This is the story of SMSgt. Israel Del Toro, Jr and the struggles and triumphs he had. Injured with 80% of his body covered in burns he was told that his career had ended. This inspiring tale follows SMSgt Del Toro as he defies all odds and overcomes insurmountable trials. This book is hard to put down - I read it in one setting. Crying, laughing even becoming angry at some of the things he had to face. But in the end, I sat back and considered the fact that there are people like him in every branch.....so many untold stories. And as a mom of an Airman my heart ached at the possibilities of trials my own son could face.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this review copy in exchange for an honest reviw. .
#netgalley

This book both shocked and amazed me that a man could be so badly injured and still survive. He endured so much, but his will to live was strong and his acceptance of his circumstances were so commendable. I think every young person who reads this book will be inspired by Master Sergeant Del Toro's courage and bravery. Not only has he accepted his wounds and scars, he has spoken many times about his love of his country and his wish to instill some of these same attributes in those he tells his story to. I was deeply moved by this story and honored to have been given the opportunity to read it. I will definitely encourage students to read this book as well.

I thought I wouldn't have time to read this book but ultimately was able to finally get to it and I am so glad I did. I have so much respect for Del Toro Jr and all he had to endure in his career. I had chills and held my breath as he encountered what he had to. Talk about survivor and dedication!! He desperately wanted to live up to his promise to his father and he did what he could to do that, even after enduring what he did... omg.. 3 months unconscious with burns covering most of his body. He is a man who can and should be held up to everyone, not just in the Armed Forces but in rehab facilities all over the world as "if you want it, you can make it happen.... because look at me!"
I want to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the absolute privilege and honor to read this book about this remarkable man and wish to salute him for his courage and service to his country and family. All opinions are my own.

I am not completely sure why I added this book to my tbr since I typically avoid military books.
After starting this book, I'm glad I didn't ignore this book. It's one that I couldn't put down even though at times I struggled with it emotionally which I guess that just shows how great this book is. Definitely recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC copy.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.

At 14, his father passed away, and he promised him that he would take care of his siblings. He did, and also joined the military by way of the US Air Force. He was deployed several times, and it was harder after getting married and having a son, but he was ordered to go to Afghanistan, and it was there that the Humvee rolled over a roadside improvised explosive device. His last thought before losing consciousness was he had to take care of his family.

As I read Del Toro's story, I immediately thought of some words that described him: Survivor, Strong-willed Dedicated, Determined, Hero, Warrior, a Son, a Brother, and just so Inspiring.

I had no idea the sacrifices our soldiers have gone through in order for us to have our life of feeling safe and protected. This story is one that should be required reading by all to learn about a life of courage and resilience. This was a truly inspiring memoir.

There are just some books that even a positive review does not do it justice. How do you review a book that a soldier has poured his heart and soul into? How can I give him a grade when he has given so much? I thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance read.

What a hero!

I had never heard of this man, but my brother is in the service, so I grabbed at this one. I also received a hard copy from the publisher. My brother was jealous I received it before the publish date and said he knew all about him. Said what a hero this man was and such an inspiration. He did not let his tragedy keep him from serving the country he loved.

This is an excellent and inspirational memoir about the power of promises and commitment.

The last time DT spoke to his father, his dad made him promise to look after his brother and sisters. That simple final promise laid the foundation for a lifetime of looking out for all of his brothers and sisters in the family of man.

And when he received life-threatening injuries on deployment that left him with only a 15% chance of survival, he beat the odds in impressive ways.

As he shares his story, we gain some insights into what makes him tick and why he made the decisions and commitments that led him through the fire.

This is a powerful story of one man's ability to dig deep and keep going, even when there's no earthly reason why he should be able to. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro for your service, sir, both to your country and to mankind.

Thank you as well to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

This inspiring memoir chronicles an extraordinary life. SMSgt Israel Del Toro, Jr. lost his father young and took care of his brothers and sisters when his mother lost her way. He eventually joined the Air Force, and he was severely injured in Afghanistan, with burns on over 80% of his body. Given only a 15% chance to live and told he would never be able to go back into the military, he defied all odds. While he was battling back from injury, his wife was defying odds of her own as she battled immigration laws and language barriers to get to her husband's side and to take care of everyday struggles once she arrived. I am also the spouse of a retired Air Force Senior NCO, and I salute her.

I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting. It is a reminder to those in difficult circumstances that we should never, ever give up. It is proof positive that you can come out even stronger on the other side of hard things that have happened to you. It's also a reminder that when someone tells you that you "can't," you just might prove them wrong with determination and hard work. I'm so happy to have read it.

I received a free copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

A Patriot’s Promise by Senior Master Sergeant Israel “DT” Del Toro, Jr. (Ret.) with T.L. Heyer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A big thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for this ARC. This one comes out July 4th!

I couldn’t think of a more fitting pub date than July 4th. DT’s loyalty to his country and family is unrivaled.

This book oozes humbleness. DT’s story is quite remarkable, yet his words don’t come off as bragging. It’s clear he is an advocate for others, and a positive example we all need in our life.

DT’s love for his family is evident. I love how he put a spotlight on his wife and told part of his story through her experience. It shows understanding of the trauma she also experienced. The path of their relationship was special to read about.

If you’re looking for a nitty-gritty war book, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for a book about an honest portrayal of overcoming obstacles and inspiring others to do the same, this is the book for you.

