USW Cares: Raylynn McIntire of Local 5 Recieves Jefferson Award for District 12

Raylynn McIntire of Local 5, District 12, was recognized with a Jefferson Award on June 1st for serving those who serve our country.  She's been making sure our veterans' needs are met if their bravery results in injury or illness for the past five years. Raylynn organizes and leads a project that raises funds to bring gift bags of blankets, toiletries, puzzles, books, clothing and more to long-term and short-term patients at her local Veterans Hospital.

She was inspired to start this project after talking to her daughter who was a pharmacy intern at the hospital and hearing that the patients had to pay for things like razors, shampoo and any other personal items. Since many veterans have limited income to purchase these necessities, Raylynn brought the project idea to her local.

Last year alone, they were able to raise $20,000 to fill almost 200 large bags of goodies, and that was when the local was just coming out of a strike. This goes to show how committed the members are to giving back to those who give them their freedom, many of whom are also their own brothers and sisters.

“We have a lot of ex-military in our local,” Raylynn said. “And our people have really stepped up.”

The veterans are always incredibly grateful for Raylynn and the gift bags her local donates as many of them don’t have family or friends in the area to assist them. Not only do they receive the tangible items they need, but they are also reminded by this project that they are not alone.

“She is the most compassionate and caring person I have ever met,” Howard Jones, Raylynn’s co-worker and U.S. veteran, said. “The patients at the Veterans Hospital are not patients to Raylynn—they are her family.”

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