Published on November 11th, 2019 | by Darren Paltrowitz
0Military Veteran Centra “Ce-Ce” Mazyck On TrueCar & The “DrivenToDrive” Program
In 1995, Centra “Ce-Ce” Mazyck realized she wanted more out of life and joined the U.S Army Reserve, which was not surprising since the military literally runs in her veins — her mom, uncles and grandfather all served in the military too. 2 years later CeCe went on active duty and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. 6 years later her Army career took a turn when a routine jump turned tragic when the wind took her parachute and entangled her with another jumper causing them to crash land. Mazyck woke up paralyzed from the waist down and doctors told her she would never walk again. But they didn’t know about her secret weapon and inspiration: her then-infant son.
With her son inspiring her to keep going and, with support from Disabled American Veterans (DAV), she was able to push herself and now even walks with the help of forearm crutches. A retired Army Sergeant First Class, Mazyck has completed her education and is a fierce competitor in the Paralympics as a javelin thrower – winning the bronze in 2012. She is also able drive again.
Veterans like Mazyck are exactly the reason that TrueCar started DrivenToDrive, a program dedicated to helping the men and women of our military who have lost the privilege and freedom of driving in the service of our country. They fought for our freedom, and TrueCar is committed to helping them get back behind the wheel, so they may regain theirs. This year, TrueCar is partnering with AutoNation and DAV to amplify DrivenToDrive, a program fueled by the employees at the company and their eagerness for impactful service, and to support veterans. They believe that cars represent freedom and independence, and that driving is a privilege easily taken for granted.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Centra “Ce-Ce” Mazyck on November 6, 2019 — several days prior to Veteran’s Day 2019 — about DrivenToDrive and more, as embedded below.