During a special ceremony last week at Randolph AFB, Tex., TSgt. Israel Del Toro, who had been severely burned after his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device during a 2005 deployment to Afghanistan, reenlisted even though he has a 100-percent disability rating. He was burned over 80 percent of his body and remained in a coma for three months, and, if he survived, doctors believed he would not walk again. Del Toro, who not only survived but also is running in 10K races, persisted for more than four years to remain in the active duty service. A medical board finally offered the Tactical Air Control Party airman two choices: medically retire and train TACP airmen as a civilian or remain in the service, training TACPs. He said, “I could have gotten out and made more money; but it wasn’t about the money.” (Randolph report by Sean Bowlin; also read ABC News report)
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.