NORFOLK, VA (October 13, 2025) Big Night in Hampton Roads, Virginia as ILA’s Thomas Little was saluted at his retirement dinner, celebrating his remarkable 56-year career as a longshoreman and union officer. Surrounded by his wife Glenda and family in, the retirement bash for Tommy Little featured tributes from many well-wishers, including Congressman Bobby Scott; International ILA President Harold Daggett Norfolk City Mayor Kenneth Alexander.
“I am grateful for your leadership at the Port of Hampton Roads where you served with distinction as International Vice President,” ILA President Daggett said in his tribute. “I relied on your wisdom and fortitude on many committees I appointed you to lead. You have been a trusted and faithful advisor and a powerful figure in your home port area, but also throughout the International. On a personal note, I am glad to have called you a friend for many decades.”
Jeremy Bridges, President and Chief Negotiator, and Roger Giesinger, President Emeritus, Hampton Roads Shipping Association, each paid tribute to Thomas Little.
In the top photo, International and District Officers pay tribute to Brother Little (from left to right, Jim Paylor, ILA Assistant General Organizer; Larry Bachtell, ILA Vice President, Port of Hampton Roads; Wilber Rowell, ILA General Vice President; Thomas M. Little, Jonathan Coley, ILA Atlantic Coast District Vice President, Port of Hampton Roads and Jim McNamara, ILA Chief of Staff. Lower left photo, the honored guest Tommy Little addresses his retirement dinner guests. Lower right photo, (from left to right ) ILA Loca 1248’s Kim Brown; Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander and Congressman Bobby Scott.
