Oklahoma City family's Scouting legacy soars with Eagles

People sometimes have words of advice they repeat quite often.

Dee Browning tells his Scouts to “think it through.”

“I say, ‘I'm going to get you ready. It's up to you to respond when something happens,'” he said.

In Browning's office at his house hangs his Civilian Service Medal from Norman police.

The accompanying plaque he was given explains that in August 1992, Browning entered a drainage ditch four-feet deep with rushing water, placing himself in significant danger to assist a woman whose vehicle crashed in the ditch. She had become trapped inside the vehicle.

Browning and others kept her from drowning by entering the partially submerged vehicle, pulling her from the vehicle and out of the ditch, then clearing her airway.

Browning also received a Governor's Commendation for his actions.

“I think the main thing from Scouting is that it gets you ready,” he said. “It prepared me to respond.”

Why they stay active

Courtney Browning was somewhat involved in Scouting as a youth.

But he became involved again when his sons were in Scouting in the 1960s. He hasn't stopped.

“I was going to do that temporarily, and I'm still involved,” the elder Browning said. “It teaches them skills and values, but it also teaches them, give your best.”

Dee Browning has traveled to Scouting events worldwide.

When asked why he remains active in Scouting, he goes back to the smiles.

“Every child is different,” he said.

“I'm a shooting instructor, and you take that kid that can't even hit the paper that first day and he's ready to quit.”

“You just keep working with them and figure out what it is they need to do or not do. To see them succeed and to see that look on their face is something.”