Local Frame Shop Contributes to CBS Show No "BULL"

KNOXVILLE — A Knoxville business will have its work on display in tonight’s episode of “Bull,” a law-themed drama in its first season on CBS.

Lynn Unrath, owner of Military Memories and More, said CBS bought eight military certificate frames for scenes taking place in a U.S. Army colonel’s office. The episode, titled “It’s Classified,” will air at 8 p.m. today on CBS.

“They Googled ‘military certificate frames,’ and I think we’re the No. 2 spot,” Unrath said. “We keep getting bigger and bigger.”

Unrath said she hasn’t seen “Bull” before, but when she shared the news on Facebook, many people commented that they watch it all the time.

Unrath shipped the items to New York, and she said the studio will keep them and probably re-use them in other episodes and shows.

“They’ve already shown previews (of tonight’s episode) on the internet, so we froze it where we could see the certificates on the wall,” she said.

This isn’t the store’s first brush with fame and prestige.

Unrath has been working with Dr. Sudip Bose, an Iraq war veteran and motivational speaker, to create several pieces that include his various uniforms, diplomas, coins and badges. She already has made several certificate frames for him.

Bose is known for treating Saddam Hussein after his capture by the U.S. and was recognized as a CNN Hero. He’s appeared on “The Dr. Oz Show” and “Untold Stories of the ER,” and founded The Battle Continues, a not-for-profit that helps arrange care for injured war veterans.

On Wednesday, Bose will fly from Texas to Chicago to meet with Unrath and collect the newest pieces she’s made. Wednesday also happens to be Unrath’s birthday, and Bose has promised her Chicago-style pizza and a birthday cake.

In the past, Military Memories and More has worked with the CIA and FBI, has shipped items to Iraq, and has items on display at the American Embassy in China.  

Next month, a man from Girard is bringing all of the pins, articles and other items he’s received in his lifetime of donating blood.

“He’s been donating blood since he was 15, and he’s 64. He’s donated 31 gallons,” Unrath said.

In April, Unrath’s son, Ryan Scalf, who works with her every day, will be featured in Picture Framing Magazine. Unrath’s other son, Josh Scalf, also is involved in the business, especially in maintaining the website.

Military Memories and More was started in 2006 by Unrath’s brother, Gary, a Vietnam veteran. The business began with a focus on military frames and has expanded to include all types of frames and shadowboxes, covering everything from pet memorials to sports memorabilia.

“We’re really expanding great; we’ve even done shovels for the Burlington Northern Railroad. We do groundbreaking shovels. We can frame anything and everything. It’s a lot of fun,” Unrath said.

One of the most rewarding parts of the job is hearing from happy customers, many of them veterans, she said.

“We talk to so many people online who have received military (frames). One of the men cried and said, ‘I have to hang up,’ ” Unrath recalled. “Some comments are sent back that the picture doesn’t do as much justice as seeing it in real life. Half of the people are in tears if they call; otherwise, ‘more than what they expected’ is usually the response we get.”

She added, “We’ve done so many, many — Ryan will say, ‘I think this one is now my favorite,’ and then, ‘This one’s now my favorite.’ They all have their own unique look, and they’re just beautiful if you see them in person. Usually people just love them.”