Wounded warrior visits base June 10 Published June 2, 2010 By Sean Bowlin and Susan Griggs 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs and 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro, an Air Force wounded warrior, visits Keesler June 10 to speak to six different gatherings of students and permanent party members. Almost five years and 120 surgeries after his vehicle passed over an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, burning more than 80 percent of his body, Sergeant Del Toro was able to re-enlist in February with a 100 percent disability status. After three months in a coma after his injuries and given less than a 20 percent chance of survival, Sergeant Del Toro fought for more than four years to stay in the Air Force. Doctors told Sergeant Del Toro he'd never walk again, but he's now running 10-kilometer races and lifting weights and competed in last month's Wounded Warrior Games. Sergeant Del Toro now teaches tactical air control party controllers how to do their jobs and survive on the battlefield. He'll give a briefing at 9:40 a.m. to about 200 nonprior service students in Welch Auditorium, but limiting seating is available for others to attend. He'll also speak to combat control students in the 334th Training Squadron, Airman Leadership School Class 10-5, Mathies NCO Academy Class 10-5, 81st Medical Group personnel and a second group of nonprior service students. Dan Ransom, Keesler's recovery care coordinator for the Air Force Recovery Care for Wounded, Ill and Injured Program, is coordinating Sergeant Del Toro's visit. For more information, call 376-3076.