For 33-year-old Marine Corps veteran Casey Schaubslager, the roar of a NASCAR engine wasn’t just noise—it was a lifelong dream. Growing up, he imagined one day standing on the track, maybe even getting behind the wheel. But like many veterans, life after service brought a different kind of reality—one filled with responsibility, stress, and often, a search for connection.
Then, one day, an unexpected email landed in Casey’s inbox from A Million Thanks.
They wanted to send him to a NASCAR race.
A Dream Realized
On March 22, 2015, Casey stepped foot on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 track in Fontana, CA. It was his first-ever live NASCAR event, and the experience was everything he hoped for—and more.
“The experience was unreal,” Casey said. “What A Million Thanks did for me was more than just provide a ticket. The staff was unbelievably accommodating. It made a portion of my life less stressful and gave me the chance to just have fun for a while.”
More Than a Race
What stood out to Casey wasn’t just the race—it was the gesture. That someone cared enough to offer him a day of joy and appreciation made a lasting impression. “It has made me realize how a simple gesture and appreciation event can be fulfilling for a veteran,” he shared. “To see that someone cares—it mattered.”
That moment of support turned into motivation. Today, Casey serves as the Program and Outreach Coordinator for The Wounded Heroes Fund in Bakersfield, California. The nonprofit helps fellow veterans transition into civilian life by offering everything from financial assistance to equine therapy, family programs, service dog training, and monthly community events like hikes, date nights, and movie nights.
From One Act of Kindness to a Life of Service
Casey’s journey is proof that the impact of support doesn’t stop with one person—it grows. That single NASCAR wish turned into a lifelong mission to give back. What began with an email from A Million Thanks now fuels a career spent helping others who served.
A Million Thanks would like to thank our partners at U.S. Rigging and Pelican Rope for helping make this wish possible.
