Point 27's mission is to share dog tags engraved with scripture, called Shields of Strength, with members of the military to provide spiritual support. The tags began in 1997 and over 3 million have been distributed. They provide hope and encouragement to address challenges like high suicide and unemployment rates among veterans. Point 27 connects churches with military units to strengthen soldiers through prayer and the biblical messages on the tags. Donations support producing more tags to share God's word with those serving.

1. Mission. Point 27’s mission is “Point People to (2) Christ (7). Point 27 shares dog tags
engraved with scripture call Shields of Strength with Soldiers, Veterans, and Military Families.
For these Patriots, Shields of Strength are a physical reminder of God’s love, hope, truth, and
power. The first Shield of Strength was made in 1997 by Kenny Vaughan, a US National
Champion Long Distance Water Ski Jumper, author, and businessman. Kenny purchased a
blank dog tag from an Army Surplus store and engraved the following words, “God has not
given you a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind.” He wore that dog tag to
remind himself of the power of God’s Word. Over time, Kenny produced thousands of Shields
of Strength, primarily to share with athletes. In 2001, LTC David Dodd and 40 Soldiers deployed into Uzbekistan,
Afghanistan, and Pakistan wearing Shields of Strength engraved with the following words, “I will be strong and
courageous, I will not be terrified or discouraged, for The Lord my God is with me wherever I go.” Since 9/11 more
than 3 million shields have been worn by members of the Armed Forces. God’s Word is powerful.
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The Need. The urgency to share God’s Word with Service members is greater now than anytime in our Nation’s
history. America’s Armed Forces, Veterans, and their family members have endured 12+ years of war and it’s
devastating consequences. The physical, emotional, and spiritual battlefield statistics are alarming, to include:
• 1 Active Duty Suicide / Day and 22 Veteran Suicides / Day
• 6,801 Killed, 51,912 Wounded, 1,558 Amputees since 9/11
• 287,911 Traumatic Brain Injuries and 152,986 Soldiers diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• 50% Divorce Rate
• Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran Unemployment Rate: 10% (3.5% higher than NationalAverage)
• 62,619 Homeless Veterans. 12,700 are young Veterans recently returning from Afghanistan and Iraq
These patriots paid an awesome price for the freedom all Americans enjoy. Sadly, some have lost hope and they are
locked into invisible prison cells of despair, anger, guilt, fear, and hopelessness
• Many Americans have forgotten there are still 33,500 members of the Armed Forces fighting in Afghanistan
• Only 22.3 million Americans (7%) are Veterans. Only 2.22 million Americans (.6%) serve in the Armed Forces
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The Solution. God’s Word is the key to unlock prison cells hopelessness. Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I
have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Psalm
62:5 says, “And he tells us, “Yes, my soul, finds rest in God; my hope comes from him.” As Believers, Jesus
commands each of us to share the Gospel. Whether it is through a profession of “full-time ministry,” coaching,
parenting, lay ministry, or ministry in the market place, we are all called share God’s Word. Romans 10:13-15 says,
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they
have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a
preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that
preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” You can unlock the prison cells and give hope!
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Church Giving Point 27 connects Churches with Military Units. The relationship begins between the Pastor and the
Military Chaplain and grows to meet the needs and desires of both organizations. The church body purchases Shields of
Strength, provides intercessory prayer, and if mutually agreed upon by both organization, the Church may provide mail,
email, and care packages for members of the military unit. When churches adopt a unit, they strengthen and encourage
Soldiers through prayer and God’s Word engraved on a Shields of Strength, which is worn with their official
identification tags.

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Corporate and Individual Giving. When businesses and individuals make tax deductible gifts to Point 27, Shields of
Strength are shipped to Military Chaplains who give them to members of the Armed Forces, Veterans, and Military
Family Members. Department of Defense regulations authorize service members to wear a religious medallion.
Soldiers wear Shields of Strength on their government issued identification tags, commonly know as “dog tags.” By
donating to Point 27, corporations, small business, and individuals give God’s Word to the men and women who defend
the freedom every American enjoy. By giving to Point 27, donors helping to fulfill the Great Commission, they thank
Soldiers for their service, and strengthening they strengthen the defense of America.
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Take Action and Give!
• Credit Card: www.point27.org
• Checks: Payable to: Point 27 Ministries, INC. Mail to: Point 27, PO Box 4, Marietta, GA 30061
• Stock and Mutual Funds. Contact Colonel (Ret) David Dodd, david@point27.org, 404-357-4718
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Shields of Strength For
Americans Fighting In Afghanistan
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Organizations &
Individual
Gift Number of Shields
Individual Donors $12,000 3,428
Christian Fellowship Worship
Center
$6,500 1,857
Golden Triangle Church on
the Rock
$3,000 857
Prince Avenue Baptist Church $3,500 1,000
Mount Paran North $3,500 1,000
Johnson Ferry Baptist $3,500 1,000
UNFUNDED $85,250 24,357
Total Program $117,250 33,500