--- title: UA VIP Camp Lejeune Welding Class 25 reaches halfway mark description: Camp Lejeune Welding Class 25 students are halfway through their accelerated welding training in the UA VIP program. image: https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/feature%20images%202023/United%20Association%20Veterans%20In%20Piping%20(UA%20VIP)%20Program%20-%20Camp%20Lejeune%20Welding.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/ua-vip-camp-lejeune-welding-class-25-reaches-halfway-mark#mobile) ## NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program. # UA VIP Camp Lejeune Welding Class 25 reaches halfway mark - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [ UA Veterans in Piping ](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/author/ua-veterans-in-piping-vip) ###### Feb 29, 2024 10:08:00 AM ![](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/feature%20images%202023/United%20Association%20Veterans%20In%20Piping%20(UA%20VIP)%20Program%20-%20Camp%20Lejeune%20Welding.jpg) The active-duty service members of Camp Lejeune Welding Class 25 have reached the halfway point of the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program.  At this point in their training, Welding Class 25 students have started learning the basic skills of welding and are on their way to obtaining several industry-recognized certifications.  As the class progresses, students will complete the training for those certifications as they further develop their skills and industry knowledge.  UA VIP is a [DOD SkillBridge](https://skillbridge.osd.mil/) program designed to help active-duty service members smoothly transition back into civilian life with guaranteed job placement.  Marine Cpl. Jacob Mlocki was encouraged by a friend to apply for the UA VIP program and he is grateful that he did.  “The program is structured very well,” he said. “They definitely have a crawl, walk, run mentality to make sure you understand what you’re doing before they move you on.” After transitioning from the military, Mlocki will begin his UA apprenticeship program at [Pipeliners Local 798](https://local798.org/) in Tulsa, Okla. Marine Cpl. Gunner Linn is also a Welding Class 25 member. He described his time in the UA VIP program as “amazing.” Linn was interested in learning how to weld and after researching the program and looking at the website, he liked what he saw.  “Anyone thinking about applying to join the UA VIP program should do it,” he said. “I would tell them about all the good things that come along with it.” After he graduates and transitions out of the military, Linn will begin his apprenticeship at [Steamfitters Pipefitters Local 455](https://local455.com/) in St. Paul, Minn.  UA VIP graduates are guaranteed direct entry into a [DOL-registered](https://www.dol.gov/) UA apprenticeship program with the UA at an agreed-upon location nationwide.  Any service member can apply for placement in the UA VIP program and begin on-base training in welding, fire suppression or HVAC-R during their last six months of military commitment.  The UA VIP program is offered at the following military installations: - [Camp Pendleton ](https://www.uavip.org/camp-pendleton-vip-opportunities) - [Joint Base Lewis-McChord](https://www.uavip.org/apply) - [Fort Carson](https://www.uavip.org/fort-carson-vip-opportunities)  - [Fort Cavazos ](https://www.uavip.org/fort-cavazos-vip-opportunities) - [Camp Lejeune ](https://www.uavip.org/camp-lejeune-vip-opportunities) - [Fort Campbell ](https://www.uavip.org/fort-campbell-vip-opportunities) - [Naval Station Norfolk](https://www.uavip.org/norfolk-vip-opportunities) ## A future with the UA  After Welding Class 25 students graduate from the UA VIP program and transition out of the military, they will join a UA registered apprenticeship program where they will begin working for a UA signatory contractor.  While working as an apprentice, VIP graduates will be paid a livable wage and will qualify for medical benefits for not only themselves but for their families. They will also earn retirement benefits including a 401(k) and pension. As apprentices, the Welding Class 25 graduates will continue to learn and improve their technical skills and industry knowledge through classroom instruction and on-the-job training.  The UA VIP program recognizes the sacrifice, skills and dedication military members bring to the piping industry and wants to equip them with the resources necessary to succeed in a civilian career.  If you or someone you know is in their last six months of active duty service, consider [applying ](https://www.uavip.org/trades-that-ua-vip-offers)for the UA VIP program today.  [Camp Lejeune](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/camp-lejeune)  |   [Accelerated Welding Training](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/accelerated-welding-training)  |   [DoD SkillBridge](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/dod-skillbridge)  |   [United Association](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/united-association)  |   [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)