In early 2025, U.S. Army Special Operations disabled combat veteran Dr. Jeffrey S. Nickle—writing for young readers under the pen name “Dr. Dime”—founded The Shield of Light, LLC in Smyrna, Tennessee. His mission was born out of personal recovery and unshakable Christian faith: to place biblically faithful, hand-drawn, and deeply engaging books of Scripture into the hands of children, parents, homeschoolers, and church ministries.
From 2017 Combat Recovery to a Calling in Children’s Literature
As profiled in Medical Daily’s feature, “From the Frontlines to Faith: A Disabled Veteran Promotes Storytelling”, Dr. Nickle served multiple deployments to hostile environments with U.S. Army Special Operations before sustaining life-changing injuries during combat operations in 2017. What followed was a grueling year-long journey of hospital stays, surgical procedures, and physical rehabilitation—including a season when doctors were uncertain whether he would walk again.
In that quiet hospital room, prayer, Scripture reading, and notebook writing became a daily anchor. Reflecting on that turning point in Medical Daily, Dr. Nickle shared:
“During recovery, I felt called to create stories that would inspire the next generation through faith, resilience, and love. I wanted to provide families with books rooted in Biblical truth that also speak to courage, compassion, and the power of hope—values I leaned on during my healing journey.”
Years later, those first hospital reflections grew into The Shield of Light Publishing. As Dr. Nickle summarized: “I never expected that moment of personal recovery would become the foundation for an entire publishing company. What started in pain has now become purpose.”
Why the Pen Name “Dr. Dime”?
Alongside his military service, Dr. Jeffrey S. Nickle completed a Master of Science at Syracuse University, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at the University of the Cumberlands, and undergraduate studies at East Carolina University. When launching his children’s book imprint, he adopted the approachable pen name “Dr. Dime”—combining a warm, memorable name for young readers with the disciplined research and biblical care behind every manuscript.
As reported across USA News, MarketersMedia, and TMX Newsfile, the Dr. Dime Presents imprint launched in spring 2025 with The Littles of Zion – The Big Beginning and Genesis to Color, expanding into a 21-book catalog covering chronological Old Testament coloring books, thematic Psalms volumes, Christmas and Easter Gospel editions, and tween activity workbooks (Torah Adventures and Kings & Prophets).
A Veteran-Owned Mission Rooted in Smyrna, Tennessee
Headquartered in Smyrna, Tennessee, The Shield of Light is an independent, veteran-owned publishing house and family gift store. Every title in our Christian book catalog is registered with the U.S. Copyright Office and printed to order so families, homeschools, and church classrooms receive fresh copies without warehouse waste. Alongside our books and faith-inspired family gifts, The Shield of Light pledges 50% of net profits toward supporting children’s hospitals, veteran advocacy, and families in need. (The Shield of Light, LLC is an independent publishing company, not a 501(c)(3) charity; purchases are not tax-deductible.)
Continue Exploring Related Family & Founder Guides
- Explore Our Storytelling Craft: Read “Faith Isn’t Just Meant to Be Read—It’s Meant to Be Experienced”: How Dr. Dime Brings Bible Stories to Life.
- Helping Children Build Courage Through Scripture: See Turning Adversity Into Purpose: Teaching Children Courage, Hope, and Resilience Through Bible Stories.
- Official 21-Book ISBN & Press Reference: View Inside The Shield of Light Catalog: Complete 21-Book ISBN Directory & Media Fact Sheet.
- Practical Family Curriculum Guide: Start with Teaching the Books of the Bible in Order to Kids or reach out via our Contact Page.
