Parade For Purple Heart Recipient Israel Del Toro Planned In New Lenox

NEW LENOX, IL -- A United States Air Force veteran who was seriously wounded in Afghanistan a dozen years ago and given a small chance to live will be given a parade in the town where he attended high school. A short parade and rally for Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro is planned for 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 3 at the Village Commons in New Lenox.

New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann referred to Del Toro as "an amazing American hero," and it would be hard for anyone to refute that given the path Del Toro has followed since 2005, when his Humvee hit a bomb in Afghanistan.

Del Toro, a Providence Catholic High School alum, suffered third-degree burns over 80 percent of his body and lost most of his fingers. He was given a 15 percent chance of survival, was in a coma for three months, and when he woke up, was told he might never be able to walk or breathe without a respirator again, and wouldn’t be able to re-enlist.

But five years — and more than 100 surgeries — later, Del Toro was able to re-enlist and became the first airman to re-enlist after becoming eligible for a medical retirement with a 100 percent disability rating. He went on to serve as Tactical Air Control Party Instructor for five years, and also became a Paralympian athlete, setting world records in shot-put, discus and javelin, and winning a gold medal at the Invictus Games.

He has been awarded a Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal in recognition of his actions while serving in the United States Air Force in Afghanistan. He also was recently awarded the Pat Tillman Award for Services from ESPN at the ESPY awards.

Del Toro is expected to take photos with those in attendance after the rally, which will take place at the New Lenox Performing Arts Pavilion Stage. The rally will follow a parade through the Village Commons.

Photo via United States Department of Defense