Cape Coral veteran says ‘things will get better’ on Purple Heart Day

It’s Purple Heart Day Friday. The U.S. military honor is given to those wounded on the battlefield, or those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

We spoke to veteran Corey Kent in Cape Coral Friday, who is a Purple Heart recipient.

The oldest U.S. military award, the Purple Heart was designed by first President George Washington. Since then, more than 2 million men and women have earned the award.

“It’s one that you never want, but there’s not much you can do to avoid it,” Kent said. “A lot of times just luck of the draw.”

Kent understands the meaning of the Purple Heart. Now a medically retired U.S, Army sergeant, in 2010, he stepped on an IED while serving in Afghanistan.

“It’s been 10 years and you kind of come to accept it and do what you can and make the best of it,” Kent said. “And that’s kind of what I did.”

Having to adapt to losing both his legs, Kent focused on walking again and his future. He thought he’d spend his life in the army. His step father helped him in the difficult days.

“We’re very lucky with Cory,” stepfather Dan Ashby said. “He’s got the strong mental attitude to just get it done.”

Kent is married now with a daughter.

“She’s almost three and a half,” Kent said. “She keeps me busy and gives me a reason to wake up in the morning. I love spending every day with them.”

Kent had his medal pinned on by the president, and he has a message to the brave men and women unlucky enough to have been awarded this medal.

“It might take a few weeks, months, years, but eventually things will get better,” Kent said.