Todd Nicely, Quadruple Amputee Marine, Gets Back In Driver's Seat (VIDEO)

Marine Corporal Todd Nicely has overcome many obstacles due to losing his arms and legs after an improvised explosive device attack in Afghanistan. Now, he's ready for his next challenge.

St. Louis station KSDK reports on Nicely's efforts to learn how to drive again -- something he associates with independence.

"It's just one step closer to being back to normal again, " he said.

Nicely had mastered the use of prosthetic arms and legs. Now, using specialized driving equipment, he's able to work the electronic gas and brake system, according to KSDK.

His push toward normalcy is only the latest headline-grabbing story, as he's become an inspiration to other wounded warriors.

"I go over to Bethesda Naval hospital when the guys come home and show them the hospital bed is not the last place you're going to be, " he said.

Back in April, STLToday.com reported Gary Sinise, the actor who played Lieutenant Dan in "Forest Gump," would perform as part of a benefit for Nicely.

Last year, Prince Harry walked with Nicely at the Achilles Hope and Possibility Race in Central Park, according to UPI.com.

WATCH Nicely take on his newest challenge:

Comments

[Haras Nilap]

06:16 PM on 07/27/2011

Incredible. This guy should be an inspiration to ALL of us. If he can overcome the loss of limbs and still be as positive as he was in that video, I believe anything is possible for any of us. I wish I could shake his hand. Awesome guy. We might be of differing beliefs but I still can recognize a hero when I see one!

[adamantthe1st21]

08:14 AM on 07/27/2011

sure the gvt send soldiers to different countries but they enlisted. why should he complain ????what do they expect ??? a picnic ?

[janehenry]

06:56 AM on 07/27/2011

To bad a donor had to supply what the country this young man fought for wouldn't.

[PowerPridePinstripes]

06:17 AM on 07/27/2011

I don't even like the initial headline "Watch" - like he's some science project! I don't like how exploitive it seems! And yeah - I'm a combat DAV myself! All my brothers and sisters in arms are to be saluted, but you wouldn't imagine the things civilians do just so they can get a 'look' at a DAV... oh, and he/she better have a limb missing or else they are not DAVs! Anyway - good for Todd, but please stop this exploitation! We're not to ge gawked at or 'ohh'd and ahhh'd'...

[janehenry]

06:58 AM on 07/27/2011

Sorry you were offended....I found it inspirational.....

[PRONESE]

05:55 AM on 07/27/2011

A motivated and skilled Marine.
Bravo Zulu!
Semper Fi
More Coffee...
R/ PRONESE

[themightyabealrd]

05:44 AM on 07/27/2011

I hear people complain at great length over the most trivial things (my latte was lukewarm, the service at that restaurant was terrible, etc.) and think this country's going down the tubes. Then I read about someone like this Marine, a man to whom self pity is an alien concept....and I breathe a sigh of relief.

[skantea]

02:58 AM on 07/27/2011

Too bad Big Oil didn't pay for it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Afghanistan_Pipeline

[Jim Shaffer]

02:49 AM on 07/27/2011

Maybe the only good thing to come from that senseless war has been the advances in prosthetic limb technology. I'm sure Nicely's got a tough road ahead of him, and he's not the only one. Lot's of limbs lost to IED's. Lots of people going to need help the rest of their lives, and all depending on the veterans administration. Talk about the ultimate sacrifice. All for the purpose of 'nation building' - AKA - Occupying a foreign nation to install a crony government to have access to raw materiales.

[we-r-stardust]

04:43 AM on 07/27/2011

SPAMMER...­. FLAG IT

[Recalled]

01:59 AM on 07/27/2011

Sadly the War Criminals who were the cause of his loss walk away free. No questions asked. Consider Obama an accomplice.

[PowerPridePinstripes]

06:19 AM on 07/27/2011

Did you serve?! the current POTUS did not put us in OEF/OIF so get your facts straight! And when you are engaged in conflict, what, are you supposed to just leave everything in chaos and just walk away? Please tell me you have more sense than that!

[mcnote5150]

01:44 AM on 07/27/2011

A tribute to hope and the indomitable human spirit. Wonderful inspiring story for people who have less obstacles to overcome then this gentlemen did and a statement never to give up. Salute !

[redmaple]

01:39 AM on 07/27/2011

Should he really be driving?

[janehenry]

06:59 AM on 07/27/2011

Should you really be posting on a story like this with an attitude like that?

[RusStyles]

01:25 AM on 07/27/2011

This is a powerful example of unbelievable courage, will to live unrestrained, belief in oneself and inspiration to all...I wish I could shake his hand...

[Ground control]

01:47 AM on 07/27/2011

Uh, re-read the story. You can't do that.

a man of unbelievable courage, sent into an unnecessary war by an unbelievable coward.

[Angelaaaa]

02:50 AM on 07/27/2011

Yes, I think he knows that. Thus the poignancy of his wish.

[RusStyles]

07:55 AM on 07/27/2011

This is not a political story. Thus, your comment is unbelievably off base and unnecessary for this man's inspiring story.

[Dr Alexander Hamilton]

01:24 AM on 07/27/2011

I'm sorry my fellow citizens. I am trying to be positive about this story, but stories like this make me so angry because we are sending young kids to their deaths or seriously disfigured lives by unnecessary wars. One man in one house in D.C. makes a decision to send tons of our kids straight out of high school to war (along with Congressional members with nice cushy war-free jobs). Its disgusting. This young man's life will never be the same. He is told that he is a hero and he lost his limbs for his country. However, I see so many homeless disabled veterans on the streets right here in D.C. Many of them are severely disfigured. It is amazing they are able to survive on their own. We may be creating the next crop of homegrown terrorism by how we treat our soldiers coming back. Ok, breath, off my soapbox. This just saddens me so much. My prayers go out to him and his family. Regardless of the failings of those that sent him, this young man is very inspiration. May the universe continue to shine on him.

[Ground control]

01:55 AM on 07/27/2011

I completely agree with. I was a medic in Vietnam and worked for a year on a contaminated orthopedics ward before going overseas. That was a long time ago, and none of those amputated arms or legs have grown back as of yet. This story is especially sad because it was so completely unnecessary. And even worse, the Rs would like to cut his benefits.

[RusStyles]

08:16 AM on 07/27/2011

Anyone with a heart shares your sentiment. No matter how much you feel anger, it's not going to replace his limbs. All people that are against any war should protest by any means at their disposal. At the same time, it must be recognized that many of these young men volunteer because--rightly or wrongly--they want to fight for their country. It's what they signed up for...And expect the full support of their fellow Americans.

I will agree that Iraq was a sham. A con job. But Afghan is a different situation. We were viciously attacked by a terrorist organization. 911 was an act of war. You turn the other cheek at your peril...

Meanwhile, this Afghan vet is an incredible human being and his story of keeping on in the face of such tragic adversity is deeply moving.

[trnichols17]

01:18 AM on 07/27/2011

Good luck corpral Nicely.Thanks!