--- title: Welding Class 24 students halfway through VIP training at Ft. Cavazos description: UA VIP Fort Cavazos Class 24 Welding students are halfway through their training and recently selected locations to begin their new civilian careers. image: https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Fort%20Cavazos.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/welding-class-24-students-halfway-through-vip-training-at-ft.-cavazos#mobile) ## NEWS AND HAPPENINGS WITH VIP Take a look at some of the newsworthy items for the VIP program. # Welding Class 24 students halfway through VIP training at Ft. Cavazos - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [ UA Veterans in Piping ](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/author/ua-veterans-in-piping-vip) ###### Jun 2, 2023 4:54:00 PM ![fort cavazos](https://www.uavip.org/hubfs/Fort%20Cavazos.jpg) The United Association Veterans In Piping (UA VIP) Fort Cavazos Welding Class 24 has reached its halfway point as students continue to receive advanced welding training and work toward a civilian career in the piping industry. Through a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, Welding Class 24 students have been learning the fundamentals of welding taught by journeyman instructors. As students progress through the program, they will earn industry-recognized certifications in oxy-fuel cutting, SMAW plate welding, SPAW and GTAW pipe welding and SMAW pipe spooling.  In 2008, the UA VIP program was established to ensure active-duty service members were guaranteed a sustainable career after their commitment to our country and to help fill a worker shortage in the piping industry. UA VIP is a[DOD Skillbridge Program](https://skillbridge.osd.mil/) designed to actively train service members in their preferred trade as a means to prepare them for a sustainable civilian career after their military commitment.  By combining a good-paying career with benefits and professional and personal development, the unique characteristics of the UA VIP program pave the way for graduates to earn a middle-class lifestyle once they return to civilian life. For Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Stephen Biddulph, his civilian career in the pipe trades is right around the corner. He is ready to move back home and start a new life with[Pipefitters Local 120](https://pipefitters120.org/) in Cleveland.  Upon completing the UA VIP Program and transitioning out of the military, Biddulph will join his union Brothers and Sisters, as he enters a five-year apprenticeship program that teaches him how to be a successful journeyman in his preferred trade.  At this point in their training, UA VIP students work with program administrators to select the location where they work and start their apprenticeships - almost anywhere in the U.S. While some decide to stay close to the military base, other students desire to relocate to different destinations. Cpl. Michael Hampton, for instance, will move to Stockton, Calif. and join [Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 442](https://www.lu442.com/).  There is a lot of work left for the students before they are ready for the next phase of their lives. With Class 24 reaching its midpoint, students will continue working to earn industry-recognized certifications and develop different welding skills. ## Apply to the UA VIP program today  In the last six months of service, active-duty service members are welcome to apply to the UA VIP program and begin training toward their future civilian careers.  Active-duty service members can apply to join the UA VIP program at any of the following bases: - [Camp Pendleton - California ](https://www.uavip.org/camp-pendleton-vip-opportunities) - [Joint Base Lewis-McChord - Washington](https://www.uavip.org/apply)  - [Fort Carson - Colorado](https://www.uavip.org/fort-carson-vip-opportunities)  - [Fort Cavazos - Texas](https://www.uavip.org/fort-hood-vip-opportunities) - [Camp Lejeune - North Carolina](https://www.uavip.org/camp-lejeune-vip-opportunities)  - [Fort Campbell - Kentucky](https://www.uavip.org/fort-campbell-vip-opportunities) - [Naval Station Norfolk - Virginia](https://www.uavip.org/norfolk-vip-opportunities) Upon graduation from the UA VIP program and transitioning out of the military, students will become apprentices and eventually journeymen-level professionals. Once at a journeyman level, the career possibilities are endless. Journeymen in the piping industry can become foreman, superintendents, UA signatory contractors, business owners or even a UA-officer or organizer. If you are currently an active-duty service member looking toward your future civilian career, the pipe trades industry might be the right path for you, learn more about the UA VIP program.  [![Learn More About The UA VIP Program At Fort Cavazos](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/687120/2e562c2f-3f9e-46d1-ab81-c27a6e45996f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/687120/2e562c2f-3f9e-46d1-ab81-c27a6e45996f) [Accelerated Welding Training](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/accelerated-welding-training)  |   [DoD SkillBridge](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/dod-skillbridge)  |   [UA VIP](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-vip)  |   [UA VIP Pipe Trades Accelerated Training](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/ua-vip-pipe-trades-accelerated-training)  |   [United Association VIP Program](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/united-association-vip-program)  |   [Fort Cavazos](https://www.uavip.org/news-happenings/topic/fort-cavazos) ##### 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)