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HELENA- Thomas "Tomy" Parker of Ronan, a military veteran who lost his legs and most of one hand to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, is now cruising Montana roads in style.

Parker, 22, recently had his truck retro-fitted to include a wheelchair lift and hand controls which allows him to drive.

Parker drove to Helena on Wednesday to visit the VA; he also stopped at a cafe to have lunch with Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger.

He says he enjoys his new-found freedom: "It's amazing to be able to decide where I want to go and when I want to go and when I want to leave. It was all new, driving in snow with hand controls and everything. It's been pretty cool."

Parker is still on active duty, but will eventually be released from the military.

Parker says that he'd like to eventually run for a state office.