[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5929]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                      CELEBRATING WILLIE BROWNING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2016

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Willie 
Browning's service to central Texas. On May 12, she will retire from 
over 20 years of work in the veteran community as a volunteer Veterans 
Service Officer in Harker Heights. Her commitment to putting our troops 
and veterans first reflects the very best of the generous spirit of the 
Lone Star State.
  Willie knows that the interests of our brave men and women who have 
served in uniform must remain a top priority for the United States 
government. A veteran herself, she has truly exemplified what it means 
to give back to her community. Along with her military service and 
commitment to ensuring veterans get what they earned, Willie's 
involvement in multiple civic organizations and her work as a published 
author are just a few reasons she is admired and respected by many.
  Following the death of her husband, SGM William Edwards Evans, Willie 
didn't waste any time combining her talent and passion to proactively 
overcome the challenges both in her life and in the lives of others. 
She worked as a selfless and effective daily volunteer, helping to 
process over 140,000 claims from veterans and their families. Over the 
years, she became a trusted ally and resource for veterans in central 
Texas. There is no doubt that Willie's perseverance and formidable 
skills helped many who otherwise may not have received benefits.
  Willie Browning's positive impact in her community deserves the 
utmost praise and recognition. With the love and support of her three 
daughters, three sons in law, and numerous grandchildren and great-
grandchildren, Willie has played a huge role in directly helping to 
improve the lives of so many veterans. I'm sure I echo the thoughts of 
all when I wish her the best in both her much deserved retirement and 
all her future endeavors.

                          ____________________