--- title: UA VIP Fort Campbell Sprinkler Fitter Class 11 begins description: Graduates of the United Association VIP Fort Campbell Sprinkler Fitter Class 11 will soon begin their sustainable civilian careers with the UA. image: https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/feature%20images%202023/United%20Association%20Veterans%20In%20Piping%20(UA%20VIP)%20Program%20-%20Fort%20Campbell%20Fire%20Suppression%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/ua-vip-fort-campbell-sprinkler-fitter-class-11-begins#mobile) ## NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program. # UA VIP Fort Campbell Sprinkler Fitter Class 11 begins - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [ UA Veterans in Piping ](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/author/ua-veterans-in-piping-vip) ###### Mar 20, 2023 11:22:00 AM ![UA VIP | News | ](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/feature%20images%202023/United%20Association%20Veterans%20In%20Piping%20(UA%20VIP)%20Program%20-%20Fort%20Campbell%20Fire%20Suppression%20and%20HVACR.jpg) It won’t be long before Fort Campbell Sprinkler Fitter Class 11 students begin their civilian careers in the pipe trades.  The United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program is a [DOD Skillbridge program](https://skillbridge.osd.mil/) dedicated to helping transitioning active-duty service members transition into civilian life after their time in the military.  Once they transition out of the military, graduates are guaranteed placement in a UA registered apprenticeship program at an agreed-upon location.  Before their 18 weeks of training, Class 11 students will learn skills introduced by experienced journeyman instructors. Instructors integrate foundational pipe trades practices through the use of classroom instruction and hands-on training.  Students obtained industry-recognized certifications in steel pipe threading, basic rigging and signal person training, copper joining, CPVC certificates, and CPR/First Aid certificates. Upon graduation, Class 11 students will be prepared for civilian careers where they install and maintain high and low-pressure piping, equipment and devices to supply fire protection systems with water, foam, carbon dioxide and other materials in hospitals, commercial buildings, manufacturing plants and home and apartment buildings.  ## The start of a new civilian career   During their apprenticeship training, VIP graduates will earn good union wages while they learn and quickly qualify for quality health insurance for their families. They also start earning a pension and a 401K for their retirement. Their pay gradually increases as they progress through the apprenticeship program and expand their skill set.  Once you become a UA member the opportunities for career progression are vast. Starting as an apprentice the UA provides numerous training opportunities to grow and develop into a highly skilled journey-level worker.  Transitioning active-duty service members are welcome to apply for the UA VIP program during their last six months of service.  The UA VIP program offers career training in welding, HVACR and fire suppression, where students learn the basics of installing, inspecting, repairing and maintaining fire sprinkler systems.  There are currently nine programs operating at seven locations nationwide, serving all branches of the military. Service members stationed at neighboring installations are highly encouraged to apply for the UA VIP program nearest them.  - [Joint Base Lewis-McChord](https://www.uavip.org/apply) offers training in welding and HVAC  - [Camp Pendleton](https://www.uavip.org/camp-pendleton-vip-opportunities) offers training in welding  - [Fort Carson](https://www.uavip.org/fort-carson-vip-opportunities) offers training in welding  - [Fort Hood](https://www.uavip.org/fort-hood-vip-opportunities) offers training in welding - [Camp Lejeune](https://www.uavip.org/camp-lejeune-vip-opportunities) offers training in welding - [Fort Campbell](https://www.uavip.org/fort-campbell-vip-opportunities) offers training in welding and fire suppression  - [Naval Station](https://www.uavip.org/norfolk-vip-opportunities) Norfolk offers training in HVAC If you are interested in training in the fire protection field, click [here](https://www.uavip.org/fort-campbell-vip-opportunities) to learn if the UA VIP program at Fort Campbell is the best option for you.  [![Download Fort Campbell VIP Fire Suppression Program Application Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/687120/d29c2b87-0237-4abd-baef-4e9d4d5d4c5c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/687120/d29c2b87-0237-4abd-baef-4e9d4d5d4c5c) [Fort Campbell](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/fort-campbell)  |   [DoD SkillBridge](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/dod-skillbridge)  |   [Fire Suppression Advanced Training](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/fire-suppression-advanced-training) ##### 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)