--- title: Joint Base Lewis-McChord HVACR VIP grads look forward to great careers description: The UA VIP graduates of Joint Base Lewis-McChord HVACR Class 24 look forward to good paying careers after the military through a UA apprenticeship. image: https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Jose%20Esparza%20-%20JBLM%20HVACR%20Class%2024.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/joint-base-lewis-mcchord-hvacr-vip-grads-look-forward-to-great-careers#mobile) ## NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program. # Joint Base Lewis-McChord HVACR VIP grads look forward to great careers - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [ UA Veterans in Piping ](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/author/ua-veterans-in-piping-vip) ###### Jul 1, 2022 11:25:00 AM ![Joint Base Lewis-McChord HVACR VIP grads look forward to great careers](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Jose%20Esparza%20-%20JBLM%20HVACR%20Class%2024.jpg) U.S. Marine Cpl. James Elliott joined the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program for the opportunity to start a good paying career and a change of scenery every day. “I joined the UA VIP for a great career and a job with great pay and benefits,” Elliott said. “It’s a career that will let me move around to different job sites and not see the same thing, day in and day out. “I’ve really enjoyed the class,” Elliott said. “My stress level is next to zero since I’ve been here, compared to where I was.” Now that Elliott and his fellow trainees have graduated from Joint Base Lewis-McChord HVACR Class 24, they will prepare for that career first hand after they transition out of the military. They will join a UA registered apprenticeship at an agreed upon location and begin good paying careers in the pipe trades. The UA VIP program is a Career Skills Program (CSP) that prepares transitioning active-duty service members for a career in the pipe trades. It provides guaranteed job placement in a decent paying union job after the military. ## The 18-week class taught foundational trade skills HVACR Class 24’s 18-week training course involved hands-on training and classroom instruction alongside an experienced journeyman instructor.  “The UA VIP training provides fast paced learning of HVACR skills with plenty of hands-on experience,” Army Spc. Jeonghyo Kim said. “I learned a lot of information during the training that prepared me well for the certifications.” Transitioning active-duty service members are invited to apply to the UA VIP program during their last 18 months of enlistment. Training is offered in welding, HVACR and fire sprinkler fitting [at select military bases across the country](https://www.uavip.org/participating-bases).   ## A guaranteed civilian job after the military When the graduates start their UA registered apprenticeship program after transitioning out of the military, they will quickly become eligible for quality healthcare for their families. They will earn while they learn and receive annual pay raises as they progress through the program and expand their training. They will start earning a pension and a 401K for their retirement.  ![Jose Esparza - JBLM HVACR Class 24](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Jose%20Esparza%20-%20JBLM%20HVACR%20Class%2024.jpg?width=386&name=Jose%20Esparza%20-%20JBLM%20HVACR%20Class%2024.jpg) Once they complete their apprenticeship and become a journeyman, they will have numerous opportunities for career advancement. They will work for UA signatory contractors. Some will eventually become foremen or supervisors. Others may even return to the UA VIP program as journeyman instructors. The graduates can look forward to good paying careers in the UA in a trade that has high job demand. New skills and fresh faces are badly needed in the construction industry. The newly acquired skills of the UA VIP graduates will be in high demand.  Being able to immediately start a good paying civilian career significantly eased the stress of getting out of the military, Army Sgt. Jeremy Olson said.  “If you want a solid plan to make it easier transitioning out of the military, I’d strongly recommend taking advantage of this program,” Olson said. “The UA VIP program has been a great adjustment and significantly prepared me with valuable skills to be able to do my job.” [![Email and request virtual or in-person program briefings from Joint Base Lewis-McChord IMCOM.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/687120/3a6d4260-8388-417e-a0b5-f4836e14a67f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/687120/3a6d4260-8388-417e-a0b5-f4836e14a67f) [HVACR](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/hvacr)  |   [Joint Base Lewis-McChord](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/joint-base-lewis-mcchord)  |   [UA Veterans in Piping](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-veterans-in-piping)  |   [UA VIP Program](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-vip-program)  |   [United Association VIP Program](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/united-association-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)