Senate Resolution No. 3107

BY: Senator GOLDEN

HONORING Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peace-time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Master
Sergeant Israel Del Toro upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate, to be presented at the
Bensonhurst, Bay Ridge Kiwanis Club 14th Annual Victor V. Allegretti
Dinner Dance on Thursday, October 12, 2017; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, After the tragic death of both of his parents, Israel Del
Toro was raised by his grandparents in Chicago, Illinois; he attended
the University of Illinois on a full academic scholarship, but dropped
out to help take care of his family; and

WHEREAS, In 1997, Israel Del Toro was the first member of his family
to join the United States Marine Corps; in 2005, he was deployed to
Afghanistan, where he was following routine orders when his Humvee
rolled over a buried pressure-plate mine and exploded; the horrific
blast severed most of his fingers and left him in a coma, with burns
covering 80% of his body; and

WHEREAS, After waking up from a three-month coma, Master Sergeant
Del Toro was only given a 15% chance of survival, was told he may never
walk or breathe on his own again, and he most definitely would not be
able to re-enlist in the military; despite the grim diagnosis, he
remained determined and made a promise to himself that he would return
to active duty one day; and

WHEREAS, In May of 2006, Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro was walking
and breathing on his own, and was awarded the Purple Heart for his
bravery in the face of adversity; four years later, he became the first
100% combat disabled Air Force technician to re-enlist, proving once
again what one can achieve with steadfast tenacity and determination;
and

WHEREAS, During his rehabilitation, which included over 100
surgeries, Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro was introduced to adaptive
sports as a therapeutic outlet; through this remarkable program, he
thrived, growing stronger and stronger; and

WHEREAS, In 2014, Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro participated in
the inaugural Invictus Games, a competition for wounded servicemen and
women created by Prince Harry; although he lost his fingers and some
vital muscles in the explosion, he was able to lift 215 pounds in the
power lifting event; and

WHEREAS, During the second Invictus Games in 2016, Master Sergeant
Israel Del Toro was honored by President George W. Bush in the opening
ceremony, and captured a gold medal in shot put; throughout his athletic
career, he also set world records in shot put, discus, and javelin; and

WHEREAS, For his meritorious service to his country and his role as
leader in the adaptive sports community, Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro
was the recipient of The Pat Tillman Award for Service at The 25th ESPYS
Presented by Capital One on July 12, 2017; this prestigious award was
presented to him by Jon Stewart during the live telecast on ABC; and

WHEREAS, Through his diligence and positive attitude, Master
Sergeant Israel Del Toro seeks to eliminate the stigma associated with
disabilities, and prove that with perseverance no obstacles are
insurmountable; and

WHEREAS, Today, Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro continues to serve
as a mentor for all; he currently works as a terminal attack controller
instructor in the military, and was a vital member of the World Class
Athlete program at the 2017 Warrior Games in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Carmen, and his
son, Israel Del Toro, Jr., both of whom have shown him love and support
and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro demonstrated his love for his country
and merits forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro.