Brian Browning reported killed in Iraq

An Astoria man serving in the U.S. Army was killed Tuesday in Iraq.

Brian Browning, 20, son of Perry and Paula Browning, was killed in action south of Baghdad, according to his father.

Perry Browning said initial information from Iraq indicated that Brian was in a guard tower that came under enemy fire, but no other information had been received from the U.S. military as of this morning.

Brian Browning was serving his first tour of duty in Iraq with the Army's 10th Mountain Division, and had recently visited home on leave.

Born in Florida, Browning came to Astoria at a young age and attended local schools. He enjoyed driving and "working on things," as well as playing computer games, his father said.

He joined the Army about three years ago.

"He wanted to do something for his country," Perry Browning said. "He wanted to support the guys who were already there, and he believed in the mission."

From the Astorian