The 7th grade World Geography classes were very lucky to have one of our very own Laker Alumni, Staff Sergeant J.D. Mullins, come in to speak to our class on August 29th. Staff Sergeant Mullins graduated from Our Lady of the Lakes in 2014, his younger sister Kailey is currently a 7th grader. Staff Sergeant Mullins is in the United States Air Force stationed in North Dakota at Minot Air Force Base. He is part of the Tactical Response Force in Security Forces and is part of a team in charge of protecting nuclear weapons. We were happy to congratulate him on his new promotion to Staff Sergeant.
During his presentation we were able to ask him questions and learned a tremendous amount about what it’s like to be in the military. He told us that his favorite Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) is the chili mac. During his time in the military he has met people from all over the world. When we asked where his choice would be for his next assignment, he said he’d like to be stationed in Alaska because of the pretty scenery and outdoor activities he could do in his free time. One of the hardest days in the Air Force was when he had to run 12 miles in three hours with all of his equipment. He said it was very brutal and probably the worst day of his life.
We asked why he joined the military and he said it was something he had always wanted to do. He is inspired by the service of his parents, who are both police officers. He signed up for six years of service, which he said he was happy about, but most people only sign up for four years. When he is finished with his time in the military he hopes to also become a police officer.
SSgt. Mullins also explained that goes in helicopters almost every single day which we all thought sounded pretty fascinating and fun. He said the purpose of the flights are to do random security sweeps. The helicopters he rides in hold 8 people and are used to move around the missiles he protects. He sits to the side and keeps an eye out for areas they might have to land.
We learned that the base where he is stationed has a place of worship for every religion. We thought this was something that was very special. We really liked that they provide that for the service men and women.
We learned so much about being in the military, specifically the Air Force from our time spent with SSgt. Mullins. We were so thankful to be able to have to come speak to our class during his time on leave.