From a small town in western Massachusetts to frontlines across the globe, United States Air Force Master Sergeant (Ret.) Shawn Mullins has dedicated his life to service.
The youngest of six children, Mullins succeeded in school and played rhythm guitar in a high school band while planning to become an electrician. Inspired by his older brother, Mullins changed course in his senior year, joining the U.S. Air Force through the delayed enlistment program. He was eager to see the world and serve his country.Â
Mullins became an aircraft armament equipment specialist, mastering the complex systems of loading and maintaining powerful weapons aboard F-15s. He thrived in the brotherhood of service, embracing the mission to protect and defend his country. He rose through the ranks, retiring as a Master Sergeant after 30 years of distinguished service.Â
As a weapons supervisor on September 11th, 2001, Mullins worked with his unit to launch F-15s to NYC to provide combat air patrol and protect the area. During his military career, he played a vital role in numerous military operations, including Coronet Nighthawk, Northern Watch, and Southern Watch. Following his wing transition from F-15s to Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Mullins continued his service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.
He raised a son, daughter, and stepdaughter, instilling in them the same values that shaped his own life. His son would eventually serve in Iraq, two generations bonded by duty and love of country.
Decades of working with armaments took a heavy toll on Mullins’ back. After surgery and another ten years of service, he faced additional challenges. Mullins is now a quadriplegic. He suffers from Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, the most severe form of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. ​His situation is compounded by combat-related PTSD. Although Mullins’ mobility is limited, his mission is not. He plans to share his well-earned wisdom by guiding and inspiring a new generation with the values the military instilled in him: discipline, respect, and honor.
He credits the Tunnel to Towers Foundation with saving his life. He looks forward, with hope, to moving into his fully accessible smart home in the Let Us Do Good Village, where independence and community await.
Master Sergeant (Ret.) Shawn Mullins’ journey reminds us that sacrifice doesn’t end when the uniform comes off—and that with the right support, every hero can continue to inspire.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided United States Air Force Master Sergeant (Ret.) Shawn Mullins with a mortgage-free smart home in the Let Us Do Good Village through the Smart Home Program.