Senior Veteran’s Advisor
Joe Griffies
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Joe Griffies is known as the “Veteran’s Veteran”. Joe attended Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia, PA and graduated in 1965. He served in the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968. Upon his return, he attended St. Joseph’s University’s from 1968-1970. He later began a career in the meat industry rising from butcher to corporate salesman until his retirement in 2010. Nearly a decade ago, he launched “The Welcome Home Show” on New Jersey’s WIBG radio station 101.3 FM and 1020 AM. The two-hour show was originally devised to bring recognition and awareness to Vietnam War Veterans and has now evolved to address the challenges and problems facing all Veterans, no matter the conflict they served in, and their survivors. Joe and his radio co-hosts, Silver Star recipient Joe Walters and Vietnam Veterans of America chapter 955 past-president Bill Davenport, interview guests and discuss current events for their one million global listeners. Joe has dedicated his life post-military to being an advocate for Veterans at the highest levels of the Federal Government. A mainstay mover-and-shaker in the Tri-State political arena, Joe is not afraid to ask the tough questions and use his radio platform to raise awareness about Veterans’ issues and concerns. Joe and his wife Colleen live in Cape May County, NJ.
Ted "T.L." Albers
Senior Consultant MBA tournament.
Ted "T.L." Albers
Senior Consultant, MBA Tournaments | MBA Hall of Fame Coach
Coach Ted "T.L." Albers is a foundational figure in the world of military basketball, with a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and operational excellence spanning over four decades. As a Founding Member of the Military Basketball Association (MBA), Coach Albers has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of the sport for service members worldwide. Today, he serves as the Senior Consultant for MBA Tournaments, where he remains the primary architect behind the strategic scheduling and pool play structures for the MBA Finals.
Championship Pedigree
Throughout his career, Coach Albers has consistently led his teams to the highest levels of achievement:10-Time United States Armed Forces ChampionTwo-Time World Military (CISM) ChampionNational ABAUSA (now USA Basketball) ChampionAir Force Worldwide Basketball ChampionNATO International (SHAPE) Tournament ChampionFour-time NIRSA Regional Tournament Winner and runner-up at the National AAU Championship.
Distinguished Academic & Military Career
Beyond the court, Coach Albers is a highly respected educator and technical expert. His ability to break down complex subjects—whether offensive playbooks or mathematical theories—earned him prestigious honors within the U.S. Air Force, including:Instructor of the Year, US Air Force Pilot TrainingTwo-time Instructor of the Year, USAF Academy Mathematics Department
Core Strengths
Coach Albers is recognized for his exceptional communication skills and a meticulous attention to detail. His unique ability to translate high-level strategy into actionable execution has made him an invaluable asset to the MBA and a mentor to generations of military athletes.
The Military Basketball Association is proud to honor the career and contributions of Ted "T.L." Albers—a true architect of the game.
Ridney Little
Ridney Little
215-300-1244
Rodney Little, B.S.
Senior Advisor to the Commissioner
Rodney Little is a Philadelphia-based executive leader with over 33 years of experience spearheading complex operations, risk management, and economic development initiatives on both national and international scales. A seasoned strategist, Mr. Little currently serves as a Senior Advisor to the Commissioner of Military Basketball, where he leverages his extensive background in organizational management and public safety to provide high-level guidance on league operations, business development, and strategic partnerships.
Recognized for his ability to navigate high-stakes environments, Rodney is the former President of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 106 and a prominent regional leader in business continuity and human capital. His civilian leadership is defined by a series of high-impact board appointments, including serving as Treasurer for Common Cause of PA, Board Chairman for AHARI-A Home Is A Right, and board memberships for the Veteran Multi-Service Center, Community Forgiveness and Restoration, and the Fair Housing Rights Center.
His history of public service includes advising top-tier government officials, having served on U.S. Senator Pat Toomey’s Military Academy Selection Panel and Governor Tom Corbett’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs.
A retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major, Mr. Little’s 33-year military career serves as the foundation for his disciplined approach to contract negotiations, arbitration, and project management. He successfully translated his tenure in military command into a career dedicated to advocacy and regional economic growth.
Mr. Little holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Wilmington University and maintains specialized certifications in Antiterrorism (Level II), Equal Opportunity, and Narcotics Investigation
