Restoring Valor – A Specialized Project Of Paul Davis

Military identification tags - commonly referred to as ‘dog tags’ - have been worn by Canadians troops since the First World War. Today, Canadian tags are designed to be broken in two pieces in the event of death; one piece remains with the deceased and the other piece is sent to the Department of National Defence.

Mementos of military service carry immense sentimental value for veterans and families. Brian Thomas, owner and CEO of Paul Davis Restoration of East Michigan, understands this reverence because his father served in Vietnam and his grandfather was in the Navy during World War II. “I have tremendous respect for everyone who makes the commitment to serve their country, particularly during times of war,” he says, “and the sacrifices that entails. My dad proposed to my mom from a foxhole in Vietnam, for instance. His personal effects have deep emotional meaning for our family.”

After decades, however, his relatives’ military keepsakes were tarnished and aged. A lightbulb glowed for Thomas: apply his company’s considerable skills, experience and equipment to restore veterans’ personal effects. “Safeguarding these items is important so future generations can see them, hold them and remember. The process brings people closer together, too,” he says. “I can see what my dad saw when he received his new tags in basic training.”

Thomas and his team collaborated with the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Plymouth, Michigan, to undertake the Restoring Valor Project: refurbishing the post’s extensive memorabilia collection. Technicians employed technology like ultrasonic cleaning, which harnesses sound frequencies and minute bubbles to dislodge soot, germs and grime from even tiny crevices. The team also utilized hand cleaning with innovative and proprietary detergents, degreasers and other products.

Refurbishment at an offsite Paul Davis location during the month of April concluded this month. The gleaming collection has returned to the VFW post, where it awaits unveiling during the week prior to Memorial Day. Thomas and his team could not be happier with the results. Most important, veterans and their families are pleased.

“Every day we make a difference and help people recover from disasters,” Thomas says. “Here was an opportunity to give back to those who gave so much to our country. Our small part - restoring luster to Purple Heart medals, cleaning and pressing uniforms – can’t come close to their effort and sacrifice. But we hope to honour it, remember it, preserve it and bring people together to appreciate this shared history.”