Superman makes trek through county

Published 2:14 pm Friday, February 26, 2010

He’s not faster than a speeding bullet, he’s not more powerful than a locomotive and he’s not able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but “Superman” Allen Mullins is able to walk great distances in the name of the real heroes of today — the American soldiers.

Although Mullins, 27, of Dalton, Ga., has never been a soldier himself, he has taken up the cause of ensuring veterans are taken care of when they return home from war by walking from state to state, capital to capital to ask anyone who will listen for help.

“I’ve seen great soldiers come home and end up on the streets,” Mullins said. “And that’s just not right.”

Mullins, who is trying to start a non-profit organization to support veterans, began his journey several years ago when he spiritually accepted Jesus Christ as his lord and savior.

“I had a girlfriend, had a house, had a life,” Mullins said. “But I gave it all up. Like 1 John 4:20 points out, you can’t really love God unless you learn to love others first.”

So, Mullins and four other guys set out to go across the country to raise awareness for returning veterans.

The five men started off sporting Marine uniforms, but were eventually told they could not wear them if they did not serve in active duty.

After the four other guys dropped out from the cause, Mullins continued the fight while carrying an American flag and wearing a Superman costume.

“I had to improvise, myself, and the American soldiers represent a Superman style,” Mullins said. “I try to make these things up as I go to get people’s attention.”

Mullins just completed a 5,000-mile walk from Jan. 5, 2009 to Nov. 15, 2009, crossing 13 states.

His latest endeavor began Jan. 15 in Knoxville, and Mullins stopped in Nashville, his first state capital of the trip, on his way to Montgomery.

During his treks, Mullins sleeps anywhere he can find a spot and relies on others to help out with donations, whether it be food, cash or a hot shower.

But Mullins doesn’t mind sleeping on the side of the road or going a few days without a shower if it means that one veteran will not have to do the same.

“The last thing we need is a homeless vet,” Mullins said.

To view Mullins’ journeys, visit Netneon.com/sites/i095335. He can be reached by e-mail at supermanwalking@gmail.com.