It is difficult to describe Brownie's life without resorting to superlatives, but the evidence speaks for itself. From his birth in 1926 to his escape from Nazi-controlled Austria to America in 1939, Brownie never failed to display his particular brand of zest for life that so characterized his 75 years with us.

In 1944 Brownie began his decorated 27-year career in the United States Army, serving in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Because of his fluency in German, he later served as an interpreter at the Nuremberg war crime trials.

For thirty years, Brownie was a full-time volunteer for veterans organizations, coordinating Veterans of Foreign War volunteers for the VA Hospital and chairing the Pierce County Veterans Advisory Council. In 1987, he helped found Fife's Veterans Independent Enterprises of Washington to rehabilitate homeless drug- or alcohol-dependent vets and help them become self-sufficient.

After he developed diabetes, Brownie dedicated countless hours to the Diabetes Association of Pierce County, conducting diabetes screenings without charge to residents of Pierce County. Brownie was known for both helping people detect their diabetes and begin to manage the condition. He would frequently go so far as to check in with people after their initial diagnosis to make sure they'd seen a doctor about their condition even three weeks after the test.

But these jobs and titles don't begin to describe either who Brownie was or the depth of his commitment to life. A man with a big heart, Brownie fought for issues he believed in. After serving our nation with a decorated career in the Army, Brownie worked tirelessly for the rights of veterans. Brownie was a passionate, dedicated citizen. He was patient and kind in teaching me not just about veterans and military issues, but also a wide range of other concerns close to his heart.

I was fortunate enough to work with Brownie on veterans issues ranging from concurrent receipt to VA health care to continuing education and reform of the Montgomery GI bill. It was always an honor to stand in the same room as him and I will always cherish the opportunity I had to call him both a colleague and a friend.

Brownie's outstanding contributions, selfless volunteerism, patriotism, and endless devotion cannot be sufficiently acknowledged. Everyone in the veterans' community, every elected official, everyone in Pierce County knew him and admired him. His tireless work earned him not only the respect, but also the love of everyone he touched.

Brownie Braunsteiner's passing is a loss to all who knew him and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family in their great loss. I will miss his friendship and his counsel.