--- title: JBLM HVACR Class 30 students ready for careers after graduation description: The students of Joint Base Lewis-McChord HVACR Class 30 have graduated from the UA VIP program and will soon begin their civilian union careers. image: https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/feature%20images%202023/United%20Association%20Veterans%20In%20Piping%20(UA%20VIP)%20Program%20-%20Joint%20Base%20Lewis-McChord%20Welding%20and%20HVACR.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-hvacr-class-30-students-ready-for-careers-after-graduation#mobile) ## NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program. # JBLM HVACR Class 30 students ready for careers after graduation - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [ UA Veterans in Piping ](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/author/ua-veterans-in-piping-vip) ###### Oct 24, 2024 12:15:00 AM ![](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/feature%20images%202023/United%20Association%20Veterans%20In%20Piping%20(UA%20VIP)%20Program%20-%20Joint%20Base%20Lewis-McChord%20Welding%20and%20HVACR.jpg) Congratulations to the members of Joint Base Lewis-McChord HVACR Class 30, who graduated from the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program on Oct. 24.  Once these UA VIP graduates transition out of the military, they are guaranteed direct entry into a DOL-registered apprenticeship program with a UA Local Union at an agreed-upon location.  The UA VIP program is a [DOD SkillBridge](https://skillbridge.osd.mil/) program, created to help active-duty service members transition back to civilian life as smoothly as possible.  Class 30 students learned the fundamentals of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration through classroom instruction and hands-on training through a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction. ![class 31 graduation pic](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/class%2031%20graduation%20pic.jpg?width=528&height=238&name=class%2031%20graduation%20pic.jpg) During their time in the program, Class 30 graduates had the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications in HVAC refrigeration, UA 51 brazing and more.  The UA VIP program offers 118 days of on-base training to help transitioning service members prepare for a civilian career in welding, HVACR or fire suppression at the following seven military installations: - [Camp Pendleton](https://www.uavip.org/camp-pendleton-vip-opportunities) (welding) - [Joint Base Lewis McChord](https://www.uavip.org/apply) (welding and HVACR) - [Fort Carson](https://www.uavip.org/fort-carson-vip-opportunities) (welding) - [Fort Cavazos](https://www.uavip.org/fort-cavazos-vip-opportunities) (welding) - [Camp Lejeune](https://www.uavip.org/camp-lejeune-vip-opportunities) (welding) - [Fort Campbell](https://www.uavip.org/fort-campbell-vip-opportunities) (welding and fire suppression) - [Naval Station Norfolk](https://www.uavip.org/norfolk-vip-opportunities) (HVACR) ## UA VIP apprentices stand out from peers  Class 30 graduates will start their apprenticeship knowing the basics of installing and maintaining heating, cooling and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial and industrial areas, helping them stand apart from their peers on the jobsite.  After Class 30 graduates transition out of the military, they will begin working for a UA signatory contractor.  While working as apprentices, Class 30 graduates will earn a livable wage and qualify for full-family medical and retirement benefits, including a 401K and pension.  If you or someone you know is a transitioning active-duty service member in your last six months of service and seeking guaranteed job security, apply for the [UA VIP program](https://www.uavip.org/) today.  [HVACR](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/hvacr)  |   [HVACR Service Technician](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/hvacr-service-technician)  |   [Joint Base Lewis-McChord](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/joint-base-lewis-mcchord)  |   [UA VIP Program](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-vip-program) ##### 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)