SSG CHARLES R. BROWNING

Charles Robert Browning was born in Widby Island, Washington and graduated from Palo Verde High School in Tucson. He enlisted in the Army on 28 December 1995 and served with the 101st Airborne for six years. On 1 September 2002, he enlisted with Battery B 2-180th Field Artillery, Arizona Army National Guard. He was married to Lisa and had 2 step-daughters, Jessica and Briana.

He first deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 2-180th FA Security Force from 13 October 2004 to 20 January 2006. He volunteered for a second tour in January 2007, serving in Afghanistan as a Team Leader for 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, Bravo Co, 1-158th Infantry and Provincial Reconstruction Team Mehtar Lam.

SSG Charles R. Browning was killed in action on 1 June 2007 while responding to an IED blast in the vicinity of Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan. His vehicle was hit by a second IED while responding to the initial one.

He was posthumously promoted to Staff Sergeant. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NATO Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Combat Infantryman Badge.