288 pages St. Martin’s Press publisher July 4,2023 publication date
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.
MY THOUGHTS
I don’t read as much nonfiction as I used to. After reading this I know I need to make a point to do so. Though I’ve never heard of the wounded vet this book is about I’m very impressed with his life story.
Coming from very humble beginnings, his father died when he was very young, but he made a promise to his father that he would always take care of his siblings and he did, putting his life on hold until they were old enough to not need his constant care. His mother also left him and his sibling’s way too early. Sent to live with his grandparents the siblings didn’t have an easy life, but he made sure they had all they needed.
Joining the Air Force, he had third degree burns over 80% of his body, with a 15 % chance of survival it goes to show the type of resilience he has. He became the first 100 percent disabled veteran to reenlist in the Air Force.
Though many of the changes have come too late for him he advocates for policy changes and awareness for wounded and ill soldiers. Many have said to him his public speaking has given them the encouragement they needed to face what they are going through.
He did this all for his wife and son they are his inspiration.
This is not the type of book I normally read but it’s so uplifting and inspirational that I’ll be reading more books of a similar type. Highly recommended! Thank you, sir. You are such an inspiration!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
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