An inspiring memoir of promises kept, overcoming obstacles, and what it means to sacrifice for others, written by a Special Warfare Operator with the Air Force.
When Israel “DT” Del Toro, Jr.'s Humvee rolled over a roadside IED 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 required: “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% 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% disabled veteran to re-enlist 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.
A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.
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"Del Toro is a man of uncommon courage, and a patriot of the highest order…. When I painted you a few years ago, I tried to capture your hopeful, joyful, unconquerable soul on the canvas. You're an inspiration to us all, and I was honored to serve as your Commander in Chief."
— President George W. Bush
“Doctors gave him just a 15 percent chance of survival. Del Toro not only survived, but he went on to accomplish more than he ever dreamed.
— Sean Hannity, The Sean Hannity Show[A] study in strength, tenacity, bravery, and service.
— Jon Stewart, The Daily ShowYou showed us that a warrior's heart transcends even the worst of wounds.
— President Joe BidenI have watched as [Del Toro's] amazing spirit and perseverance went on to inspire others in countless ways. His road to recovery story has truly been remarkable and now he tells that story in his beautiful new book. I have no doubt you will be inspired and moved.
— Gary Sinise, Actor, Musician, and Founder of Gary Sinise FoundationIf ever you want to know what you can do [for the visible and invisible wounds of soldiers], listen to their stories. Listen to what they have to say...We all need to open our doors to these amazing individuals—like Israel Del Toro.
— Prince HarryDT has an amazing story of courage and perseverance. He is truly inspiring, and he clearly never gives up. A true inspiration.
— Jay Glazer, FOX Sports, NFL Insider for FOX NFL SundayA gentleman and a scholar... wait a minute. DT’s neither of those things. But he’s a bad-ass who will help you gain perspective like no one else.
— Nate Boyer, US Army SF Veteran, Former Pro Football Player, and Founder of MVP Merging Vets & PlayerBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Roger Wayne served in the Air Force as a radio and television broadcast journalist in South Korea and won several awards before obtaining a BA degree in communications and journalism. He is an actor living in New York, narrating audiobooks, working on independent film projects, performing off Broadway, and auditioning for major network shows.