ALUMNI NEWS
Department of Justice. He retired as a Colonel to accept that appointment. As an Immigration Judge, Judge Greene presided over cases in Baltimore, Maryland; Buffalo, New York; and in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia. Pennsylvania. He issued primary rulings on whether foreign-born individuals charged by the Department of Homeland Security (formerly INS) with violating immigration laws should be ordered to be removed from the United States or should be permitted
the almost constant interaction with colleagues, clients, and litigants that he experienced in his former life as an Army Judge Advocate General and Immigration Judge. But his experience in high-volume litigation has served him well. The Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is one of the busiest federal appellate courts in the nation, with the volume of appeals it handles increasing almost daily. At the end of 2005, the court received an average of 200 appeals per month. Less than two
review. The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veteran’s Claims was created under Article I of the Constitution pursuant to the Veterans’ Judicial Review Act on November 18, 1988 to provide that judicial oversight. Originally designated the United States Court of Veterans Appeals, the Court was renamed on March 1, 1999. Acting independently of the VA, the Court provides veterans an impartial judicial forum for review of administrative decisions by the VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals that adversely affect
to remain in this country. Jeffrey Good wrote that Greene: found the work of an immigration judge to be grueling, but rewarding. He handled ap- proximately 1,000 cases per year on all manner of immigra- tion matters. He developed a reputa- tion as an exacting, yet compassionate judge. Throughout it all, he never lost his appreciation for the profound im-
years later, that number stood at more than 300 per month, with every indication that the increase will continue. Chief Judge Greene describes the sheer volume of cases as the court’s most significant challenge.” significant influence in improving the perfor- mance of the court. He received countless awards and honors for his service and expertise in both the law and the military. Judge Greene was considered to be a
pact his decisions had on the individuals who appeared before him. He notes, in typically understated manner, that “they were important decisions.” While serving as an immigration judge, Greene was nominated by President Bill Clinton to serve as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. He was confirmed by the Senate and was appointed to that position in November 1997. He assumed responsibilities as Chief Judge of the Court on August 8, 2005 and held that 5-year statutory position until August 2010. Until 1988, the Veterans Administration, now the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, was the only Federal agency whose decisions on Veterans benefits were not subject to judicial
He repeatedly demonstrated his great ability to bridge racial tensions within the Army and encouraged many African Americans to aspire to be a member of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Recognizing Greene ‘s accomplish- ments and contributions to the legal and military profession, U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia paid tribute to him by acknowledging his outstanding service as a public servant in the 112 th Congressional Records. Brother Greene resides in Maryland with his wife, the former Madeline Sink- ford, also of Bluefield, West Virginia. They have two sons: William Robert, a major customer manager for Dun and Bradstreet, and Jeffery, an officer and physician in the United States Army Medical Corps.
veteran-appellant’s claims of entitlement to such benefits as compensation for service- connected disabilities, survivor benefits, education payments, and home loans. The Court has exclusive jurisdiction and authority to review, affirm, reverse, modify, or remand the Board’s decisions. Jeffrey Good wrote: “As a veteran himself, Judge Greene considered it a great honor to serve on a court that is dedicated to ensuring justice for the men and women who have served our armed forces’”. He states that he has the “greatest regard for veterans that come before this court.” Life as an appellate judge, however, has taken some adjustment. A gregarious and outgoing man, Chief Judge Greene reports that he misses
Publishing achievement for 105 years
THE JOURNAL | 33
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online