CAPE CORAL, Fla -The Cape Coral solider injured in combat continues to make steps in his recovery.

After a bomb explosion in Afghanistan earlier this month, Private Corey Kent lost both his legs and all of his fingers on his left hand. He had a collasped lung and was on a ventilator. His parents were optimistic on his recovery at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Thursday, his family says the ventilator is expected to be removed and Kent will start breathing on his own.

Earlier this week, Kent was awarded the Purple Heat Award.