--- title: JBLM Graduates Welding Class 12 and HVAC-R Class 11 description: Members of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord UA VIP Welders and HVACR class graduated on June 13. image: https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/JBLM%20Weld%20class%2012.jpg --- [![United Association Veterans In Piping Program logo](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/uavip-seventeen/logos/uavip-logo.svg "United Association Veterans In Piping Program logo")](https://www.uavip.org/) UNITED ASSOCIATION VETERANS IN PIPING PROGRAM [![Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Technicians logo](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/uavip-seventeen/logos/ua-logo-round-w-text-wt.png?width=798&height=798&name=ua-logo-round-w-text-wt.png "Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Technicians logo")](https://www.ua.org/) Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Technicians [Ë](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/jblm-graduates-welding-class-12-and-hvac-r-class-11#mobile) ## NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program. # JBLM Graduates Welding Class 12 and HVAC-R Class 11 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [ UA Veterans in Piping ](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/author/ua-veterans-in-piping-vip) ###### Jul 14, 2017 9:03:00 AM ![JBLM Weld class 12.jpg](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/JBLM%20Weld%20class%2012.jpg) The United Association Veterans in Piping Program proudly announces the graduation of its VIP Program Joint Base Lewis-McChord Welding Class 12 and HVAC-R Class 11 on July 13. Nine service members graduated from the welding class and eight graduated from the HVAC-R class. The UA VIP Program provides servicemen and servicewoman at JBLM with free career training in the piping trades so they can begin a career with the UA upon their discharge from the military. “The long-standing partnership that has formed between the United Association and the leadership at JBLM has been very fruitful for both parties, but the real winners are these fine young military service members of JBLM's UA VIP welding and HVAC-R classes,” said Mike Hazard, UA VIP Administrator and military veteran. “The VIP graduates of welding 12 and HVAC-R class 11 have proved through their hard work and dedication over the past 18 weeks that they are ready to make an immediate impact with their newly developed skills in their new careers as UA apprentices; and we wish them the best of luck!” ![JBLM Weld class 12.jpg](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/JBLM%20Weld%20class%2012.jpg?width=632&height=421&name=JBLM%20Weld%20class%2012.jpg)Open to active-duty servicemen and servicewomen preparing to transition out of the armed forces, the UA VIP Program is a free, accelerated 18-week training course designed to teach students the basics in certain pipe trades. Welding Class 12 and HVAC-R Class 11 both began March 7. During their 18-week course, UA VIP members receive classroom and hands-on training for their respective trades, including safety training. Those in the welding program learn the skillset necessary to work for a UA contractor as a pipefitter or welder. HVAC-R students prepare themselves for career working as a heating, ventilation, air conditioner and refrigeration service technician. ![Members of the JBLM UA VIP HVAC-R Class 11 graduated on June 13.](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/JBLM%20Class%2011%20HVACR.jpg?width=632&name=JBLM%20Class%2011%20HVACR.jpg "Members of the JBLM UA VIP HVAC-R Class 11 graduated on June 13.") Upon graduation from the program, graduates are given the opportunity to accept an apprenticeship with an agreed upon UA Local. Upon leaving the military, graduates will begin an UA apprenticeship and are guaranteed a job with one of their signatory contractors. “HVACR Class 11 is very excited to start a new career in the United Association,” said JBLM HVAC-R Instructor Dave Gibson. “The class caught on quickly and completed all certification. They are eager to learn more on the job and in their apprenticeship training." JBLM Lead Welding Instructor Kris McAferty said students in Class 12 displayed a positive approach to the program. "This class has had a great attitude and I think they will take that to their new home Locals and do great things,” said McAferty. “Attitude is everything. As we near the end of this class it's exciting to see how far they have come, and I can't wait to see them starting a new life with the skills they have learned.” To date, there have been 310 transitioning service members that have been trained through the VIP programs at JBLM. ![July 13 2017 Graduation.jpg](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/July%2013%202017%20Graduation.jpg?width=632&height=421&name=July%2013%202017%20Graduation.jpg) Any active-duty members at JBLM who will transitioning out of the military can get more information on the UA VIP Program by submitting your contact information by [clicking here](https://www.uavip.org/apply). [HVACR](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/hvacr)  |   [HVACR Service Technician](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/hvacr-service-technician)  |   [Accelerated Welding Training](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/accelerated-welding-training)  |   [Joint Base Lewis-McChord](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/joint-base-lewis-mcchord)  |   [UA VIP Graduate](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-vip-graduate) ##### Comments ## faq FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS We’re sure you have lots of questions about the VIP Program. A lot of these questions can be answered in our FAQ area. Click the button below to learn more. [faq](https://www.uavip.org/faq) ## Video and Photo Gallery Take a [look](https://www.uavip.org/media-gallery) at everything the VIP program is doing for our returning veterans — through videos and