A Million Thanks: How One Teen’s Idea Became a National Movement of Gratitude

A Million Thanks: How One Teen’s Idea Became a National Movement of Gratitude

May 19, 2025 | Impact

It Started with One Goal—and One 15-Year-Old

In 2004, a 15-year-old high school student from Orange County, California, set out to complete a community service project. Her idea was simple yet ambitious: collect and send one million letters of appreciation to U.S. service members deployed around the world. That student was Shauna Fleming, and her project would soon spark a nationwide movement known as A Million Thanks®.

What began as a local effort quickly gained traction. Just three weeks after launching the campaign, Shauna found herself at the center of a growing national cause. Letters poured in by the tens of thousands each week—from individuals, schools, churches, businesses, and organizations eager to say thank you.

From the White House to the Front Lines

In just six months, Shauna and her team of volunteers achieved what they set out to do—one million letters sent. The milestone letter, written on behalf of grateful Americans everywhere, was framed and personally delivered to President George W. Bush in the Oval Office of the White House.

But Shauna didn’t stop there. With each new goal came more letters, more awareness, and more impact. She personally delivered milestone letters to top military leaders, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Richard Myers, further cementing the campaign’s connection to those it was created to serve.

Beyond the Million: Growing a National Network

As the years passed, A Million Thanks continued to grow. With over 50 official letter drop-off locations across the country, the organization made it easier than ever for Americans to get involved. To date, millions of letters have been collected and distributed to troops deployed overseas, recovering in military hospitals, or returning home from service.

On the 10th anniversary of the organization, Shauna expanded its mission to include two additional efforts:

  • Granting wishes to service members injured in the War on Terror

  • Providing scholarships to children of fallen military heroes

Though the organization eventually returned to focusing exclusively on its core mission—letter writing—these programs exemplified the heart behind A Million Thanks: gratitude in action.

Media, Advocacy, and the Power of One

Shauna’s work gained national recognition, earning partnerships with brands like General Motors, Shutterfly, Southwest Airlines, and NASCAR, as well as public support from figures like Gary Sinise and Jessica Simpson. She shared her story on stages across the country and in her book, A Million Thanks: My Campaign to Send One Million Letters to Our Troops, published by Doubleday.

She became the teen spokesperson for the Department of Defense’s “America Supports You” initiative and the White House’s “USA Freedom Corps,” representing youth involvement in volunteerism. Her advocacy took her to the Pentagon, the President’s Inaugural Youth Concert, and even center stage at Talladega Superspeedway in front of 200,000 NASCAR fans.

Shauna also hosted “A Million Thanks Radio” on wsRadio.com—becoming the youngest radio talk show host in the country at the time.

A Mission That Still Matters

Today, A Million Thanks remains committed to one clear mission:

To support and uplift our military through handwritten letters of appreciation—for as long as the United States has a military.

With millions of letters sent and millions more still to go, the campaign continues to prove that a simple “thank you” can go a long way. Whether from a child drawing a picture or a veteran writing to fellow service members, each letter reminds someone in uniform that their service is seen, valued, and appreciated.

As William Arthur Ward once wrote,

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

Thanks to A Million Thanks, millions of Americans have had the chance to unwrap that gift—and pass it on.

A Message to Everyone in Uniform

A Message to Everyone in Uniform

May 16, 2025 | Letters to Veterans

One Note, Meant for Thousands

Not every letter we receive at A Million Thanks is addressed to a specific service member. Some, like this one, are written with the hope that every single person serving our country could read it. That’s exactly what makes this note so powerful.

The writer begins with a simple, sincere wish:

“I would like to send a card to everyone! To tell them thank you!”

It’s not a long message, but it’s packed with gratitude. With phrases like “Great job” and “Keep up the good work,” the writer reminds us that appreciation doesn’t have to be complex. Sometimes, the best way to say thank you is just to say it—clearly, boldly, and from the heart.

A Handwritten Reminder: You Matter

What stands out most about this letter isn’t fancy wording or deep storytelling—it’s the tone. This letter feels like it’s coming from a neighbor, a grandparent, or someone who thinks about our service members every single day. It closes with a handwritten smiley face, and the final line:

That’s what makes it special. It feels personal, even without a signature. The letter reminds us that behind every soldier, sailor, airman, and Marine is someone at home who cares—someone who may never meet them, but still keeps them in their thoughts and prayers.

Letters Like This Make a Difference

This is what A Million Thanks is all about—people using their own words, their own handwriting, and their own hearts to say what matters. Whether your message is one paragraph or one page, it could be the encouragement someone needs to keep going.

Just like this letter, your words have power. They remind our military that they are seen, valued, and appreciated—by people they may never meet, but who are grateful for everything they do.