b'In the military, you have a strong purpose, whichJose is to defend this country.BallejoAs apprentices and jour-neymen and women, we also have a purpose Iraq, and we ended up getting ex- tary to handle difficult situations, many of us tended. We lost one of our brothersbury our thoughts. In the end, we are just were building America.on that extension, which sucked be- human beings. There is no way that youre not cause we werent even supposed toaffected by situations we experience. be there. It hit us all hard. Jonathon Jose feels he has become a better listenerJose Ballejo was someone we hung out with allthrough the training the VIP program offers its the time. He was the fifth one outinstructors. He stated he is more understanding of our Battalion who we lost.and has recognized the triggers that caused himAfter Iraq, I went back to Fortto relive some experiences. Jose noted that it is Benning. I knew I was different.consistently the brotherhood and sisterhood Everybody is different when youthat is so strong in the United Association that come back from a deployment likeprovides the support many veterans seek. In the that. It was a crazy time for the mil- military, you have a strong purpose, he said, itary. They didnt know how to han- which is to defend this country. As apprentices dle guys who came back with issues,and journeymen and women, we also have a and I say by the grace of God, I feltpurposewere building America. OK. But when I look back, I know I After Fort Benning, Jose went to Fort Car-had issues too. Its different now forson, where he heard about the Veterans in Pip-the VIPs. As VIP instructors, weing (VIP) program. He had already put in his completed training with Dr. Sallyretirement package. Jose got his paperwork Spencer-Thomas called The Mem- signed and scheduled for an interview for the ber Assistance Program (MAP),program. He recalled, There were four guys in which made me aware of a lot. Evensuits interviewing me. I had not had time to though we are trained in the mili- prepare a resume, and Im thinking, I am never Career Opportunities in Piping for Transitioning Veterans|Fall/Winter 2022 9'