Illinois Air National Guard Judge Advocate Adjourns Career

Being directly recruited into the Illinois National Guard by the Adjutant General is likely rarer than finding a four-leaf clover, but that's exactly how Illinois Air National Guard Brigadier General John M. (Marty) Green was recruited.

Green retired this past April after serving 27 years as a Staff Judge Advocate in the Illinois Air National Guard and in various capacities in Washington D.C.

Before joining the Illinois National Guard, Green worked as an aide to Illinois Governor Jim Edgar.

"I saw the good work the Guard was doing during the 1993 flooding in Western Illinois," said Green. "The Adjutant General at the time, General Lynn, encouraged me to consider joining the Guard when I completed law school. It was a great opportunity to serve the Guard as a Judge Advocate at the 183rd Fighter Wing."

Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard said Green left a lasting legacy.

"Throughout his time in the Illinois National Guard Marty always provided thoughtful, sound counsel to leaders, his peers and subordinates," said Boyd. "His work ethic, energy and dedication continue to inspire our Airmen."

Green earned his Juris Doctorate from St. Louis University in 1996 and received a direct commission as an Air Force judge advocate in April of 1998.

"My thinking was that I would spend a couple of years serving to get the military experience and training that would make me a better professional," said Green. "I told myself that when it stopped being fun, I would get out."

Over the course of his 27-year career Green served as a Staff Judge Advocate at the 183rd Wing and the Illinois National Guard Joint Force Headquarters. He served as the senior legal advisor during Hurricane Katrina response and during the 2012 NATO summit in Chicago. Most recently her served as the Air National Guard assistant to the Deputy Judge Advocate General in Washington D.C.

Green said his military service gave him a world view, which he carries on today as Senior Vice President and Legislative Counsel for the Illinois CPA Society.

"It has broadened my view of things and to approach issues and problems more strategically. It has also disciplined me to look at issues and problems more broadly," said Green. "It has sharpened my presentation skills both in the board room and court room."

One of his roles during his time in Washington D.C. was to teach Air Force Judge Advocates about the Air National Guard and the Guard's role in the Air Force.

He said, beyond the challenging assignments, his military career provided many memorable experiences.

"Traveling to Poland with the State Partnership Program legal engagements, flying in an F-16, teaching legal issues and emergency management at the College level, and meeting some outstanding Airmen and Soldiers who serve our nation and state in an exemplary manner," Green said.

In retirement, Green said he's looking forward to not doing two jobs simultaneously.

"Spend more time with my wife and grown children, get projects done at home, and serving on the Illinois Supreme Cour Historic Preservation Commission and the Illinois Governor's Mansion Association Board of Directors."