This is a big week for Cathy and Tommy Mullins of Owensboro.  They're officially releasing a CD tribute to their son Brandon Mullins, who was killed in 2011 while serving in Afghanistan.  21: Ode to a Soldier features seven original songs that are intended to inspire and honor those who fight, have fought, those who have won and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

It was six years ago . . . August 25, 2011 . . . that SPC Brandon Scott Mullins was killed in Afghanistan on his first and final deployment.   Since that time, Brandon’s parents< Cathy and Tommy, have turned to music for strength.  Early on in the grieving and recovery process, Tommy wrote a tribute song for Brandon based on a voicemail that he left for his mother just before his deployment.  That song, and the healing that grew from it, inspired this amazing project.

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21: Ode to a Soldier features seven original songs, including Tommy's song "21." Here's the official track listing for the CD and notes about each song and why it was included in the project.

21
Written by singer/songwriter/musician and Brandon's dad Tommy Mullins.
Wings to Fly
Written by singer/songwriter and our beautiful friend Delena Smith over 30 years ago. This song based on Isaiah 40:31 has brought life time and time again with its message of hope and faith in God.
Down on My Knees
Written by singer/songwriter/worship pastor Wayne Morris. Even in our darkest days, true joy comes in the morning when we begin each day down on our knees.
Do Your Best
Written by singer/songwriter/storyteller/host Layton Howerton. Long after we've died and gone to heaven and our children have followed us there.... a hard song to sing but powerful in that joy is born out of sorrow and that we should just do our best no matter the circumstance.
Sacrifice
Co-written by singer/songwriter Jenny Beth Willis along with award winning fiddle player/producer/teacher and all around great guy Randy Lanham as a thank you to the brave men and women who protect us each and everyday in service as police officers or fire fighters as well as our military whether behind the scenes or on the front lines of the battlefield thousands of miles away.
Brave
Written by singer/songwriter/radio personality and creative extrodinaire Chad Benefield. Poetically written, this song is for anyone going through a crisis in life. Whether it be the loss of a loved one, a life threatening illness, or other overwhelming situation, we can be brave and we can be strong.

6:34
Written by artist/musician/songwriter Dustin Taylor, a high school friend of Brandon. Dustin knew first hand how passionate and fearless Brandon lived his life. He wrote this song based on the scripture Matthew 6:34 that says not to worry about tomorrow and to seize your days, just like how Brandon lived his life.

21: Ode to a Soldier will be officially released and celebrated this Friday evening from 7pm to 10pm at Friday After Five in downtown Owensboro.  The Mullins family will be joined by various special guests as they share music from the CD and the stories that inspired them.

Copies of 21: Ode to a Soldier will be available that evening and songs will be available on iTunes.   All proceeds from the project will help fund the Brandon Scott Mullins Memorial Foundation (BSMMF).  The mission of the foundation is “to honor the life and legacy of SPC Brandon Scott Mullins through leadership scholarships and veteran’s support projects”.

The signature project for the BSMMF is called "Kentucky Remembers," which is held annually in November on or before Veterans Day.  Kentucky Remembers features a 5K event, afternoon parade, and evening concert at the RiverPark Center.   This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, November 11th, which is Veterans Day.

For more information about the 21 CD project or the Brandon Scott Mullins Memorial Foundation, contact Cathy Mullins 270-316-9203 or visit online at www.kentuckyremembers.org.

 

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