After 20 years of active duty, veteran Cary Tanrath is being honored by the YMCA for his service with a new car.
“We are honored every day to have a Y family member like Cary Tanrath,” said Joel Smoker, CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia.
U.S. Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard veteran Tanrath of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia was presented with the gift of a 2018 Mazda CX 5 last week.
“And it was truly an honor to be able to nominate him for this gift, which recognizes his 20 years of service to the country as well as his multiple years of service to the community through his work and volunteerism here at the Y,” said Smoker.
The vehicle was gifted by USAA and National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program as part of USAA’s 100th anniversary 100-car giveaway to military families in need.
"We were so pleased that he was chosen so that we can thank him," said Smoker.
A bit about Cary
The association maintenance director since 2021, Tanrath manages facilities and keeps things running. He has also been volunteering since 1995.
On his birthday in 2021, he was diagnosed with metastatic stomach cancer. The cancer has spread to his liver, left lung, several lymph nodes, and adrenal glands.
He is currently undergoing treatment. Yet, no matter how rigorous his battle, he continues to come to work to serve the Y’s community.
He proudly served his country for 20 years as an active-duty guardsman and soldier, fulfilling different positions:
- A Company and Battalion Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC) non-commissioned officer (NCO)
- Battalion Master Gunner
- Company First Sergeant for the Montana Army National Guard, with the 163rd Infantry Battalion
Tanrath is married to Carol Tanrath who has led the Islands YMCA’s gymnastics program for two decades.
Much of Tanrath’s treatment will not be covered by the Veterans Affairs, and the Recycled Rides gift will assist the family with travel and from critical treatments and avoid the costs of vehicle maintenance.
The YMCA of Coastal Georgia would like to thank:
- USAA
- The National Auto Body Council
- Enterprise
- Hendrick Automotive Group
- Gerber Collision & Glass
