Keithe Nelson remembered

Keithe E. Nelson—North Dakota's State Court Administrator, who died July 18, 2002—is remembered by the current Judge Advocate General of the Air Force, the Clerk of the United States Supreme Court, and others.

General Nelson served as an active duty lawyer for the United States Air Force for 32 years. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1958 and retired as a major general in 1991. He served around the world in the Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps, and in his final assignment as The Judge Advocate General of the Air Force he was in charge of all of the Air Force lawyers and legal support staff.

Nelson's colleagues in the military pay tribute to him:

Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Fiscus

Among his many contributions, he raised the honor and prestige of the Air Force Judge Advocate General School and played a significant role in enhancing the effectiveness of our invaluable Reserve team. He will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on 13 August 2002, at 0900. Consider the words of General Waldrop [which follow] as we honor this giant of our Department.

Fiscus is the current Judge Advocate General of the Air Force.

Clerk of the U.S. Supreme Court William K. Suter

It was my honor to serve as a military colleague of Keithe Nelson and a privilege to have him as a friend for over thirty years. He was an extraordinarily fine attorney, officer, and gentleman. He was all that is right about being a husband, father, patriot, and leader. He will be greatly missed by all of us who knew and admired him.

Maj. Gen. Suter is the Clerk of the United States Supreme Court. He was Judge Advocate General of the Army when Nelson was Judge Advocate General of the Air Force.

Brig. Gen. Olan Waldrop

General Nelson, the ninth Judge Advocate General was widely known, respected, and loved as a leader, patriot, innovator, mentor, and friend. After a distinguished Air Force career that spanned almost 32 years, he retired on 1 May 1991. General Nelson then returned to his native state of North Dakota, where he served as the North Dakota State Court Administrator.

General Nelson's career began when he received his commission in 1958 through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the University of North Dakota. He earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in 1958 and a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1959, both from the University of North Dakota. After coming on active duty in August 1959, General Nelson served two tours as an assistant staff judge advocate, three tours as a base staff judge advocate (SJA), and two tours as a major command SJA. He also served as the Deputy Chief and Chief of TJAG's Career Management and Plans Division, Commandant of the Air Force Judge Advocate General's School, Director of the Air Force Judiciary, and Vice Commander of the Air Force Legal Services Center. He became the Deputy Judge Advocate General before being sworn in as The Judge Advocate General in July 1988.

On a personal note, I had the distinct pleasure of knowing General Nelson for over 32 years. I served under him when he was the SJA at RAF Bentwaters, and later as his executive officer during his tenure as The Judge Advocate General. We shared many end-of-the-day conversations, and I traveled with him often on Article VI visits. Consequently, I came to know him well. One thing was obvious: General Nelson enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. It was also evident that he genuinely cared about people, no matter their position or lot in life. When he conversed with others, it was more than just a courtesy. He made you feel as though you were the most important person on earth at that moment—a rare talent indeed.

General Nelson was a natural leader. He did not require an official title or a long introduction; people naturally gravitated to him in any setting—official, civic, or social. He commanded the ground on which he stood,and those around him knew they were in the presence of a true leader. General Nelson was also extremely active in the Air Force and civilian communities, whether organizing a charitable or social event, serving as president of the base rod and gun club, or hosting one of his famous Calvert County corn roasts. He did everything with great passion, energy, and enthusiasm, and people eagerly followed.

General Nelson was indeed a joy to be around. He was completely devoted to his family and shared their accomplishments with great pride. He was a devout Christian and leader in his church. He made time for everyone and imparted his wisdom freely. He will be missed by many, but his legacy will live on, not only through his vast accomplishments, but also through the many lives he touched along the way.

We honor this legend of our Department, and we extend our condolences to his wife, Shirley, his sons, Scott and Kenen, and his daughters, Kristi and Karen, and their respective families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn the loss of their beloved husband and father. We, too, share their loss.

Waldron is a retired Air Force attorney.

Pat O'Brien

I can remember times when he would represent JAG at Arlington for funerals of guys that no one knew. One time in particular when there was Keithe, Frank Moran and I. The deceased was a JAG during World War II and the family had asked for Air Force representation. They were floored when a two star showed up. He had a real sense of family with the people he worked with and loyalty—"loyalty down." He would stand behind his people. A rare commodity these days.

O'Brien is a retired Air Force attorney.

July 29, 2002