Military Officers Association Honors Plumbers and Pipefitters Leader Veterans In Piping Program Model for Training, Employing Returning Veterans

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- William P. Hite, General President of the United Association of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and HVAC Service Techs, recently accepted a Distinguished Service Award from the Military Officers Association of America, or MOAA.

The association recognized Hite for his dedication in establishing and growing the Veterans In Piping program, as well as supporting other military-related initiatives.

Hite and the United Association "are leading the way in helping veterans find meaningful jobs in the construction industry," said retired Navy Admiral Charles S. Abbot. "His organization leads all others in training and placing veterans."

This was the first time in the MOAA's 82-year history the organization awarded a labor leader with such recognition. Previous recipients include General Colin Powell and NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw.

"Like the military, our union is also a brotherhood. We learn together, work together, and interact together every day," Hite said. "The men and women who join our ranks after their service are part of the future of our industry."

The program includes two weeks of re-entry training, and 16 weeks of welding training. The training is free, supported by the union. Successful graduates are placed in a local union apprentice program.

The VIP program is offered at Camp Pendleton, Calif.; Lacey, Wash. and Camp Douglas, Wis. The UA is working to expand the initiative to additional areas.

U.S. Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., recognized Hite and the UA in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Bill has worked tirelessly to ensure members of our armed forces have access to the very best careers in his industry," he said, adding that the program in his home state is considered to be one of the most successful military transition programs in the country. VIP trains veterans "in a certifiable skill, and then provides the network and connections to ensure job placement."

For more information about VIP, visit www.uavip.org. To learn more about the UA, visit www.ua.org. To watch a video about VIP, go to bit.ly/cZ55E. To read the Congressional Record, go to 1.usa.gov/e8kOgA.

About the United Association

The United Association's members are engaged in the fabrication, installation and servicing of piping systems. Approximately 340,000 highly-skilled United Association members belong to more than 300 individual local unions across North America.

Rick Terven Sr.
(410) 269-2000
[email protected]

SOURCE United Association of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and HVAC Service Techs