Staff Sergeant Israel Del Toro 

"I’m just a regular guy who loves his job. I just happened to get hurt." That is how Staff Sgt. Israel "D.T."Del Toro Jr., describes himself. But to those who know him, his drive and determination despite being burned over 80 percent of his body make him a hero.

Sergeant Del Toro is a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) operator currently recovering from his severe injuries. TACP operators control airpower in support of the ground forces commander.

On the fateful day in 2005 that he was injured, he was the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) on a mission with soldiers of the 2nd Battalion of the 503 Infantry Brigade in Southern Afghanistan. Sergeant Del Toro is a jumpmaster and master parachutist with more than 110 jumps. He also completed Army Air Assault Training.

On Dec. 4, 2005, the lead vehicle Sergeant Del Toro was riding in was hit by an improvised explosive device while crossing a creek. Engulfed in flames, the nine-year Air Force veteran hit the ground and tried to put out the fire.

"I remember thinking I was never going to see my family again," Sergeant Del Toro said. But a lieutenant from his team dragged him into the creek, telling him, "Don’t worry D.T., you’re not going to die here." The lieutenant was right; Sergeant Del Toro survived.

Since that day, Sergeant Del Toro has fought for every inch of recovery his body and spirit have made. He has endured many hard days filled with surgeries, skin grafts and grueling physical therapy. Consistent with his humble attitude, he credits the love and closeness of his family and support of the Air Force for the progress he has made thus far. His heart remains that of an Air Force warrior, and he wants to remain a part of the TACP career field. If his recovery does not allow him to return to the job he loves, he would like to use his experience to help others as a liaison for military burn victims.

When confronted by those who wonder how he maintains a positive outlook despite his circumstances, he quotes baseball great Lou Gehrig by saying, "You might think I got a bad break, but I’m honored to have worked with some of the greatest guys out there."