--- title: UA VIP Program sets Army Spc. up for a lifelong HVAC union career description: Army Specialist Phillip Lopez had a smooth transition to civilian life thanks to the UA VIP Program. The HVAC training helped him begin a career. image: https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/VIP%20Graduate%20-%20JBLM%20HVACR%20Class%207%20-%20Army%20Spc.%20Phillip%20Lopez%20(6).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-program-sets-army-spc.-up-for-a-lifelong-hvac-union-career#mobile) ## NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program. # UA VIP Program sets Army Spc. up for a lifelong HVAC union career - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [ UA Veterans in Piping ](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/author/ua-veterans-in-piping-vip) ###### Jul 25, 2022 4:48:00 PM ![](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/VIP%20Graduate%20-%20JBLM%20HVACR%20Class%207%20-%20Army%20Spc.%20Phillip%20Lopez%20(6).jpg) ![VIP Graduate - JBLM HVACR Class 7 - Army Spc. Phillip Lopez (4)](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/VIP%20Graduate%20-%20JBLM%20HVACR%20Class%207%20-%20Army%20Spc.%20Phillip%20Lopez%20(4).jpg?width=456&name=VIP%20Graduate%20-%20JBLM%20HVACR%20Class%207%20-%20Army%20Spc.%20Phillip%20Lopez%20(4).jpg) For Army Spc. Phillip Lopez, life after the military was a smooth transition thanks to the United Association Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) Program. “The program really pushed me in the right direction after the military,” he said. “There was no waiting for a job since I did all the leg work prior to ETSing [an expiring term of service]. Once I got to the Local, I checked in and they assigned me a contractor to work with. “It was a pretty smooth transition since I wasn't the only VIP at my Local,” he added. “We also had a lot of veterans from other various programs as well.” Lopez studied Accelerated HVAC-R in Class 7 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Over 18-weeks of training, he learned to install, repair and inspect heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, earning industry recognized certifications that accelerated his progress when he began his UA Registered Apprenticeship Program.  Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience, Lopez trained alongside an experienced journeyman instructor — Dave Gibson, whom he described as an “awesome instructor.” ![VIP Graduate - JBLM HVACR Class 7 - Army Spc. Phillip Lopez (8)](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/VIP%20Graduate%20-%20JBLM%20HVACR%20Class%207%20-%20Army%20Spc.%20Phillip%20Lopez%20(8).jpg?width=660&name=VIP%20Graduate%20-%20JBLM%20HVACR%20Class%207%20-%20Army%20Spc.%20Phillip%20Lopez%20(8).jpg) ## A direct path to a union HVACR career ![VIP Graduate - JBLM HVACR Class 7 - Army Spc. Phillip Lopez (6)](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/VIP%20Graduate%20-%20JBLM%20HVACR%20Class%207%20-%20Army%20Spc.%20Phillip%20Lopez%20(6).jpg?width=261&name=VIP%20Graduate%20-%20JBLM%20HVACR%20Class%207%20-%20Army%20Spc.%20Phillip%20Lopez%20(6).jpg) Lopez transitioned out of the military in 2015. He joined UA Local 142 in San Antonio and began his apprenticeship training. Lopez immediately began working upon arrival at the Local Union. He began earning good union wages and was quickly eligible for quality healthcare for himself and his family. He started earning a pension and a 401K for his retirement.  “The VIP program gets you into the Local without actually having to interview at the Local,” he said. “It sets you up with the basic skills to perform the job in the beginning until you get to go through your actual apprenticeship. You complete training that is offered in year one to three of your apprenticeship, so you're already ahead of the game.” Lopez became a journeyman in 2020. Today, he works for Johnson Controls, working with air cooled chillers and rooftop unit installations.   ## The road to opportunity and continued career progression ![VIP Graduate - JBLM HVACR Class 7 - Army Spc. Phillip Lopez (1)](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/VIP%20Graduate%20-%20JBLM%20HVACR%20Class%207%20-%20Army%20Spc.%20Phillip%20Lopez%20(1).jpg?width=298&name=VIP%20Graduate%20-%20JBLM%20HVACR%20Class%207%20-%20Army%20Spc.%20Phillip%20Lopez%20(1).jpg)It has been quite the career transition, Lopez said. “A lot of opportunities can come from the program if you're willing to do the work,” he said. “I went from being an apprentice for four years, to a journeyman for one and a half years, to now working in the office and progressing in the HVAC field. My ultimate goal is to become a service manager in the near future. The HVAC field is always growing and will continue to grow. None of this would have been possible if not for the UA VIP Program.” Lopez especially liked the continual pay raises as he progressed through the program. “The VIP program really sets you up for another career after your military service,” he said. “This is the only situation I know of that gives you a $3 raise each year of the apprenticeship and $6 to $7 dollar raise when you turn out as a journeyman. It’s by far the best experience I’ve had. I would highly recommend the program to anyone interested.” ### [Learn more about the UA VIP Program at Joint Base Lewis-McChord](https://www.uavip.org/apply).![VIP Graduate - JBLM HVACR Class 7 - Army Spc. Phillip Lopez (3)](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/VIP%20Graduate%20-%20JBLM%20HVACR%20Class%207%20-%20Army%20Spc.%20Phillip%20Lopez%20(3).jpg?width=717&name=VIP%20Graduate%20-%20JBLM%20HVACR%20Class%207%20-%20Army%20Spc.%20Phillip%20Lopez%20(3).jpg) [Success Stories](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/success-stories)  |   [Joint Base Lewis-McChord](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/joint-base-lewis-mcchord)  |   [United Association](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/united-association)  |   [UA Veterans in Piping](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-veterans-in-piping)  |   [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)  |   [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)