I was privileged to read this ARC through NetGalley and I couldn't put it down. I was at the Orlando Invictus Games opening ceremony and heard Senior Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro, Jr speak. His story of bravery, resilience, courage and love brought me to tears and I haven't had a day go by that I haven't thought about him or told someone his story. To read the details of his life growing up, the hardships he endured both before enlisting and during was heart breaking. "DT" is an absolute hero and inspiration and I highly recommend everyone read his story.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book is raw, straight to the point, and a fast read. I really enjoyed the opportunity to read DT's life story after seeing him on TV many a time before. What he endured is something very few other people in the world will ever have to go through. No matter your stance politically or what you think about the military, this is a book of personal triumph that is unlike any other.

This book is not for the faint of heart, it gets very real, very quickly, but is incredibly well-written and pulls at all of your heart strings. I was blown away by the details, DT is blunt but doesn't sacrifice being descriptive. I especially loved the elements of Spanish and his heritage, the way he weaved in the journey of his wife to get to America, support him through his injuries, etc, was really beautiful and added a softness to this novel that most people can resonate with.

While this book is non-fiction/memoir, it reads like a fiction novel with its quick chapters and action. It does get political at times, but I think the overall themes of perseverance, patriotism, and family make it worth the read regardless of your political view aligning with DT's.

Thank you again to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this novel.

Absolutely LOVED this awe-inspiring book. I decided to post about it for Father's Day, as family is so important to this soldier, and he made that clear when writing this. Such a hero, so full of courage!

This is DT, Del Toro, Jr. life, and all he has gone through in his life. At 14, his father passed away, and he promised his father that he would take care of his brothers and sisters. He did, and he joined the military by joining the US Air Force. He was deployed several times, and it was harder after getting married and having a son, but he was ordered to go to Afghanistan, and it was there that the Humvee rolled over a roadside improvised explosive device. His last thought before losing consciousness was he had to take care of his brothers and sisters. His brothers and sisters now included his military family.
When he woke from being in a coma for three months, this was the beginning of his journey of keeping his promise. They told him he would never walk, would be on a respirator for the rest of his life, but he fought every challenge that he faced, and he became the first 100 percent disabled veteran to reenlist in the Air Force.
This is his life, his challenges, finding the strength to never give up, and discovering the life he will have. He now advocates for other Veterans, that have visible and invisible disabilities. "He is a patriot who has kept his promise and changed the world with the spirit of his heart, soul, body, and mind."
I received an ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. I am thankful he had the courage to write and tell his story because people just living life today, will benefit from reading this story. When they think it is hopeless and want to give up, this might give them the courage to never give up. Thank you for your service and your courage.

Commitment, honor, determination.
"Stay Strong, Finish Strong"
Life for DT wasn't bad until his father died. From then on it was a series of almost impossible challenges. He joined the US Air Force and married an incredible woman. Then came bureaucratic challenges, Afghanistan, 80% burns, even more bureaucratic challenges, and the incredible challenges of rehab. No punches pulled, DT spells out for the layman all the things that devastating burns steal from a person, just as his wife presented them to then President GW Bush (who became a good and snarky friend) when he came to present DT and others with the Purple Heart.
In spite of everything, DT argued and returned to active duty in a very public capacity, participated in the Warrior Games and the Invictus Games, and made another snarky good friend. Prince Harry. Now he continues to be front and center for all who have invisible as well as visible disabilities.
"My disability does not define me"
We salute this honorable man!
It's a tough read for anyone in the medical/nursing field, military, or anyone with a comprehensive imagination.
Read it anyway and become a better person.
I requested and received an EARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Israel had not had an easy life since he was in eighth grade. He made sure his younger siblings had everything they needed. When he joined the military he had no idea of what he was getting into. This book was an enlightening journey into the life of an individual serving our country.

An inspring story of special op paratrooper, Israel "DT" Del Toro. The book covers his early life and
how he became responsible for his siblings at the age of fourteen when his father passed and the sacrifices he made for family.
DT was injured in Afghanistan when his Humvee rolled over a roadside IED. Suffering burns over 80% of his body, he was not expected to survive. With grit and determination, he overcame the odds with the support of his wife and compatriots. Along the way, he becomes an inspiration to other wounded
veterans and also their advocate, fighting for better treatment for their injuries. Through the Warrior Games, he showed others what could be accomplished.
 #APatriotspromise #NetGalley

This was an excellent book, a standout from the others from the War on Terror. I would love to interview the author. I love talking to heroes.

A Patriot's Promise by Senior Master Sergeant (Ret.) Israel "DT" Del Toro, Jr is a touching, inspiring memoir.

This is a story of DT” Del Toro, Jr. and the promises he kept, overcoming many hard obstacles, and what it means to sacrifice for others.
This story touched me, inspired me most of all it saddened me.
Sadly, we don’t hear many of these gut-wrenching stories.
About what these men and women truly sacrifice and go through for us and their country.
Amazing well written book that was hard to put down.
It tells a story that is at times hard to read, a story that holds nothing back, a story about suffering and war and the brave people that fight for their freedom and the brave people that risk their lives to tell the story of those involved in the fight and the brave people that take great risks to see that others can get their stories told.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Thank you for your service. Thank you for opening my eyes to what it is like to be in battle for our country.