2010 Man of the Year - Thomas Miller, IBEW 26
Thomas was born in Roanoke, Virginia. He grew up under the loving guidance of Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Wilson, being adopted by them when he was one week old. Thomas attended school at Morningside Elementary, Clearbrook Elementary and later Cave Spring High School. As a teenager he worked in the construction field, doing the grub work in building houses. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1965 and on active duty until 1967 being honorably discharged; holding the rank of Sergeant. He completed his service as an active reserve in 1971. He married Margaret Overfelt in July of 1967.
Upon being introduced to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers by his father-in-law, he became a member of Local #637 in 1968. After completing apprenticeship schooling he ‘topped out’ in 1973. Thomas has worked many jobs and held the title of Foreman several times during his 42 plus years career. Thomas has been like just about every other union man, he has worked in the “field” in whatever kind of weather, sickness or calamity to befall him and his family.
He served on the Executive Board and Examining Board of Local #637, until it was dissolved in 2004; to merge with Local #26. Mr. Chuck Graham, Business Manager for Local #26; approached him at this point with the offer of being a Business Representative for Local #26. Thomas had been highly recommended. After prayerful consideration he accepted the title and continued working for and with the union in a different capacity; utilizing the same offices that used to house local #637. Being a personable man, he helped make the transition easier for all concerned. Thomas has always kept a low profile and is very conscientious to the need to represent the union man to the best of his ability.
He always thinks of others ahead of himself, he is a loyal and faithful member. He goes on the job sites to speak to and encourage the working men in the ‘field’ (since he has been there done that he knows this will help them). Thomas also serves on the board for the JATC. He has been active in the campaigning for all the Democratic candidates; putting in a lot of leg work and phone banking with help and fellowship from loads of union people.
Thomas is also an advocate for buying union made products and United States merchandise. Thomas is a Christian, has been a deacon and has attended services since 1976 at Penn Forest Christian Church in Roanoke, Va. He is a very attentive listener and when he gives advice it is because he has thought long and hard about what needs to be said. His words are not idle chatter.
He has been married to Margaret for 43 years; they have 6 children, Connie, Scott (Kristen), Ginger Luther (Jeff), Matthew, Valerie Lawrence (Rob) and Noah. One of his sons, Scott; is also a union man working for local #26 and is general foreman now. Thomas/Margaret have two grandchildren, Austin and Amber Luther and one great grandchild, Troy Wright.
Thomas is very humbled and honored to be receiving this award but feels there are others who deserve it also. He appreciates all the ones along the way who taught him all he needed. Thomas would like to thank all those who have gone before him that set up the work force called UNION. There are many different trades that are encompassed under the banner of union. Thanks big time for all the blood, sweat and tears spilled to help it become what it is today. He hopes we will all strive to keep the union strong forever!