Union Organizer, Community Volunteer, and Advocate

Larry W.

Y-12 and K-25 | 1969-2008 | National Organizing Director, Machinists Union

Cold War Patriots is delighted to introduce you to our May 2021 Everyday Patriot, Larry W.!


Born and raised in Tennessee, Larry began working in Oak Ridge in 1969 at Y-12 as a machinist, then at K-25 as an operator. In 1987, Larry became a representative for the International Machinists Union. Larry later moved to Washington, D.C., to become the National Organizing Director of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Union, retiring in 2008. Working as a union organizer, Larry became connected with many other DOE employees and enjoyed being able to assist his fellow workers. He now helps organize union retiree meetings.

Larry has volunteered for a variety of organizations including the United Way, Leadership Oak Ridge, and the Oak Ridge Housing Authority. Larry also assists the Cold War Patriots organization on a regular basis, extending invitations to speak with members at their retiree meetings and by encouraging members to attend CWP events.

Larry is held in high esteem by his former colleagues and those he works with closely in his volunteer work. He was nominated by five different people to be an “Everyday Patriot” and is honored to be included in the calendar. He considers himself to be a “people person” and told us his favorite memory of working at Y-12 was being able to form bonds and work closely with many dedicated and hard-working people through the years.