A New Book: A Patriot's Promise - Tricia Lott Williford

This is my friend, Israel “DT” Del Toro Jr.

DT is a real American hero, retired as Senior Master Sergeant and special ops paratrooper with the Air Force. He was blown up when his Humvee rolled over a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. He had third degree burns over 80% of his body, he was in a coma for four months, and he was given a 15% likelihood to survive. Doctors said he would never walk again or breathe on his own.

My friend survived, breathes on his own, and walked out of the hospital weeks after he woke from his coma. He became the first completely disabled veteran to re-enlist in the Air Force.

When I met DT, he invited me to write his story. I said, “Sir, this is a remarkable story of courage and hope. May I ask you, why haven’t you written it before now?”

He held up his scarred hands, and he said, “Because I lost most of my fingers that day. I can’t type.”

I swallowed hard. I said, “I’ll take it from here, sir.”

And so, we did it.

With Saint Martin’s Press, DT and I have written his inspiring memoir of promises kept, overcoming obstacles, and what it means to sacrifice for others.

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Here are some of the reviews, from names you might recognize:

“You bravely answered the call to defend our country in the United States Air Force. You showed us that a warrior’s heart transcends even the worst of wounds. You’re incredible. You didn’t let it change you, but instead you changed the world around you. We’ve seen it again and again: you bring joy, you bring hope, you bring inspiration to everyone you meet.”

~ President Joe Biden, 46^th President of the United States

“DT is a man of uncommon courage, and a patriot of the highest order….
When I painted you a few years ago, I tried to capture your hopeful, joyful, unconquerable soul on the canvas.
You’re an inspiration to us all, and I was honored to serve as your Commander in Chief.”

~ President George W. Bush, 43^rd President of the United States

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On July 4, 2023, A Patriot’s Promise will be available everywhere books are sold.