Air Force Wounded Warrior visits Team Dover

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matt Davis
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR BASE, Del. --  Team Dover Airmen had the opportunity to meet and listen to one of the Air Force’s heroes during his visit to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware on Feb. 2-3, 2018. Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro, United States Air Force Academy Wings of Blue instructor and Wounded Warrior athlete, shared his life experiences and story of resilience to the men and women of the 436th Airlift Wing while touring the base and eventually speaking at the 2017 Annual Awards.

Leadership from the 436th and 512th AW met with Del Toro during his visit to the base, which was followed by a tour of the many units that support DAFB. Some of the organizations he toured were the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, Airman Leadership School, 436th Medical Group and base first responders.

“I always thought [DAFB] was this huge base, then getting here I was like oh man it’s not that big. It’s a small community and kind of close and that’s pretty cool,” said Del Toro. “Getting out there to meet all the units made all the difference and it’s really eye opening. Sometimes you don’t always get to see what the other career fields do. Having the opportunity to get out there and talk to them and see what they do is pretty awesome.”

Del Toro was severely injured by an improvised explosive device blast while serving as a Tactical Control Party operator during a deployment to Afghanistan in 2005. The incident left him with third-degree burns over 80 percent of his body. He shared his journey of rehabilitation and resilience throughout his visit in hopes to inspire others. Through his determination, Del Toro became the first Airman to reenlist after being 100 percent medically discharged.

“If I can touch that one person who is really having a bad day and who feels it’s not worth fighting anymore and have them change that attitude and help them find that fire inside of them, because we all have it,” said Del Toro to Team Dover Airmen. “If I can help them change that mentality and help them to start thinking positive, and not give up, then all the pain and all the suffering I went through is worth it.”

Del Toro now lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he trains as a Wounded Warrior athlete at the Olympic Training Center. He is currently serving at the United States Air Force Academy as part of the World Class Athlete Program and also instructs the Wings of Blue parachute team.

“My message is about overcoming the odds and not quitting and to keep pushing. Not letting little things get to you because it’s just a small time of this entire life span that they are going to have. Don’t waste your time on something small like that,” said Del Toro.