Posted on 06/23/2006 8:06:54 PM PDT by SandRat
6/23/2006 - SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) -- A sergeant severely wounded in action in Iraq received the Purple Heart Medal today, pinned on his chest by the Air Force chief of staff.
Staff Sgt. Israel del Toro Jr. accepted the medal from Gen. T. Michael Moseley at a ceremony at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. More than 200 people attended the event, including family members.
The sergeant, supported by family members, fellow controllers, A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots, Soldiers, an Airman Leadership School class and the hospital medical staff was at a loss for words because of the big turnout.
"I'm not a big speech guy," Sergeant del Toro said.
Then he managed to thank his "TACP brothers" and those in attendance for their outpouring of support before he broke down and cried. A family member comforted him and wiped away his tears.
The sergeant, a tactical air control party operator, received severe burns when an improvised explosive device exploded near him while he was on patrol in Afghanistan in early December.
Sergeant del Toro was the controller on a mission with Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion of the 503rd Infantry Brigade as part of Combined Task Force Bayonet. It is a job for which he is uniquely qualified.
The sergeant is a qualified jumpmaster and master parachutist with 110 jumps. He completed Army air assault training and received his Air Force communications controller badge. The sergeant is also a qualified terminal attack controller.
General Moseley, who also visited Lackland Air Force Base during his San Antonio visit, said it was an honor to be at the ceremony. And he said it was an absolute privilege to wear the same uniform as the sergeant.
"You've come a long way to be able to walk," the general said. "You represent everything good about the Air Force."
BTTT
Staff Sgt. Israel del Toro Jr., one of America's finest.
May God bless him and his family.
Grateful BTTT.
Jack Murtha isn't qualified to clean this mans toilet.
*Yes, its a huge image. Look what this man gave up for us.
When I look at him every worry in my life seems so petty and I feel so self absorbed.
May God Bless him and I thank him from the bottom of my heart.
Not quite big enough, IMHO. The image needs to be as large as his courage and bravery.
"Jack Murtha isn't qualified to clean this mans toilet."
Murtha isn't worthy to lick dog dung from the sole of this MAN's shoe.
Where do we find men like these..? Indeed.
You said it all.
"I'd thoroughly enjoy the Good Sgt appearing before a Joint House and Senate panel and tear the lot of the RATS a new excrement hole and then turn around and rip the media a new one as well."
Y'know, y'know, John F'n Kerry set up his win for a Senate seat by testifying before the Senate in '71 or so. Why couldn't this guy do the same thing - his credibility would obviously be leagues above Kerry's and who is going to question his courage and valor (follows along on Ann Coulter's book, except a mirror image, Pub's, not Dims).
He could run in a predominately Dimocrat state. How could all those "loving" people dis this guy?
Every man looks good in uniform. AND look at the ribbons and medals on that man's breast!
(And his son is so proud, too. Great picture!)
I'd like to see JFnK put his "purple hearts" alongside of THIS man's Purple Heart!
HA!
Prayers and thanks SSgt. del Toro.
Though the dems and traitors say they support you, they despise you.
To us, you are the image of a hero whose courage and sacrifice allows us to be free.
The second is that the sergeant's US lapel brass is that of an officer. Compare the US lapel brass to that of the General. They are the same. If this guy is truly a Staff Sergeant, then the US should be enclosed by a circle.
I hope that no one is offended by these observations, but unless things have changed drastically since I was in the military, then there is something wrong here.
Jack Murtha, Max Cleland and Jean Francois Kerry aren't qualified to be anywhere in the same county as Staff Sergeant Israel Del Toro, Jr.
Nope. That changed several years ago. The circle is gone. Note the polished silver name tags on the coat, instead of the old blue. Always trying to keep up with the changes!
Of course, they are looking to completely change the blues again, going back to some WWI or WWII ideas including a belt on the coat and a mandarin collar
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