Unit historian brings passion to his Reserve career

Photo By Sgt. David Turner | Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Mullany keeps his camera at the ready during a training event at the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Sept. 6, 2014. Mullany, an observer controller/trainer with the 1st Battalion, 311th Regiment, 4th Cavalry Brigade, serves as his unit’s photographer and historian, using his lifelong passion for photography to capture the experiences of both his Soldiers and those they train. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Turner)  

RICHMOND, VA, UNITED STATES

12.12.2014

Story by Sgt. David Turner 

214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

NORTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. – During his long Army Reserve career, Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Mullany has worn plenty of hats. His military occupational specialties include qualifications in medical and supply; he can operate, repair and order supplies for X-ray equipment. For the past eight years he’s served as an observer controller/trainer, helping train Soldiers in a variety of skills. But the hat Mullany seems most pleased to wear is that of his unit’s photographer and historian.

“I’ve been taking photographs since I was five or six years old,” said Mullany, a Brooklyn, New York, native who, at 57 years old, represents a bit of history himself. He’s served more than 30 years in the Army Reserve, and plans to serve a couple more. His tall frame, gray mustache and gentle demeanor give him a sagacious air, and when he speaks, he often closes his eyes, as if searching some inner library for the right phrase. At training events, he’s usually seen with his camera in hand, providing quiet witness and recording the happenings for posterity.

As historian for the 1st Battalion, 311th Regiment, 4th Cavalry Brigade, he shoots pictures and video that not only tell his unit’s story, but also help capture the experiences of the Soldiers they help train. The 1/331th provide trainers who observe and provide guidance for Soldiers in a variety of training scenarios, and Mullany’s photography skills greatly enhance his unit’s abilities to provide feedback in after-action reviews.

“As they go through their actions, I film it so we can present it at the AAR and say ‘this is what you did, this is what we found was wrong and what went right,’” he explained.

Mullany said he didn’t initially seek out the position of being an historian. Being a lifelong shutterbug, he brought his cameras with him when he deployed to Bosnia in 2005, and found himself being tasked by his commander to take pictures. It was a similar story when he joined the 1/311th.

“I always carry my camera around with me, and they saw it one time and said ‘you can be the unit historian,’” recalled Mullany.

Mullany seems pleased to have integrated his personal interests with his Army Reserve career, and vice versa. He met his wife, Leslie, during an annual training event, when he trained her on operating X-ray equipment. She’s out of the service now, using those skills professionally as a medical technician. In civilian life, Mullany works for a large retailer, enabling him to purchase new camera equipment at a discount. He also collects antique cameras and photography equipment, including some more than 100 years old.

Despite his passion for pictures, Mullany said he never wanted to change his MOS to public affairs or anything else. He’s most happy, he said, when he’s training the troops. When a Soldier needs help learning on equipment or performing a task, he’s happy to give them as much time as needed. That’s his real passion, and why he’s stayed in Reserve so long, he said.

“I do it for the troops,” he said. “That’s the bottom line.”

• Date Taken: 12.12.2014
• Date Posted: 12.12.2014 15:23
• Story ID: 150220
• Location: RICHMOND, VA, US
• Hometown: BROOKLYN, NY, US
• Hometown: RICHMOND, VA, US