A legal settlement between the War Department and Shields of Strength finally restores a cherished faith tradition for America’s troops — but the story behind it is one that should have never happened in a free country.
Shields of Strength has reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of War that ends a five-year dispute and clears the way for the Texas company to once again make its military-themed replica dog tags featuring inspirational Bible verses.
First Liberty Institute, which represented Shields of Strength in federal court, said the agreement includes a multi-million dollar settlement and a renewed license allowing the company to restart production. A lawsuit filed by Shields will be dismissed as part of the deal.
“This is a great a victory not only for Shields of Strength and its owner, Kenny Vaughan, but also for the brave men and women of our armed forces and their families,” said Erin Smith, associate counsel for First Liberty Institute. “Our servicemembers, and their families, wear Shields of Strength dog tags as a reminder of the selfless service and sacrifice of those who protect our freedom and a reminder of their faith and trust in God. We are thankful that now another generation of patriots can share in this rich tradition.”
The settlement resolves a legal battle that began in 2019, when an anti-religious group called the Military Religious Freedom Foundation sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Pentagon, prompting officials to block Shields of Strength from producing licensed items with religious content. The Army notified Vaughan by email that he was not permitted to place Bible verses on items bearing U.S. Army trademarks and that all Scripture references had to be taken off those products.
First Liberty soon thereafter reached out to the Army and Marine Corps licensing offices questioning the decision. Two years passed without progress before a complaint was filed by First Liberty Institute and the law firm Fish and Richardson on Shields of Strength’s behalf in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division.
In May 2022, the two firms followed up with a motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to immediately stop the Department of Defense from enforcing its policy blocking Shields from producing and distributing replica military dog tags that included Bible verses. By 2024, a ruling from a federal judge in Texas brought Shields of Strength closer to showing that the department’s refusal to allow production of its well-known Scripture-engraved tags was likely unlawful.
The company had argued that the prohibition violated its First Amendment rights and those of troops who requested the items.
“Shields of Strength has been a source of strength and encouragement for our military heroes for over 25 years,” Vaughan said in a statement. “Every dog tag we ever made was at the request of the troops and their families and it was our honor to do so. We are blessed that we can once again meet the needs of our fighting men and women.”
Under the settlement terms, the Department of War will update its licensing policies to permit products like those produced by Shields of Strength; notify military leaders and base exchanges that the company is again authorized to sell its items; and establish a process for future license renewals.
Kenny Vaughan and his wife, Tammie, have been producing Shields of Strength replica dog tags featuring uplifting Bible verses for military personnel and first responders since 2001. The idea began two years earlier when Tammie wrote a verse on Kenny’s waterski rope before a competition. The message strengthened him during the event, and he soon began creating the tags to offer the same kind of encouragement to anyone facing fear or uncertainty. By 1998, they were being made available in stores.
In 2001, an Army commander, Col. David Dodd of the 86th Signal Battalion, noticed one of the tags as his unit prepared to deploy to Afghanistan at the start of Operation Enduring Freedom. When he asked about ordering some for his troops, Kenny and Tammie chose to donate 500 tags to support the soldiers heading into combat.
Two years later, during the war in Iraq, Capt. Russell Rippetoe was killed in action while wearing one of the dog tags. At the 2003 Memorial Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, President George W. Bush mentioned the tag worn by Rippetoe and read out loud the verse inscribed — Joshua 1:9:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
The moment sparked a surge of interest from families, service members, and supporters across the country who wanted tags of their own.
Shields of Strength says more than four million of its tags have been distributed worldwide, including two million donated by the company to service members and their families.
The settlement allowing Shields of Strength to again produce its Scripture-engraved dog tags marks more than the end of a long legal fight. It highlights a meaningful moment for religious freedom and for the many service members and families who have held these verses close during the most challenging years of their lives.
The tags were always more than a bit of metal. They have been quiet reminders of courage and sacrifice, and of God’s steady presence when fear and uncertainty press in.
When federal officials halted production after a complaint from an anti-religious group, many troops and families felt as if something deeply personal had been taken from them. These verses were not imposed on anyone. They were requested by soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who wanted God’s Word near them while in service. Allowing these tags to return honors not only their wishes but also the long American tradition of protecting the free exercise of faith, both in public and in the military.
Scripture has encouraged generations of believers who served this nation. Joshua’s charge to “be strong and courageous,” Paul’s words about fighting the good fight, and the Psalms that promise God’s protection have carried many through fear, separation, pain, and loss. This settlement affirms that those expressions of faith can continue to accompany the men and women who stand watch for the rest of us.
Religious liberty is not an abstract idea for the people who serve. It shows up in the quiet moments when families pray over a son or daughter heading into harm’s way and in the veteran who remembers how God steadied him in the worst moments of war. Protecting that freedom is one more way we show respect for their sacrifice.
With Shields of Strength back in production, new service members will have the same chance to carry Scripture that encouraged so many before them. The outcome of this case reminds all of us to keep standing for our rights with courage and conviction, believing that God uses both boldness and patience to accomplish His work.
It also offers a reminder that no matter the challenge or controversy, His Word still brings comfort to every place where fear and darkness try to take hold.
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