History

In the days following 9/11, I was alerted that my unit was being deployed to Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. I was in command of a US Army Battalion. My Command Sergeant Major saw a Dog Tag engraved with,

“I will be strong and courageous, I will not be terrified or discouraged, for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go. Joshua 1:9”

We believed these Words would strengthen and encourage the Soldiers within the Battalion, most of whom were young with no combat experience. We contacted Shields of Strength to request a discount for a bulk order of 500 dog tags, one for each of our Soldiers. Kenny Vaughan, founder and CEO of Shields of Strength, overnighted the dog tags to us and he would not accept payment.

These simple dog tags strengthened and encouraged Soldiers. Throughout the deployment, I saw Soldiers pull out their dog tag and meditate on the Words engraved on it. That single Bible verse brought peace, encouragement, and strength to them. Knowing that God told Joshua, to be strong and courageous, to not be afraid or discouraged, meant that Joshua was in fact terrified and discouraged. However, he moved forward into battle with the knowledge that God was with him wherever he went.

God promises the same thing to everyone. He is with us wherever we go. That assurance by God; comforted Soldiers more than their training, equipment, or support of the United States Government, especially when they faced challenges beyond their control.

Often, these Soldiers would seek out a fellow Soldier, Chaplain, or me to learn more about God and His Son Jesus Christ. After learning more about God’s forgiveness, unconditional love, grace, and salvation, soldiers accepted Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior.

After I retired from the Army, I wanted to continue strengthening and encouraging members of the Armed Forces and their family members. Soon thereafter, I founded Point 27, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Charity organization, with a mission to strengthen and encourage members of the Armed Forces and their family members. Two years later, we added First Responders and their family members to our mission.

I am beyond humbled by what God is doing in the lives of the brave Americans who daily risk their lives for others. For me, they create a word picture of three Bible verses;

John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friend”

Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life for a ransom.”

Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called Children of God.”

I admire, respect, and appreciate these selfless servants and I want to share the forgiveness, love, and salvation of Jesus Christ with them. Through Point 27, I do my best to honor each of these selfless servants.

∼ David Dodd, Colonel, US Army Retired