He was born on January 22, 1937 in Gambrills, Maryland to the late James and Mildred Brookman. Benjamin served in the US Army for 20 years, proudly having served during the Vietnam War. During his military career, he received awards to include: The Bronze Star Medal with 1 OLC, Army Commendation Medal, 3 Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device, Expert Badge with Rifle M-16 Bar, and Expert Badge with Pistol Bar. He also prioritized his education, having completed his GED while in the service, and completing an additional two years of college.
After his military service, he worked at the National Medical Center of Norfolk for an additional 20 years, before officially retiring in 1995. Through out his life he found great joy in bowling, golfing, softball, poker and politics. He was a loving husband, supportive father and a great friend.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Nicole Brookman; his children, James Brookman, Linda Bell, Christine Nehme, and Nicole Graham; his brothers, Rueben, Danny, and Wally; his sister, Dorothy; his grandchildren, Nicole, Christopher, Stephanie, Steven, Michael, Patrick, and Cassandra; and his great-grandchildren; Landon and Cody.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Mildred Brookman; his son, Ben Brookman; his brothers, James and Allen Brookman; and his grandson, Frank.
