Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Guardsman who grew up in Tucson killed in Afghanistan



ARIZONA DAILY STAR
An Arizona Army National Guardsman from Florence who grew up in Tucson has been killed in action in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Charles Browning, 31, died Friday of wounds he suffered when his vehicle was hit by a homemade bomb, according to a press release from the National Guard released early Tuesday afternoon.

Browning was assigned to the National Guard’s Gilbert-based B Company, 1-158th Infantry Battalion.

“Sergeant Browning was a great soldier, patriot and family man, and friend to many,” said Army Major General David P. Rataczak, the head of the Arizona National Guard. “His loss will be felt by all members of the National Guard family. At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.”

The 1-158th Infantry Battalion was mobilized in January in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, according to the press release. The unit deployed to Fort Bragg, N.C., for training and then deployed to Afghanistan in March.

Browning’s family released a statement through the National Guard that said he was born on Widby Island, in Puget Sound. At age 8, his family moved to Tucson. He graduated from Palo Verde High School and then joined the military, serving at Fort Drum, N.Y. and Fort Campbell, K.Y.; also completing tours in Panama and Korea.

After active duty, he enlisted with the Arizona National Guard’s 2-180th Field Artillery Battalion where he deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He then volunteered to serve in Afghanistan.

Browning also worked for the Arizona Department of Corrections.

“He enjoyed spending time with his family, taking road trips, camping, hiking and fully enjoying the outdoors. He is survived by his wife Lisa and two stepdaughters,” the statement from his family read.

Browning is the 31st person with ties to Southern Arizona to be claimed by the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A graveside service will begin at 10:30 a.m. June 14 at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road.

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