06/24/2025
Testimonial
"It has been my experience that there are times when one comes in contact with a consummate professional. One who raises the bar to such a degree that he stands alone in his craft. It has been my pleasure to have had this experience more than once, at a time when needs were high, as were the emotions.
My experience with Andy Browning began with a quite remarkable two-month odyssey. Andy Browning and his team helped facilitate the Homecoming of my father, Col Roy A. Knight, Jr after he was recovered from his crash site in Laos, 52 years after he was killed. Working closely with USAF Mortuary Affairs, Andy and the other members of his team made sure that my father was treated with honor, dignity and respect due to our fallen heroes, but also that our family received great consideration and support throughout the experience. This was not an easy undertaking, but these professionals led by Andy were remarkable in their ability to anticipate and address the unique aspects of our situation.
The size and reach of Dad’s Homecoming exceeded anything we were prepared for. The sheer volume of people wanting to express their appreciation for and to honor my father made all aspects a challenge. But you would never know it based on the reaction of Andy and his team. Ultimately, the receipt of my father’s remains, his procession from Dallas Love Field to Weatherford, the Visitation and his services at Holder’s Chapel in Cool were handled in such a profoundly professional and sensitive way, meeting all the needs of our family to such a high degree, we were able to focus completely on honoring my father.
These events occurred on the national stage with the challenges one would expect with this kind of exposure. Andy handled this with class and sure competence. As the person who had the honor of making the arrangements for all of this, it is difficult for me to express just how important the support from Andy Browning and the rest of his staff was. I know that he went above and beyond with an ease that expressed the commitment that this is his norm. He anticipated and met every need, both vocalized and silent, we had during this time. I think even the most casual observer would agree that my father’s Homecoming was very unique.
Weatherford was shown on television screens and computer monitors across the world during those three days and the story continues to be told. Andy Browning made sure that all went well, and the world got to see how Texas honors a hero.
Two years later, Andy handled the arrangements for my father-in-law, Wesley Means, a humble man who did not garner near the attention of a hero returning home from a faraway land. This much smaller and much quieter funeral received the same attention and dignity given to my father. Cpl Means was given the same sensitive care.
It is important to note that not all things went smoothly in either funeral. It is how one handles those moments that often set one apart. In the case of my father-in-law, errors made by the mortuary in California would have made him late to his own funeral, arriving in Texas a day later, without the sharp senses and deft interdiction of Andy Browning. Working very hard, utilizing relationships he has built over time, he made sure that Wesley made it home on time.
There have been other challenges met and conquered by Andy on our behalf. From undated headstones to missing Veteran markers. Late memorabilia that were supposed to be interred with my father, buried with him long after the services. Throughout, Andy has been easy to reach and quick with a solution.
Sometimes, one comes across a consummate professional. In the service of comfort and dignity with the passing of a loved one, there is none better than Andy Browning."
