b'The VIP Support Team Mike HazardTraining Specialist Veterans in Piping (VIP) programMike joined Local 114, Santa Barbara, CA, in 1987 as a pipe trades-man. In 1989, he put his UA career on hold to join the United States Navy, serving as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer and HH-46 Crew Chief for 12 years. Mike achieved the rank of First Class Petty Officer (E-6) before receiving an honorable discharge in August 2001. He joined Local 403 in San Luis Obispo, CA, and became a journeyman pipefitter, working in the field as a foreman, general foreman, piping superintendent and general superintendent. In 2008, Mike accepted a position as a curriculum development specialist with the Apprentice and Journeymen Training Trust Fund of the Southern California Pipe Trades, which then led to the positions of assistant trainingAn Award-Winning director and executive director. In 2012, Mike became a trainingspecialist for the International Training Fund and was given the Mike HazardProgramresponsibility for recruiting and overseeing the operations of the VIP programs nationwide for the UA.The United Associations Veterans in Piping (VIP)The VIP program has been the most rewarding work that Ive ever been involved in as a civilian. I know firsthand the pressure and stress associated with transitioning from military life to civilian life, program has been recog- and like many VIPs and other transitioning military service members, I did it with a wife, children, bills to pay, and feeling like I was shouldering huge responsibilities. It is now my responsibility to not only en-nized at the highest levelssure that every VIP participant gets the training that they need to leverage a great career with the UA, of the U.S. government asbut also that our partner contractors and UA apprenticeship programs are getting a VIP with the job skills that they are being promised so that VIP graduates can hit the ground running and make a contri-the most outstanding bution to their new teams on Day One. The UA knows that the VIP program is one of the best invest-private-sector veteransments that we can make for the future of our organization, and I am very proud to be a part of that.employment program in Nicole Jeupthe nation. In 2011, theService Member & Veteran Advisor Military Officers Associa- Veterans in Piping (VIP) programtion of America (MOAA) Nicole assists with the day-to-day operations associated with the re-added to this recognitioncruitment and placement for the UA VIP program nationwide. Prior to joining the UA, Nicole worked for the Army Education Center at by presenting the UnitedJoint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) as a Military Education Transition Association with its Counselor. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and is currently working on her Master of Arts in Psychology: Special-Distinguished Serviceization in Military Psychology. Award.The VIP program has been the most gratifying experience of my life, and I feel blessed to work with service members on a daily basis. The importance of ensuring our nations heroes experience a seamless transition from the military is often underestimated. Ive witnessed firsthand how the VIP program truly changes the lives, of not only theNicole Jeupservice member but their families too. Ive also experienced being on the other side of the fence as a former spouse of a service member tran-sitioning out of the military, so I have lived and understand the stressors and difficulties service members and their families face. It is incredibly exciting to see the growing number of lives the VIP program touches at such a vigorous pace, and I am extremely proud to be a part of it! Career Opportunities in Piping for Transitioning Veterans|Fall/Winter 2022'