker is a creative content creator and marketing specialist at Act Global. She’s an animal rights activist, avid concert-goer, and scary movie enthusiast. Follow her on LinkedIn .
For more information, contact marketing at sbecker@actglobal.com