Jon Tester: “today I would like to honor the life and service of a dedicated public servant, distinguished American, and champion for…”

“today I would like to honor the life and service of a dedicated public servant, distinguished American, and champion for veterans: the Honorable Frank Q. Nebeker. Judge Nebeker served as the first chief judge of the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals, now known as the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. A long-time Federal judge and legal pioneer, he established the landmark court in 1988 before hearing the first case and issuing the first opinion in 1989. His work ensured that, for the first time ever, veterans had a dedicated court to hear their appeals for their earned Department of Veterans Affairs--VA--benefits. While Judge Nebeker is no longer with us, his legacy lives on. On behalf of myself and my fellow Americans, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for his life and service to this nation. Judge Nebeker grew up in the West. He was born in Salt Lake City and grew up in Ogden, UT, before graduating from the University of Utah and marrying his wife Lou. Together, they moved to Washington, DC, where he studied law and worked in President Eisenhower's White House. Working as a correspondence secretary, he began his career in public service that would last the rest of his life. After serving as an attorney for the Department of Justice, he was appointed to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in 1969.…”