An Erie, PA, mail carrier, who tragically lost both of his legs as the result of an accident while on duty, decided he wanted to go back to work instead of sitting at home and collecting disability. Ron Holman is getting adjusted to his new surroundings in the Human Resources Department of the U.S. Postal Service in Erie where he has taken a desk job, having recently re-entered the working world, 20 months after his accident.

"It's great to be back," Holman, who is in his 30s, said. "It's going to be a real challenge," he added about his new position. "It's a different role that I'm willing to step up to."

Holman had to have his legs amputated below the knees after an out-of-control car slammed into his Postal Service Jeep and pinned him against it in 1994.

He now walks with artificial legs. He was offered full workers' compensation benefits from the accident, but he decided to continue working part time. And if doctors' orders allow it, he may eventually return to work as a full-time employee.

"I set three goals for myself," he said. "The first was to get out of the hospital. The next was to walk, and the last was to return to work."

In addition to disallowing himself to be set back because of his accident, Holman was honored by being an Olympic torch runner in Erie. He was greeted with cheers by his hometown as he walked down the street pushing his wheelchair, which had the torch attached to it.

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• Work Accident - Bureau of Labor Statistics
Case and demographic characteristics for work-related injuries and illnesses involving days away from work compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor.