--- title: UA VIP Fort Campbell Welding Class 18 looks forward to bright careers description: The UA VIP grads of Fort Campbell’s Welding Class 18 can look forward to bright careers in the pipe trades after they get out of the military. image: https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/IMG_0101.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-welding-class-18-looks-forward-to-bright-careers#mobile) ## NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program. # UA VIP Fort Campbell Welding Class 18 looks forward to bright careers - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [ UA Veterans in Piping ](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/author/ua-veterans-in-piping-vip) ###### Aug 11, 2022 11:30:00 AM ![UA VIP Fort Campbell Welding Class 18 looks forward to bright careers](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/IMG_0101.jpg) The graduating members of Fort Campbell’s Welding Class 18 are about to see another promise of the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program fulfilled. After they transition out of the military, they will join a UA registered apprenticeship, earn good union wages with health benefits and begin good paying careers in the pipe industry. “The UA VIP program means more to me than I can put into words,” Army Spc. Thomas Hubbard said. “It’s a one of a kind opportunity to give people what I would consider a perfect transition from working in a military type environment to going and successfully working in a local union. The opportunities are endless with the UA.” The UA VIP program is a Career Skills Program (CSP) that provides transitioning active-duty service members a direct path to a career in the pipe trades. It guarantees graduates a good paying job after the military. “I look forward to getting out of the military and beginning this awesome career,” Army Chief Warrant Officer Edward Griffie said. “I am really excited to see what the start of my future looks like.” Over the course of 18 weeks, the Class 18 graduates trained alongside an experienced journeyman instructor through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training. They learned basic welding skills as well as earned industry recognized certifications that will put them ahead of their peers when they begin their UA registered apprenticeship after the military. The students earned certifications in oxy fuel cutting, SMAW plate welding, SPAW and GTAW pipe welding and SMAW pipe spooling. “The UA VIP program is an opportunity to succeed in a fulfilling career,” Army Sgt. Jared Gales said. “I am very much looking forward to the next step I am taking into the pipe industry. The opportunity to join the UA is a dream come true for myself and my family.” The UA VIP program offers training in welding, HVACR and fire sprinkler fitting [at select military bases across the county](https://www.uavip.org/participating-bases). ![IMG_0101](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_0101.jpg?width=581&name=IMG_0101.jpg) ## A direct path to a good paying career with the UA Once the graduates finish their military commitments, they will begin a UA registered apprenticeship program at an agreed upon location. Some will join UA Locals in Savannah, Ga., Nashville, Tenn. and Pomona, Calif. Their families will quickly qualify for quality health care benefits, and they’ll start earning a pension and a 401K for their retirement. “My goal when I get to my Local and begin my apprenticeship is to learn everything I possibly can about pipe fitting and welding,” Gales said. “I plan to take full advantage of every educational opportunity.” Once they complete their apprenticeship training, they will become journeymen with numerous opportunities for career advancement. Some will eventually become foremen or superintendents. Others will become journeyman instructors, and perhaps even teach in the UA VIP program. “I’m going to work to perfect my craft and become a high-level, skilled journeyman so that I am able to mentor future UA apprentices,” Army Sgt. Jesenia Rivera said. The UA VIP graduates of Fort Campbell Welding Class 18 can look forward to a bright future with the start of a good paying career in an industry that continues to have a high demand for jobs.  “I look forward to forming a brotherhood like I did with the military and being able to support my family,” Army Spc. Mark Koeller said. “I’m excited to begin a career in pipe welding and becoming a valuable employee wherever I go.” ![Ft Campbell Weld Shop](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Ft%20Campbell%20Weld%20Shop.jpg?width=667&name=Ft%20Campbell%20Weld%20Shop.jpg) [![Download Fort Campbell VIP Welding Program Application Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/687120/008247c0-f99b-4605-a3b4-8118ab377a6a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/687120/008247c0-f99b-4605-a3b4-8118ab377a6a) [Accelerated Welding Training](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/accelerated-welding-training)  |   [Fort Campbell](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/fort-campbell)  |   [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)