On December 4, 2005, U.S. Air Force service member Israel “DT” Del Toro Jr. was serving in Afghanistan when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. The blast left more than 80 percent of his body with third-degree burns and severely damaged both of his hands. Doctors initially estimated that he had only a 15 percent chance of survival.
Del Toro remained in a coma for nearly three months following the explosion. His recovery required years of intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. According to various reports, he underwent more than 100 surgeries. Doctors initially feared that he might never walk normally or breathe on his own again. But, little by little, he proved those predictions wrong.
Despite being left with severe physical disabilities, Del Toro refused to let his military career end. Although he was advised to pursue medical retirement, he was determined to return to active duty. After nearly four years of effort, he rejoined the U.S. Air Force on February 8, 2010.
With his return, Del Toro became the first 100-percent disabled service member in U.S. Air Force history to return to active duty. He went on to train young airmen and later became involved with the Air Force parachute team.
He also demonstrated his abilities through sports. At the 2016 Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service members and veterans, Del Toro won a gold medal in the shot put. His participation marked another important milestone in his long journey of recovery.
In 2017, his remarkable comeback was recognized when he received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPY Awards.
Del Toro retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2019 with the rank of senior master sergeant. From having just a 15 percent chance of survival after the devastating explosion in Afghanistan, he not only survived but also returned to active military service and made history through his extraordinary determination and resilience.
