Helmets to Hardhats
John P. Murtha Reception
Honoring the Veterans in Piping (VIP) Program of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry (UA)
Monday, April 7, 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
The Washington Hilton Hotel
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You are invited to the Inaugural Helmets to Hardhats John P. Murtha Awards Ceremony and Reception. The John P. Murtha award was created in remembrance of Murtha's early and steadfast support of the Helmets to Hardhats program.
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John P. Murtha was a highly-respected Democratic congressman from Pennsylvania and a decorated Marine. As the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress, Congressman Murtha's views provided insight and a powerful voice to military matters on The Hill. Throughout his military and political careers, Congressman Murtha was a strong leader who was often the force multiplier in implementing change. Initially, Helmets to Hardhats received earmarked funding through Congressman Murtha's efforts on Capitol Hill. In 2008, funding was withdrawn from the Helmets to Hardhats program, and other sustainable income means were developed through PLAs, donations, and fundraisers.
The 2025 John P. Murtha Award will be presented to UA’s Veterans in Piping Program
The United Association established the UA Veterans in Piping (VIP) Program to equip military service members preparing to leave the service with sought after skills that can lead to lifelong careers in the increasingly in-demand pipe trades. The courses are 118 days in length and are provided free of cost on military bases across the country. VIP participants earn industry-recognized certifications and direct entry into quality private-sector jobs with good pay and benefits.
In addition to veteran unemployment, the UA VIP Program was created to address a growing shortage in the construction industry of skilled workers due to the combined effects of an aging workforce, increased demand, and a lack of skills training for youth.
With praise from Congress, the U.S. Department of Labor, the military and media, the UA VIP Program is recognized as one of the best active-duty military transition programs in the country.
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Program Honorees
Sam Phipps
Union Sportsmen's Alliance
Sam Phipps grew up in the small town of Elsberry, MO. He became an Infantryman in the U.S. Army right out of high school and was stationed at Fort Lewis WA, deploying to Afghanistan in 2011 & 2012 where he employed crew and weapons in ground combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
He then transitioned from the Army to a union career with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562 in St. Louis MO, through the Veterans in Piping program in 2014. Like many veterans out there, separating from the military is a scary process. Rejoining civilian life is no easy task and has so many levels of uncertainty. But thanks to the Veterans in Piping Program, the stress of that process was eliminated by having direct entry into a career with UA Local 562.
Sam is now a 10 year member of the United Association and currently serves as the Director of Conservation for the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance. In that role, he supports the USA’s efforts to bring together union members to volunteer their time and unique trade skills to complete conservation infrastructure projects and youth outreach events that improve public access to the outdoors, restore America’s parks, educate future generations of sportsmen and women, and conserve healthy wildlife habitats, all in the name of labor.
Will Attig
Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO
Will Attig is a Combat Infantry Veteran who served with the Army’s 1-26 Infantry Regiment during the Global War on Terrorism. After struggling to transition to civilian life, he found a new path through Helmets to Hardhats, becoming a union pipefitter.
Attig quickly became a leading advocate for veterans' issues in Illinois, helping pass key legislation like the Veterans Suicide Task Force. In 2017, he was chosen to lead the Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO, representing 1.1 million veteran workers. Under his leadership, UVC has grown into a major force within the AFL-CIO, empowering veterans to advocate for their priorities nationwide
Travis McKoy
Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO
Travis McKoy is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a Field Artillery Cannoneer for four years. In June 2016, McKoy graduated from the UA VIP program, which provided him with high-quality welding training. He emerged from the program as a skilled tradesman, ready to take on new challenges in the workforce.
Following his transition, McKoy continued his training with UA Local 1 as a plumbing apprentice. He honed his craft while working on a variety of projects, learning from seasoned professionals and gaining hands-on experience in the plumbing trade.
McKoy’s military background, combined with his strong work ethic, leadership skills, training through the UA VIP Program and Plumbers Local One, has allowed him to stand out and continue to excel in his field.
SPEAKERS
