--- title: UA Veterans in Piping Program Graduates Fort Carson Welding Class 13 description: The United Association Veterans in Piping Program held a graduation event for its 17 students from Fort Carson Welding Class 13 on Oct. 18. image: https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/vip%20carson.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/united-association-veterans-in-piping-program-fort-carson-welding-class-13-set-to-graduate#mobile) ## NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program. # UA Veterans in Piping Program Graduates Fort Carson Welding Class 13 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [ UA Veterans in Piping ](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/author/ua-veterans-in-piping-vip) ###### Oct 12, 2018 2:00:00 PM ![United Association Veterans in Piping Fort Carson ](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/vip%20carson.jpg) The United Association Veterans in Piping Program hosted a graduation event for its 17 students from Fort Carson Welding Class 13 on Oct. 18. The special ceremony took place a week prior to the final class, but allowed Fort Carson CSM Mack to attend and speak to the program’s 17 graduates. During the ceremony, the class also heard from UA VIP consultant, Retired Major General Andy Aadland. [![Fort Carson Welding Class 13 Graduation](https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1936/31538012128_58e1e8fc91_z.jpg)](https://www.flickr.com/photos/148716831@N04/albums/72157696710206020)   "Class 13 has been a joy to work with, as all of them are really solid people,” said Fort Carson instructor Jason Smith. “They are hardworking, dedicated individuals who are going to make the UA, as well as America, a great place to work and live.” ![vip carson](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/vip%20carson.jpg?width=250&name=vip%20carson.jpg) “The VIP Program provides entrance into an apprenticeship program, and the skills and experience gained during the program will be a valuable asset while pursuing my journeyman’s certification,” said Fort Carson UA VIP Sergeant Micah Staley. “I would recommend UA VIP to anyone that wants to learn a craft and is willing to work hard to gain the skills necess The UA VIP Program is a free, 18-week career-training program open to active-duty transitioning military service members. UA VIP prepares them to begin successful and rewarding careers in the piping industry, once they complete their military service.ary to succeed.” As of Oct. 1, 17 students had earned 12 UA welding certifications. An additional test date will result in additional certifications earned by program participants. The welding certifications will come in handy, as graduates are guaranteed jobs with UA signatory contractors in an agreed upon geographical location once they transition out of the military. In addition to a job that pays livable wages and provides excellent health insurance, a 401k and pension, UA VIP graduates will also enter a five-year UA apprenticeship program. As an apprentice, they will receive on-the-job training and classroom instruction to increase their skillset and OSHA safety certifications. As they progress through their apprenticeship, UA graduates will receive wage increases to match their new skills. Military service members who are beginning to prepare for their transition out of the military can apply for the UA VIP Program on seven military bases across the country. Click here for more information on the [UA VIP Program](https://www.uavip.org/about-uavip) and [participating bases](https://www.uavip.org/about-uavip). ![ua vip fort carson welding class 13 (1)-1](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/ua%20vip%20fort%20carson%20welding%20class%2013%20(1)-1.jpg?width=200&name=ua%20vip%20fort%20carson%20welding%20class%2013%20(1)-1.jpg) ![ua vip fort carson welding class 13 (2)-1](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/ua%20vip%20fort%20carson%20welding%20class%2013%20(2)-1.jpg?width=200&name=ua%20vip%20fort%20carson%20welding%20class%2013%20(2)-1.jpg) ![ua vip fort carson welding class 13 (3)-1](https://www.uavip.org/hs-fs/hubfs/ua%20vip%20fort%20carson%20welding%20class%2013%20(3)-1.jpg?width=200&name=ua%20vip%20fort%20carson%20welding%20class%2013%20(3)-1.jpg)   [Fort Carson](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/fort-carson)  |   [United Association](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/united-association)  |   [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)