Air Force Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro to Deliver Keynote at Upcoming Angel Gala
Tickets Now on Sale – Proceeds to Help Angels of America’s Fallen Support Children of Fallen Heroes
Angels of America’s Fallen is honored to announce that Air Force Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro will deliver the keynote address at the upcoming Angels of America’s Fallen Angel Gala & Fundraiser on February 17th, 2018, at the Broadmoor’s International Center. MSgt. Del Toro, the unlikely survivor of an IED blast that left him with third degree burns over 80% of his body, is the first airman to re-enlist in the Air Force after being rated 100% disabled. His story of determination, ongoing resiliency, and love for his family will warm hearts, moisten eyes, and inspire attendees at this enchanting event.
Hailed as one of the most magical evenings of the year, the Angel Gala is the flagship benefit for the Colorado Springs headquartered nonprofit, Angels of America’s Fallen (AOAF); which funds healthy developmental activities for the children of fallen military service members and first responders. With show-stopping performances by children of America’s fallen heroes and the opportunity to meet Gold Star Families, the Angel Gala celebrates the positives and the possibilities in the lives of these amazing children.
“The Angel Gala is truly a one-of-a-kind event and we are so excited to have MSgt. Del Toro coming to tell his inspirational and moving story of family, hope, and perseverance,” said Joe Lewis, Founder & CEO of AOAF. “The children that we support will also be very involved in the evening’s festivities; so, I invite the entire community to join us and help celebrate their vibrant lives!”
In addition to MSgt. Del Toro’s compelling address and live performance by children of our fallen, the upcoming Angel Gala program also includes a five star meal, music and dancing, and silent and live auctions.
Tickets are now on sale and event sponsorship information is available here.
About Angels of America’s Fallen
Founded in 2012, Angels of America’s Fallen (AOAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help the children of America’s fallen military and first responders develop into strong and successful adults by granting funds and/or supplies for positive mentoring and developmental activities such as sports, art, or music during their most crucial developmental years (from the time of loss through age 18). Rather than applying a blanket program, and regardless of the cause of the parent’s death, AOAF is organized around providing opportunities and support that is based on the unique needs and interests of each child. For more information please visit our “What We Do” page here.
About Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro
Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient MSgt. Israel Del Toro is the first airman in history to reenlist in the Air Force after being rated 100% disabled. He is now a beloved instructor teaching the next generation of warriors the critical skills needed to be a Tactical Air Control Party—Del Toro’s Air Force specialty. While valiantly serving his country and calling in air strikes in Afghanistan in 2005, MSgt. Del Toro sustained critical injuries when his Humvee rolled over an enemy-placed IED. Sustaining third degree burns over 80% of his body, losing one hand and the majority of his fingers on his other, Del Toro fought for his life while in a coma for three months. His central goal was to see his son again. Defying the odds and doctors’ forecasts, Del Toro survived and began a long and difficult journey of physical rehabilitation that included over 150 surgeries. Always an inspiration, Del Toro pushed his body to new heights, bringing home the gold medal in shot put (2016) and a silver medal in power lifting (2014) at the Invictus Games. In 2017, he was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the annual ESPY awards. His humbling story of hope, family love, and resiliency is perhaps partially summarized in his statement: “You don’t quit, you keep pushing no matter what obstacle is in front of you—you don’t let it beat you!”
