TrueCar, Inc. is partnering with DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and AutoNation to award a much-needed new vehicle to Colonel Greg Gadson through its TrueCar Military DrivenToDrive initiative.
Col. Gadson, a decorated U.S. Army commander who served in the Army for more than 26 years as a field artillery officer and who is a bilateral above-the-knee amputee, was presented with a new Chevrolet SUV custom retrofitted to his needs due to his service-related injuries at a ceremony celebrating him and his achievements at an AutoNation dealership in Phoenix, AZ.
“As I look at my own recovery, the number one thing that made me feel most normal was the first time I was able to drive again after being wounded, so I appreciate the significance of the DrivenToDrive initiative and what it provides to injured veterans like myself,” said Col. Gadson.
Colonel Gadson being awarded his new Chevrolet. 
Colonel Gadson excited to get going.
Col. Gadson, a DAV ambassador, has a passion for empowering the disabled veteran community and gives back through motivational speaking, even speaking before Congress. He is an avid photographer and uses photography as a way to heal and move forward. Col. Gadson plans to use his new vehicle to continue sharing this passion for capturing life with other veterans.
“Col. Gadson’s contribution to the veteran community is inspiring and we’re honored to support vets like him. We’re especially pleased that through the DrivenToDrive initiative we have the opportunity to provide a vehicle to Col. Gadson who we know will put it to good use by giving back to the veteran groups he travels the country to speak to,” said Mike Darrow, CEO and president at TrueCar. “The mindset of our military community is amazing, especially the resilience of those who are injured.”
TrueCar Military’s DrivenToDrive initiative was started in 2016, inspired by Army Ranger and DrivenToDrive ambassador, Cory Remsburg, who was severely injured while serving in Afghanistan. The initiative was created to help injured veterans, who have greatly sacrificed for our country, regain their independence and get back behind the wheel of a vehicle.
“Our partnership with TrueCar has truly transformed the lives of the veterans we serve,” said Marc Burgess, CEO of DAV. “The sense of independence that comes with driving is something that has an impact on a person’s everyday life, and we’re so grateful to TrueCar for ensuring veterans can lead high-quality lives with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4.7 million, or 26% of veterans have a service-related disability. With independent transportation comes the sense of freedom that mobility provides.
“AutoNation is proud to partner with TrueCar once again, to support veterans through the DrivenToDrive initiative, and we are honored to recognize Col. Gadson for more than 26 years of service and dedication to our country,” said Marc Cannon, executive vice president and chief customer experience officer at AutoNation. “With this new retrofitted vehicle, Col. Gadson can enjoy the freedom of the open road.”
For more information about DrivenToDrive, its mission, past winners and ways to get involved, visit https://www.truecar.com/driventodrive/.
