Keeping Our Promise To America’s Heroes

Part of celebrating America’s independence is remembering Americans who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice and the families they’ve left behind. One of the charities meant to help them out is Folds of Honor, named for the folded American flag at military funerals. Since 2007, the nonprofit has helped the families of fallen heroes, including giving out 52,000 scholarships to Gold Star spouses and children. Rachel Faulkner-Brown, Director of the Folds of Honor Speakers Bureau, joins to explain how the group helped her family and how the organization aids and empowers other military families.

Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro Jr. was serving in the Air Force when he was nearly killed by an IED that left him with burns on over 80% of his body. After a long recovery process, he became the first fully disabled veteran to reenlist in the Air Force. Israel has since become an advocate for wounded veterans across the nation. He shares his incredible journey in his memoir, A Patriot’s Promise: Protecting My Brothers, Fighting for My Life, and Keeping My Word. Israel Del Toro Jr. joins the Rundown to discuss how his family strengthened him during the recovery process, talks about his friendship with President George W. Bush, and shares his Independence Day traditions.

Plus, commentary from writer Paul Batura.