Mullins Cherishes Opportunity to Sing National Anthem for Preds Games

Singing the "Star-Spangled Banner" before a Nashville Predators game would be exciting for anyone, but this past week meant so much more to Cathy Mullins.
Mullins started performing the national anthem for the Preds after she tried out five years ago. Each time she sings is special, but doing so on Ford Military Week has greater meaning for the Blue and Gold Star Mother.
Looking back, she never believed just how much that decision to try out with the Preds would become such a big part of her life as she continues to perform to this day - but she's glad she did.

"I'm still pinching myself," Mullins said. "This is a fantastic organization and they've just done so much."
One of her sons, Specialist (SPC) Brandon Scott Mullins, U.S. Army, was killed in 2011 while serving in Afghanistan. In an effort to preserve her son's memory, Mullins wanted to find ways to not only honor her son who died in active duty, but allow him to continue to live on through her.
"I had never sung the national anthem until Brandon died," Mullins said. "My husband wrote a song in tribute [to Brandon]. We shared that song on a retreat. The person who organized it heard me sing it and said, 'Kathy, can you sing the Anthem for something that we've got going on?' And I'm like, 'Well, I can try it.'"
Little did Mullins know that taking up that offer would lead her to this opportunity to sing the national anthem during Ford Military Week. That initial performance has led her to this week - a week that she has circled on the calendar since this season's schedule has been announced.
"This week truly has been incredible," Mullins said. "When I first saw the schedule I was hoping I would get military week because my eldest son and my son-in-law are still on active duty… It is just very special because it's just an amazing connection."
The trip to perform for Mullins is no easy trek. It takes her at least two hours to drive from Owensboro, Kentucky, to Nashville to sing the anthem. Although it's quite the journey, no drive is too long for her to be able to share not only his story, but to have him honored during her performances under the bright lights of Bridgestone Arena.
"I would drive two hours to come and sing for 90 seconds," Mullins said. "It's amazing. I can't describe it. It means so much because he's always still with me. In fact, I'm wearing his dog tags today and I'm wearing his picture. To be able to share his life [story means so much]."
Having a consistent way for Mullins to honor her son has meant so much not only to her, but also her family. Because of this opportunity, she is forever thankful and has something to look forward to each season and game that she performs.
"This has been just an amazing way that he's still with me," Mullins said. "His spirits are carrying on through the Predators."

A trio of Preds games were highlighted by Ford Military Week at Bridgestone Arena, and the impact from the events were not only immediate, but they'll also be felt for years to come.
The Nashville Predators Foundation, empowered by SmileDirectClub, raised over $37,000 by auctioning off the special military-themed warm-up jerseys worn by the team prior to last Tuesday's game against Dallas. Additionally, the Foundation sold mystery pucks to fans and raised another $10,000, with all funds set to benefit military initiatives in Middle Tennessee.
The Preds sold $115,000 worth of sponsor packages to provide tickets to military members throughout the week, and over 1,400 tickets over the course of three home games. The Predators also invited their own full-time and part-time military staff to enjoy a game for a night as a way to show gratitude for the sacrifice of their employees.
The funds raised from those packages helped the Preds to host a pre-game reception on March 8 for military constituents and sponsors who helped to benefit the week. General Keith Huber and Commanding General, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) & Fort Campbell JP McGee addressed the group during the reception, and everyone in attendance received a Nashville Predators Military Challenge Coin designed with the team's guitar pick logo on one side and a smaller version of each branch's logo on the other.
Military members were honored throughout the week, including the recognition of a member of each branch during all three games. Military members served as the Preds fan captains and the BNA Mayors of Smashville across the week, and 101st Airborne Division Band played during plaza parties and on the Ford Band Stage pregame and during intermissions. Additionally, Predators television broadcasts featured pieces on the Middle Tennessee State University General's Fund and 7Element, the latter of which was founded by the Predators' own Brian Bailey, an Army veteran who now serves as Ford Ice Center's business operations manager.
Perhaps the most thrilling moments - other than the action on the ice - came as the Master Rappel Team out of Fort Campbell descended from the Bridgestone Arena rafters prior to games on March 10 and 12 to the amazement and appreciation of those in attendance.
Then, prior to all three puck drops, Mullins sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" to honor her country, her son who gave the ultimate sacrifice forever in her heart.