Local Airmen start new Veterans Day tradition Published Oct. 17, 2012 By Shawn J. Jones 514th Air Mobility Wing public affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- How to spend Veterans Day is an important decision for many Airmen in the 514th Air Mobility Wing. Many choose to don their dress uniforms and march down New York City's 5th Avenue. Others may opt for something more casual, such as taking advantage of the free meal provided to veterans by many restaurants. But the wing's human resource development council, more commonly known as HRDC, is looking to follow the example of Tech. Sgt. Timothy Mullin in starting a Veterans Day tradition that has a little more personal impact. For the past few years, Mullin, a reservists serving with 88th Aerial Port Squadron, visits his son's elementary school classroom and reads a patriotic book to the students. Afterwards, he talks with them about his experience serving in the military. Mullin, who is a member of the HRDC mentoring committee, said this tradition started out for him a few years ago when he learned his son had to attend school on Veteran's Day. "At first I was disappointed the school district didn't feel Veteran's Day was a worthy holiday," he said, "but after thinking about it, I decided to turn it into a positive experience." During his first Veteran's Day visit, Mullin learned that of the 22 children in the class, he was the only parent who was a Veteran. "Many of their eyes lit up when I walked in wearing my uniform." He said the students were very curious, and the usual questions started immediately. "Do you fly planes?" "Were you ever in a war?" "Did you ever jump out of an airplane?" "Did you ever have to shoot anyone?" Mullin said he was reluctant to disappoint the children by explaining how his job was a bit more mundane, but in the end, he opted for fact over fantasy. "I told them I drive a forklift and I load and unload planes," he said. "It may not be a glamorous job -- and they weren't as impressed with me anymore - but I still had their attention. '' Mullin said his annual visit to the school has helped the students better understand the wide variety of roles and responsibilities that Airmen fulfill. The HRDC mentoring committee is encouraging Airmen to the students in their local community schools during the week of Veteran's Day. "Even if you don't have school-age children, make arrangements to go to a niece's or nephew's school, a friend's kid's school, a school you attended or any other school you choose," Mullin said. "Share your story with the leaders of tomorrow by being a positive role model for the kids of today." Part of the program encourages Airmen to post a photo and a quick note about their experience on the wing's facebook page. The committee aims to start this tradition with Freedom Wing Airmen, but hopes to eventually expand it into a national program known as Vets Read Across America. Editor's note: The wing's facebook page is www.facebook.com/514thAirMobilityWing.