Seaford Soldier Remembered Through Honor Ride

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(SEAFORD, Del) – In January of 2025, Specialist Jacob Mullen from Seaford, Delaware, died in a military training accident, and 18 months later, his family is being honored by a group of veterans providing support to Gold Star families.

More than a dozen veterans rode their motorcycles through rural Seaford to honor Specialist Mullen.

Jacob’s Mother, Linda tells us just what kind of person her son was.

“Like, he was very reserved. But when you got to know him, he was so funny. Very dry wit. And what I found out later, like, from people that I didn’t know that he served with, like, he was just a very loyal friend,” says Linda.

The Honor Ride is something Tribute to Fallen Soldiers has done for more than 17 years, honoring 1500 families who have lost someone in service.

Retired 1st Sergeant, Michael Poirier tells WMDT, “We usually contact, what’s called an S.O.S. or Survivor Outreach Services officer. And we ask them, who the Gold star families are. And we’ll make contact with the family or sometimes they will.”

The tribute includes a memorial ceremony, flag folding dedication, and a cross-country motorcycle ride — with every mile honoring Jacob’s memory.

Linda tells us, “We need to do these things. I need to make sure that his name is said. And then the people who knew him can can share those stories. And then the people who didn’t get to know him so that they can share his stories…”

More than anything, Freedom Rides like this help to make sure soldiers like Jacob are not forgotten.

“Their biggest fear is that their loved one will be forgotten, you know? Yeah. He was in the service for a very short period of time and that’s great. But where’s the legacy? And we want to ensure that that legacy is continued,” says Retired Sergeant Poirier.