Brandon Mullins’ name shaping futures across the world
Army Specialist Brandon Mullins was 21 years old when he was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Fifteen years later, his name is being carried into a place he never saw, among people he never met.
In Pakistan, a church and school under construction for families rescued from slavery will bear the Owensboro soldier’s name — a tribute that his parents say connects his life, his sacrifice, and his legacy in ways they never expected.
For Tommy and Cathy Mullins, it’s the latest chapter in a story they never could have imagined after they lost their son.
Just days before their interview with Owensboro Living, Tommy received a message from a soldier who had gone through basic training and deployed to Afghanistan alongside Brandon.
“He said from the time they met, Brandon helped him get through so much stuff on a daily basis,” Tommy said. “When they got to Afghanistan, he said Brandon had my back. He said, ‘I still hear his laugh today.’”
Brandon was the middle child of Tommy and Cathy. Their oldest son, Shaun, served in the Army, and their daughter, Bethany, married a soldier. In 2011, all three of their children were connected to the military at the same time.
It was also one of the deadliest periods of the war in Afghanistan.
Three months after deploying, Brandon was killed by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar Province. The years since have been marked by grief, but also by gratitude.
“We were showered with love from the veterans community and from the community at large,” Cathy said.
The support inspired the family to find ways to keep Brandon’s memory alive. Through the Specialist Brandon Mullins Memorial Foundation, scholarships were established at Apollo High School and within local youth hockey programs. Memorial events and other efforts followed, all with the goal of ensuring that Brandon’s life would continue making a difference.
But while Brandon’s military service is often remembered, his parents hope people also remember the person behind the uniform.
Tommy described Brandon as fiercely loyal, someone who would stand by a friend no matter the circumstances.
“He was the type of kid that would give you the shirt off his back,” he said.
Cathy remembers a young man who seemed to make friends everywhere he went.
One of her favorite memories is a short video taken while Brandon was working at Red Lobster before joining the Army. In the clip, he’s dancing around in the kitchen freezer, making coworkers laugh.
“It’s only about 10 seconds long, but it’s so funny,” Cathy said. “It shows you his personality.”
Those stories have become precious over the years. So have the reminders that Brandon’s influence continues long after his death.
The opportunity to be part of a project in Pakistan began through Workman for Christ Cowboy Church, where Tommy and Cathy serve as worship leaders. Through the church, they learned about the work being done by Owensboro missionary Paul Clements and his ministry partners, who have helped free more than 700 people from slavery in Pakistan and are now building churches and schools to serve those families.
During a dinner conversation, Clements shared details about a church project that was already underway and explained that a school was needed for approximately 150 children connected to the growing congregation.
Today, both the church and school are under construction, roughly 65 miles from where Brandon lost his life. For Tommy, the project carries a powerful symbolism. Many of the children who will attend the school and many of the families who will worship at the church were once trapped in slavery.
“They’re going to be able to see what the cost of freedom is,” he said.
There is another layer of meaning as well.
Tommy’s father, the Rev. Thomas C. Mullins, built a community center in eastern Kentucky years ago. Today, another building dedicated to serving children and families will carry the Mullins name — this time thousands of miles away.
“It’s just amazing,” Cathy said.
If construction continues on schedule, the church dedication is expected to take place Aug. 25 — the 15th anniversary of Brandon’s death.
The date wasn’t selected with that connection in mind. It simply worked out that way. For the Mullins family, however, it feels fitting. After all, Brandon’s story has never really ended. OL
