ABOUT US
Founded in 2004 with one simple goal—to send one million thank-you letters to deployed service members—A Million Thanks has grown into a nationwide movement of gratitude. Over the past two decades, we’ve collected and delivered more than 21 million letters to members of the U.S. military around the world.
Today, our mission is expanding. We’re not only honoring those currently serving—we’re standing by our veterans at home. Through letter campaigns, community programs, and national partnerships, we continue to remind America’s military members—past and present—that their service is seen, appreciated, and never forgotten.
Want to know more about Shauna and how it all began? Read the A Million Thanks origin story on our blog!
A Million Thanks: How One Teen’s Idea Became a National Movement of Gratitude
MEET THE TEAM
A Million Thanks is led by a dedicated group of individuals who believe in the power of gratitude and the importance of serving those who serve us. From longtime leadership to new visionaries, our team brings together passion, experience, and a deep commitment to honoring military members and veterans through every letter, every campaign, and every connection we make.
Michele Holley
Executive Director
Michele Holley serves as the Executive Director of A Million Thanks, bringing a deeply personal commitment to honoring and supporting our nation’s military. A dedicated nonprofit leader, Desert Storm vet and military family member, Michele assumed leadership of A Million Thanks to continue its powerful mission of gratitude—expanding the organization’s efforts to reach not only deployed service members but also veterans facing the war within.
Under her direction, A Million Thanks has strengthened national partnerships, launched new veteran-focused initiatives, and renewed its commitment to ensuring no one who served is ever forgotten. Michele also leads the Say His Name Foundation, a veteran suicide prevention organization founded in memory of her son, Sergeant Dylan Holley.
Michael Fleming
Chairman of the Board
Michael Fleming has been a guiding force behind A Million Thanks since day one. As the father of founder Shauna Fleming, Michael has stood beside her every step of the way—from the organization’s earliest days as a high school passion project to its growth into a national movement of gratitude and service.
With a strong background in leadership and strategic planning, Michael has played a key role in shaping the vision, structure, and long-term sustainability of A Million Thanks. As Chairman of the Board, he continues to offer steady oversight, deep institutional knowledge, and a heartfelt commitment to supporting military members and veterans across the country.
His dedication has helped A Million Thanks remain mission-driven, resilient, and ready to meet the evolving needs of those who serve.
Shauna Fleming
Founder
After serving Thanksgiving dinner to a group of military families in 2002, Shauna Fleming felt a deep calling to give back. Just two years later, during her freshman year of high school, she launched A Million Thanks with the goal of collecting one million letters of appreciation for U.S. troops. The response was immediate and overwhelming, sparking a nationwide movement that would go on to deliver over 21 million letters.
Shauna’s early efforts earned national recognition, including being named a CosmoGirl of the Year and one of OC Metro’s “Hottest 25” in 2004. She is the author of A Million Thanks: My Campaign to Send One Million Letters to Our Troops (Doubleday), which documents the organization’s inspiring beginning and the impact of gratitude in action.
Today, Shauna continues to support its mission through strategic insight and her unwavering passion to the mission she started.
Matt Parisi
Executive Director Emeritus
A passionate advocate for service and strategy, Matt Parisi played a key role in the operational growth and national reach of A Million Thanks. With a strong background in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and event management, Matt brought a sharp logistical mind and a heart for giving to every aspect of the organization.
Throughout his time with A Million Thanks, Matt worked closely with both military personnel and civilians to develop meaningful initiatives that uplifted and honored U.S. service members and their families. His dedication to mission-driven work helped shape the organization’s impact and legacy for years to come.