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General, NCO talk about warrior care on national TV

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Monique Randolph
  • Air Force Public Affairs Agency
NEW YORK CITY (AFNS) --  The Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services at the Pentagon and an injured sergeant made an appearance on Fox News to speak about "Warrior Care Month" Nov. 10 here.

Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III and Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro appeared on television to tell the American public how the Air Force cares for Airmen who are wounded in combat, as well as those who become seriously ill while serving abroad.

The Air Force has a lifelong commitment to wounded warriors and their families, General Newton said. While November is designated as "Warrior Care Month," caring for wounded warriors should be highlighted every day of the year. Following the Fox News interview, the general and sergeant stood outside the national news network to address the topic for the Air Force audience.

"We are committed to ensuring our Airmen receive the proper care and that they are given every opportunity to recover, to be rehabilitated and also to be reintegrated either back into (military) service, but also if they want to transition back into civilian life so they can continue to pursue their dreams," the general said.

Sergeant Del Toro was a joint tactical air control party operator who was badly injured in Afghanistan when his Humvee rolled over a roadside bomb almost three years ago. He was burned over 80 percent of his body, losing much of his face and right hand, and his entire left hand.

What some may not know is Sergeant Del Toro was given a 20 percent chance of living, almost died three times and was not expected to walk again. It is because of the care he still receives from military medics at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and his own will to fight for his life that Sergeant Del Toro is still here today -- living, walking and telling his story to fellow Airmen and the American public.

"I'm up to 101 surgeries now, and every day I do (physical therapy) and (occupational therapy)," Sergeant Del Toro said. "That consists of me stretching, working out and getting my muscles stronger between my surgeries."

After every surgery it feels like starting all over again, the sergeant said. He said he hopes that one day he will not have any more surgeries and will be able to maintain his strength. Throughout his recovery, Sergeant Del Toro said his leadership and Air Force senior leaders have been a consistent help to him and his family.

"The support from my leadership has been awesome. They have my back," he said. "(Even though) I'm a (technical sergeant), my command chief, the chief master sergeant of the Air Force, chief of staff and secretary of the Air Force have all told me if I have a problem I can call them. Having that support is a great feeling."

The Air Force is also committed to caring for the families and loved ones of wounded warriors who make continual sacrifices for those in uniform, General Newton said.

Sergeant Del Toro said he is grateful for the amount of support the Air Force has provided his wife, Carmen, and 6-year-old son, Israel, ensuring they had things they needed while he was in the hospital, and making sure they were involved in base organizations and events.

"My wife was never left alone," he said. "We always felt like we were part of a big family. I want Airmen to know, if (they) get hurt or something happens, the military is a big family and so is the Air Force. We'll always be by your side.

"And no matter what, don't quit," Sergeant Del Toro said. "You have to fight and have a positive mind, because your mind is a very powerful thing. If, in your mind, you believe you're going to push forward, then you're going to push forward."