ROCKVILLE, Md. - The Mechanical Contractors Association of American (MCAA) reported that United Association General President Bill Hite will receive the Military Officers Association of America’s (MOAA’s) Distinguished Service Award on April 12. The award, which will be presented at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., recognizes Hite’s leadership of the UA’s training and placement efforts for veterans.

“I am humbled to be counted among those who work consistently and diligently to provide our service men and women the opportunities they so deeply deserve,” he said. “Members of our military make so many sacrifices for our nation. It is an honor and a privilege to help ensure they have a meaningful career to come home to.”

Under Hite’s leadership, the Veterans in Piping (VIP) program was created and has provided approximately 200 veterans with quality training and re-entry guidance before placing them in jobs with life-long career possibilities. He also serves as chairman of the Workforce Readiness Committee on President Obama’s Presidential Export Council and is a committee member of the U.S. Manufacturing Council on Competitiveness. Also, he obtained inclusion of a “Sense of Congress” provision in the FY 2011 Defense Authorization Bill that encourages participation in apprenticeship programs by members of the armed forces prior to discharge.

Hite was nominated for the award by Major General Matthew P. Caulfield, USMC (Ret), who wrote, the “United Association has a special regard and consideration for members called to active duty. Usually, a picture of the member is displayed in a prominent place in the local union hall. Most importantly, families of the members are taken care of in a manner that should also be a model for our country.”

Previous award recipients include former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairmen Generals Colin Powell and John Shalikashvili, former Secretary of Defense Dr. William Perry, and NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw. Hite is the only labor leader to receive this award.

Publication date: 03/07/2011