SANTA MONICA, Calif
TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE), the most trusted automotive digital marketplace, awarded a new vehicle to Army veteran Yusuf Henriques of Alexandria, Virginia.
The recognition comes through TrueCar's DrivenToDrive initiative, a program made possible in partnership with DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and Sheehy Auto Stores.
Henriques enlisted in the Army after graduating high school and served as a combat medic. He completed four tours and aspired to a full military career, but injuries sustained in combat led to a medical discharge.
Returning to civilian life proved challenging for Henriques, a single father of three young daughters. He faced homelessness and struggled to navigate the benefits system. DAV proved instrumental in helping him receive his full military benefits.
In 2012, a close friend, and a U.S. Marine, died by suicide. Profoundly impacted, Henriques channeled his grief into research. He documented thousands of gene relationships linked to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, aiming to understand the factors influencing suicide.
Today, Henriques' new mission, as founder and CEO of IndyGeneUS, is to improve diversity to make clinical trials and medical treatments more effective. An alumnus of the DAV Patriot Boot Camp entrepreneur program, his innovations include biomarkers for PTSD and a device for detecting toxin exposure.
Representatives from TrueCar and Sheehy Auto Stores presented Henriques with a new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid on Dec. 11, 2024, in recognition of his service and commitment to others. The reliable transportation will facilitate his ongoing service and volunteer work.
"This incredible honor from TrueCar means a great deal," said Henriques. "Serving my fellow veterans is a passion, and this new vehicle will empower me to continue making a positive difference in their lives. I'm truly humbled by this opportunity."
"We are deeply honored to recognize Army veteran Yusuf Henriques for his extraordinary service," stated Jantoon Reigersman, TrueCar President and CEO. "His dedication to helping fellow veterans is truly inspiring. By awarding him this new vehicle, we hope to empower him to continue making a significant impact."
TrueCar launched the DrivenToDrive program in 2016, inspired by Army Ranger and DrivenToDrive ambassador Cory Remsburg, who was severely injured serving in Afghanistan. It aims to honor the sacrifices of service members and their families by supporting their mobility needs. This marks the 11th vehicle awarded through DrivenToDrive.
"We are grateful to TrueCar for recognizing Yusuf's outstanding service and dedication," said Barry Jesinoski, DAV CEO and national adjutant. "This generous gift will undoubtedly enhance his ability to continue supporting fellow veterans and underscores TrueCar's commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of our nation's heroes."
For more information about DrivenToDrive, its mission, past recipients, and ways to get involved, visit https://www.truecar.com/driventodrive/.