L-R: Fred Searcy: Director of Minority Recruitment – UA Local 562; Billy Doherty: Assistant Business Manager – UA Local 562; Mark McManus: General President – United Association; Sam Phipps: Director of Conservation – Union Sportsmen’s Alliance; Patrick Kellett: Retired General Secretary-Treasurer – United Association; Thomas Malecek: Political Director – UA Local 562
USA’s Sam Phipps is Honoree
for Inaugural Award
By PJ DelHomme
The inaugural Helmets to Hardhats John P. Murtha Award was presented to the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry (UA) Veterans in Piping (VIP) program. The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s very own Sam Phipps, a distinguished veteran and VIP alumni, was among those invited as an honoree at this year’s ceremony.
Phipps as an infantryman in the U.S. Army. Stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011 and 2012.
Phipps, originally from Elsberry, Missouri, began his military life as an infantryman in the U.S. Army after graduating high school. Stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011 and 2012. Following his military service, Phipps transitioned back into civilian life—an uncertain and sometimes daunting process for many veterans.
In 2014, Phipps found stability through the UA Veterans in Piping program. This initiative provides transitioning service members with direct entry into skilled trades careers through earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship programs.
“Separating from the military is a scary process with so many unknowns. The Veterans in Piping program eliminated that stress by providing direct entry into a career with UA Local 562,” Phipps said.
Phipps’ union career began with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562 in St. Louis, Missouri, where he honed his skills and became part of a brotherhood committed to excellence in the trades. Today, he serves as Director of Conservation for the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA). In this role, Sam leads efforts that engage 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 while showcasing the unique skills of trade professionals.
Phipps’ success exemplifies the mission of Helmets to Hardhats (H2H), a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans transition into civilian careers in the construction trades. Since its inception in 2003, H2H has facilitated career opportunities for nearly 50,000 veterans through partnerships with 15 international construction trade unions. These unions provide apprenticeships that allow veterans to earn while they learn, all while utilizing G.I. Bill benefits to supplement their income during training.
The John P. Murtha Award recognizes individuals who exemplify dedication to veterans’ causes and embody the spirit of mentorship that helps former military personnel succeed in civilian life. Named after Congressman John P. Murtha, an early supporter of Helmets to Hardhats, this award underscores the importance of programs like H2H and VIP that bridge the gap between military service and meaningful civilian careers.
Phipps began his union career with UA Local 562 in St. Louis, MO.
“Sam represents everything these programs stand for—resilience, determination, and a commitment to giving back,” said USA Executive Director and CEO Walt Ingram. “His journey from combat missions in Afghanistan to leadership roles within USA and the union community is inspiring. We’re lucky to have him.”
A fitting recipient of the first H2H John P. Murtha Award, the VIP program has been hailed as a model for career transition initiatives by senior Department of Defense leaders. Its promise of 100 percent job placement for graduates has changed lives across the country by providing veterans with confidence and certified skills needed for employment in high-demand fields like pipefitting and welding.
For Phipps, being chosen as an honoree at the award ceremony is not just a personal milestone but an opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting veterans during their transition into civilian life.
“The VIP program has completely changed my life,” Phipps said. “Because of it, I am now able to provide a life for my family that I never even thought was possible. Programs like VIP and Helmets to Hardhats don’t just provide careers—they offer hope and stability when veterans need it most.”
