Fort Campbell recently honored the UA VIP Program and its instructors.
Michael Smith, on behalf of his entire Fort Campbell VIP training staff, accepted an award from the Installation Management Command at Fort Campbell.
The Fort Campbell United Association Veterans in Piping Program teaches transitioning soldiers the basics of welding, which will prepare them for a welding career in the UA.
Once program graduates transition from the military to civilian life, they begin the next phase of their life as a UA apprentice and are placed into a job with a UA signatory contractor.
Garrison Commander Colonel James R. Salome and Garrison Command Sergeant Major Noel S. Foster recognized the program for outstanding achievement and significant contributions. The Fort Campbell UA VIP Program graduated 115 students between 2015 and May 2017, with a 99.1 percent graduation rate.
“I am extremely proud for having the biggest VIP welding program that is on a post with room to grow even bigger,” said Smith. “This award means a lot to me coming from the Garrison Sergeant Major and Colonel Salome for recognizing me and the UA for all our work in helping transitioning soldiers learn a skilled trade.”
For Smith, the award is more than just being recognized for doing a good job, it also means they helped transform the lives of more than 100 men and women.
“It says that the VIP program here in Fort Campbell strives to teach these transitioning soldiers how to weld so that they can have a long successful career in the UA,” he said.
The program instructors were acknowledged in two separate awards for the personal care, attention to detail and relationships they have made with employers and soldiers, which has ensured a model approach and best practice.
The awards also cited the VIP Program’s outstanding support, loyal dedication, strong commitment and hard work.
Smith said some of the credit should also go to the VIP participants.
“They work extremely hard,” said Smith. “We measure success one stringer at a time.”
The UA VIP Program applauds Instructor Michael Smith and his staff for this outstanding recognition.
If you are serving at For Campbell and are ready to take the first step to joining the VIP Program submit your contact information here.
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