Robert Lloyd Browning

Dr. Robert L. Browning, Chaplain, Colonel, USAF Retired

Robert ("Bob") L. Browning was born in Natchez, Mississippi. He was the only child of William Duke Browning and Doris Browning. Adopted at three months old, Bob's journey took him from an orphan in Mississippi to a distinguished career as a Senior Air Force Chaplain.

Before attending the United States Air Force Academy, Bob spent two years at Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. He then became a proud member of the very first graduating class (Class of 1959) from the Air Force Academy, a pioneering group that set the standard for decades of excellence. At his graduation, Bob received his wings as an Air Force navigator and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, embarking on a four-year commitment to the Air Force.

His early military career included navigator and B-52 crew training in California, followed by an assignment to a B-52 combat crew at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi. In 1961, Bob married Roxann Cox from Jackson, Mississippi. They had two children, Laura Richards and John Browning.

In 1963, Bob resigned his active-duty commission and accepted a reserve commission as a 1st Lieutenant to attend seminary in New Orleans. During this time, he also served as a navigator with the Mississippi Air National Guard. After graduating from seminary in June 1966, Bob accepted an active-duty appointment as a chaplain in the United States Air Force, with his first duty station being Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland.

Over the next 25 years, Bob and Roxann had numerous assignments, both stateside and overseas. His diverse postings included Maryland, Vietnam (where he earned the Bronze Star), Colorado, Arizona, Germany, Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama, SAC headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska, California, Okinawa, the Air Force Inspector General (IG), and finally, ATC Headquarters in San Antonio, Texas. Throughout his exemplary career, he ascended to the rank of Colonel.

Academically, Bob earned a Bachelor of Science from the Air Force Academy, a Bachelor of Divinity and a Master of Theology from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a doctorate from San Francisco Theological Seminary. His dedication and service were recognized with numerous military awards, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, a Meritorious Service Medal, and various other ribbons and medals from the United States Air Force.

After retiring from the military, Bob and Roxann continued their service, spending over 16 years at the Church at Woodmoor, where Bob served as Senior Pastor. He also contributed to his community as President of the Monument Fire Board, Vice President and President of the Monument Sertoma, and as a Board member of the Falcon Foundation. He remained deeply connected to the Air Force Academy, performing weddings and funerals there for many years