--- title: UA VIP graduate selected for the UA-MCAA Future Leaders Program description: Marine Corps Sgt. Jerry L. Golden III credits the UA VIP program for the opportunities he has been given since leaving the military image: https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Jerry%20Golden%203.jpeg --- [![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-graduate-selected-for-the-ua-mcaa-future-leaders-program#mobile) ## NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program. # UA VIP graduate selected for the UA-MCAA Future Leaders Program - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [ UA Veterans in Piping ](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/author/ua-veterans-in-piping-vip) ###### Apr 3, 2024 3:13:00 PM ![](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Jerry%20Golden%203.jpeg) Jerry L. Golden III graduated from the UA VIP program in 2017 and is now a journeyman with [Steamfitters Local Union 420](https://www.lu420.com/), in Philadelphia.  Golden was a member of [Camp Pendleton](https://www.uavip.org/camp-pendleton-vip-opportunities) Welding Class 24 where he learned the fundamentals of welding before he transitioned out of the military.  “The VIP program has prepared me for life after the Marine Corps by setting me up with the right skills, training and an incredible career to start with Steamfitters Local 420 upon discharge of my time in the Corps,” he said. ![Jerry Golden VIP](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Jerry%20Golden%20VIP.jpeg?width=323&height=337&name=Jerry%20Golden%20VIP.jpeg) During his time in the program, Golden received an OSHA 30 certification, welding certifications and countless hours of training geared toward pipefitting.  The program prepared him for a career with the UA and he immediately began working as soon as he moved back to Philadelphia, he said, adding that the stress of choosing a career or not knowing how you were going to provide for your family was no longer an issue after completing the UA VIP training.  “The transition from the Marine Corps to civilian life was much smoother than I anticipated,” Golden said. “That couldn’t have been possible without the VIP program.” The UA VIP program stood out from other programs because of the union Brotherhood that came along with it, he said.  “The Marine Corps, Steamfitters Local Union 420 and all union trades are big on this mindset and this was the major reason I felt it was my calling,” he said. “Being a part of something bigger than yourself, looking out for the Brother or Sister to your left and right and a sense of purpose and belonging.”  ![Jerry Golden 4](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Jerry%20Golden%204.jpeg?width=362&height=279&name=Jerry%20Golden%204.jpeg)Since graduating from the UA VIP program, Golden has worked on energy savings renovation projects for schools in the Philadelphia area, installed a state-of-the-art chiller at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and cooling tower replacement projects.  Golden said joining the UA VIP program was one of the best decisions he’s ever made, besides marrying the woman of his dreams, having kids and joining the Marine Corps, and he recommends the UA VIP program to anyone looking to transition from the military into civilian life. “The UA VIP program sets you up with a plan to start your career immediately in any part of the country through the United Association,” he said. “They offer an amazing career in the trades, excellent benefits, great pay, strong brother/sisterhood and a successful life after the military.”  Any active-duty service member interested in a career in the pipe trades is encouraged to go to the website and [apply](https://www.uavip.org/participating-bases). ## Futures Leaders Program   The [UA/MCAA Future Leaders Program](https://www.mcaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Future-Leaders-Announcement-Nomination-Form-11-08-23-00226_Fillable.pdf) is a three-day program created to provide leadership education to the future field leaders of the mechanical industry. Golden was one of 30 to get selected![Jerry Golden](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Jerry%20Golden.jpeg?width=261&height=261&name=Jerry%20Golden.jpeg) for the program.  On March 22, Local 420 participated in the [1210 WPHT Radiothon](https://www.travismanion.org/events/search-local-events/2023-1210-wpht-radiothon/) for the[ Travis Manion Foundation](https://www.travismanion.org/). Four of the eight veterans from the Local who came to help were UA VIP graduates.  Golden was interviewed about his involvement with the VIP Program. He used the platform to inform the audience about how the UA VIP program helps transitioning military members.  Listen to the full interview here: [Jerry L. Golden III interview ](https://www.youtube.com/live/ANMtnhop1VU?si=hW-5WYgMfg_au5ov&t=39049) [Success Stories](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/success-stories)  |   [Camp Pendleton](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/camp-pendleton)  |   [UA VIP Graduate](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-vip-graduate)  |   [UA VIP Program](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-vip-program)  |   [UA-MCAA Future Leaders Program](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-mcaa-future-leaders-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)