In 2005, Israel Del Toro was serving a tour in Afghanistan when his Humvee rolled over an improvised explosive device (IED). Del Toro suffered severe burns on more than 80 percent of his body, and doctors gave him just a 15 percent chance of survival. Through the love and support of his family, Del Toro not only survived, but he went on to accomplish more than he ever dreamed.
After a long rehabilitation process, Del Toro won a gold medal at the Invictus Games, a sports competition for injured veterans. Del Toro also became the first 100 percent combat disabled Air Force technician to re-enlist. For his perseverance and attitude, Del Toro was presented with the Pat Tillman Award at ESPN’s annual ESPY Awards on July 12th.