Tommy Mullins knows everybody has a purpose; his just happens to be supporting the veterans and their families in and around Owensboro-Daviess County. Through his work with the Brandon Scott Mullins Memorial Foundation, he’s being inducted into the Kentucky Veteran Hall of Fame.
Mullins found out about the Hall of Fame honor on Wednesday at the inductee announcement ceremony, and news spread pretty rapidly throughout his connections.
“Being nominated pulled on my heartstrings, and being selected was just an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and pride. Not that I’m a prideful man, I just know that everybody’s put on Earth with a purpose. This is mine,” Mullins said.
Mullins served in the U.S. Army from 1980-83, though his nomination did not come for his service. Instead, after a conversation with a local V.E.T. (Veterans Empowered Together) organizer, his work with the foundation was at the forefront of his nomination.
The foundation — named in honor of Tommy and Cathy Mullins’ son Brandon, who died while serving in Afghanistan in 2011 — has donated to and supported several families, active-duty military personnel, and incoming military members with donations, events, and community connections.
Through his work with the foundation, Mullins has provided graduation gifts to JROTC students, donated food alongside V.E.T.s, provided outdoor and wildlife training, and more.
First and foremost, though, Mullins said he and his wife Cathy are partners in their mission to keep their Brandon’s legacy alive.
“We’re ministry partners. We’re partners in life and we share a lot of things,” Tommy said of Cathy. “I think turning our grieving process into service really helped us to heal, and the healing process is ongoing. We’re still healing from our son.”
He said Cathy is often seen in the forefront, whereas Tommy likes to serve in the background as the man behind the curtain.
Mullins said the future of the Brandon Mullins Memorial Foundation will be trying to reach the military community beyond Owensboro. Still, he is listening to God to find where he fits best with his mission.
“We want to touch those hearts that have maybe lost a son or daughter and need to find a way to turn their grief into service. I think it’s far more reaching than our military and our community. I really feel like that’s it, but I think it’s all in God’s timing and plan,” Mullins said.
The Hall of Fame induction weekend will take place in Lexington on September 6-7. There will be a gala on Friday and the ceremony will take place Saturday morning.
