Willie Browning has been called many things in her lifetime, but humble might be the most common. Ms Browning, a retired Army captain was honored after 11 years of volunteering as a veteran service officer. Many veterans organizations and citizens gathered to celebrate the retirement of Ms. Willie at Big Hoss BBQ, her favorite restaurant, a jam-packed parking lot was just one testament to the difference she has made in the lives of others.
In her years as a volunteer, Browning has helped more than 100,000 veterans with their Department of Veterans Affairs claims in the Fort Hood, Killeen, Harker Heights and Copperas Cove communities. “Willie is one of the most professional, yet loving and selfless people I have ever known,” said Craig Pearson, Belton councilmember and former coworker of Browning. “She is always concerned for others, going above and beyond in everything she does.” Countless others echoed this sentiment, expressing their heartfelt appreciation for the woman who — as many stated — was never satisfied until each veteran received 100 percent of their entitlements. Browning received numerous certificates of appreciation from organizations such as Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans, The Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Throughout the dedications, Browning gracefully accepted each accolade while diffusing serious moments with her token humor.
“I don’t even know this person you all keep talking about,” she joked.
Star Group Veterans Helping Veterans also presented Ms. Willie with a Proclamation from the City of Copperas Cove. But their big surprise was when SG-VHV had a wheel chair ramp installed at her new home in Copperas Cove.
After seemingly endless testimonies to her character, Ms. Willie finally spoke.
“When I started this, I wanted to help just one veteran. One became 10 and 10 became 1,000, but to me, they are still just one person at a time. Thank you all for coming to sit at my desk, because without you, I wouldn’t have anything to do. I’m really not ‘retiring,’ but don’t tell anybody.” She also always stated "whenever Mr. Haywood needs me, I'll be there."
As guests filtered out for the night, Browning reflected, “I’m just totally astonished by this. To me it’s just one (person) at a time, and if asked how many I’ve helped, I’d really have to stop and think.”
MS. WILLIE, ENJOY YOUR RETIREMENT!
 
Veterans Helping Veterans |