When Sgt. 1st Class Tim Brumit attempted to save a girl caught in turbulent ocean waves, his split-second action of heroism left the Green Beret paralyzed from the neck down. Rather than allowing his injury to keep him bedridden, Brumit has impressed doctors by making great strides towards recovery.

The tragic accident that robbed Brumit of his mobility occurred July 26 on an anchored pontoon nearby Eglin Air Force Base. He spotted a 13 year-old girl crying for help as stormy waves tossed her to and fro, and he immediately dived after her. Unfortunately, Brumit misjudged the depth of the water and struck the bottom of the ocean floor. He was rescued by a fellow soldier while another boat rescued the girl.

Things didn’t look good when Brumit was admitted to the hospital. “When he showed up to the hospital, he was totally paralyzed from the neck down, and expected to remain that way for the rest of his life. That’s what we were told,” said his father Randy Brumit, a retired Army chief.

Brumit has so far exceeded all expectations in his recovery. Emergency surgeries helped him regain feeling in his arms, and Brumit is committed to walking again.

“I’m going to walk back in and shake your hand and thank you for what you’ve done with me,” Brumit told his surgeon.

Brumit is a Bronze Star recipient, served eight years with 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and has earned his Special Forces Tab. He is also the father of two young children.

Here’s Brumit thanking the military community for their support.