SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Democrat challenger for the second congressional district is pulling support of his fellow veterans.

On Wednesday, Mullen announced the creation of a "Veterans and Military Families Coalition."

The group will support his campaign to serve Indiana's second congressional district.

A number of local veterans were on hand to show support for Mullen, including former Indiana Governor Joe Kernan.

"What we have here is a young man who made the decision that he wanted to serve his country," Kernan said. "And in doing so, he changed."

Mullen is an Iraq War veteran.

His campaign says his opponent, Jackie Walorski, has attempted to smear Mullen's military record.