photos. ![VIP Graduate David Adams](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP_Graduate_David_Adams_sm.jpg "VIP Graduate David Adams") ![VIP Graduate David Adams](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP_Graduate_David_Adams_sm-large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP_Graduate_David_Adams_sm-large.jpg "VIP Graduate David Adams") Pipefitters Local 455, St. Paul, MN, Apprentice David Adams (VIP graduate, Wisconsin Welding Class 2) is pictured on the job working for Pioneer Piping, Incorporated (PPI) at the Flint Hills Refinery in MN. ![Camp Pendleton](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Joe_Miller_Butte_MT_2.jpg "Camp Pendleton") ![Camp Pendleton](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Joe_Miller_Butte_MT_2-large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=Joe_Miller_Butte_MT_2-large.jpg "Camp Pendleton") Camp Pendleton VIP Graduate turned out as Journeyman and makes a life in Butte, MT, with Local 41. ![Orry graduated](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Orry_Camp_Lejeune_02.jpg "Orry graduated") ![Orry graduated](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/Orry_Camp_Lejeune_02_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=Orry_Camp_Lejeune_02_large.jpg "Orry graduated") Orry graduated on April 9, 2015 and affiliated with UA Local 455, St. Paul, MN. ![Jerry Heneha](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Jerry_FT_Sill_Class_01.jpg "Jerry Heneha") ![Jerry Heneha](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Jerry_FT_Sill_Class_01-large-1.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=Jerry_FT_Sill_Class_01-large-1.jpg "Jerry Heneha") Sgt. Jerry Heneha, A Battery, 1st Battalion, 31st Field Artillery, puts together a valve system in preparation for his final week of the United Association's Veterans in Piping program at the Industrial Training Complex Photo Credit: Ms. Marie Berberea (TRADOC) ![inaugural Sprinkler](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/Fort_Sill_Class_01_800x600.jpg "inaugural Sprinkler") ![inaugural Sprinkler](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Fort_Sill_Class_01_800x600-large.jpg?width=217&height=169&name=Fort_Sill_Class_01_800x600-large.jpg "inaugural Sprinkler") Fort Sill's inaugural Sprinkler Fitter class began on 2 March 2015. ![SFC Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_104.jpg "SFC Michael Olsen") ![SFC Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_104-large.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=VIP15FtHood-_104-large.jpg "SFC Michael Olsen") SFC Michael Olsen and 1SG William Davidson presented their instructors Louis Purcella and Micah Tyler with a momentum from the class. ![SGT Howard Nash](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_055.jpg "SGT Howard Nash") ![SGT Howard Nash](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_055-large.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=VIP15FtHood-_055-large.jpg "SGT Howard Nash") SGT Howard Nash is headed to Harrisburg, PA, to affiliate with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 520. ![Gail Pilecki](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_038.jpg "Gail Pilecki") ![Gail Pilecki](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_038-large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_038-large.jpg "Gail Pilecki") Gail Pilecki was so proud of her son, SGT Jeremy Pilecki, on graduation day. SGT Pilecki will make his home in Houston, affiliating with Pipefitters Local 211. ![William Davidson](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_017.jpg "William Davidson") ![William Davidson](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/VIP15FtHood-_017-large.jpg?width=217&height=153&name=VIP15FtHood-_017-large.jpg "William Davidson") 1SG William Davidson gave the graduate testimonial. He will remain with his family in Waco, TX, affiliating with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 529 in Waco, TX. ![Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_077_sm.jpg "Michael Olsen") ![Michael Olsen](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_077_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_077_large.jpg "Michael Olsen") SFC Michael Olsen and his wife, Amanda, will remain in the area, affiliating with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 529 in Waco, TX. ![SPC Chad Eberle](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_032_sm.jpg "SPC Chad Eberle") ![SPC Chad Eberle](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_032_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_032_large.jpg "SPC Chad Eberle") Alysa and SPC Chad Eberle will be heading to San Antonio, TX, with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 142. ![SGT Lawrence Beller](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_070_sm.jpg "SGT Lawrence Beller") ![SGT Lawrence Beller](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo_Gallery_/VIP15FtHood-_070_large.jpg?width=153&height=217&name=VIP15FtHood-_070_large.jpg "SGT Lawrence Beller") SGT Lawrence Beller, his wife, Brittney, and daughter, Nahla, will be making Houston, TX, their home, affiliating with Pipefitters Local 211. Mouse over thumbnails to view larger videos and photos or view entire [Gallery](https://www.uavip.org/media-gallery). ## News & Happenings ##### [More News & Happenings](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings) ## faq FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS We’re sure you have lots of questions about the VIP Program. A lot of these questions can be answered in our FAQ area. Click the button below to learn more. [faq](https://www.uavip.org/faq) --- ## Video and Photo Gallery Take a [look](https://www-uavip-org.sandbox.hs-sites.com/media-gallery) at everything the VIP program is doing for our returning veterans — through videos and photos. [Gallery](https://www.uavip.org/media-gallery) --- ## News & Happenings [News](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings)