ORANGE, Calif. (AP) - Between cramming for finals, preparing for prom and graduating, Shauna Fleming crisscrossed the country, visited the Pentagon, threw out the first pitch at a baseball game and filmed a television advertising campaign.
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(Photo: AP / Chris Carlson)Shauna Fleming, a graduating high school senior, who started 'A Million Thanks' letter-writing campaign to send letters to troops in Iraq sorts mail at Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, Calif., Friday, June 8, 2007. In three years, Fleming tripled her expectations and is now starting a nonprofit organization that gives a bit more, granting wishes to wounded soldiers.
Not a bad way to finish high school.
Three years ago, the Orange County student started the "A Million Thanks" letter-writing campaign for U.S. troops fighting overseas. After tripling her expectations, she is starting a nonprofit organization that grants wishes to wounded soldiers.
"It's been an amazing but very humbling experience," the 18-year-old said. "I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world because it's so valuable."
In the age of e-mail, cell phones and text messages, Fleming reached out the old-fashioned way — by mail. She wanted to express her gratitude to soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The idea was inspired by her father, Michael, who started sending Valentines to enlisted men and women after Sept. 11.
The younger Fleming's goal was to collect 1 million letters, but once word got out, her school was flooded with responses that haven't stopped.
Within six months she reached her goal and flew to Washington to present the millionth letter to President Bush, who gave her a tour of the White House.
Fleming was challenged by former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Richard B. Myers to gather 2.6 million letters — the number of men and women serving in the U.S. armed forces.
She surpassed that mark and predicts she'll reach 4 million by the end of the month after teaming up with General Motors Corp., which placed letter boxes in 3,700 dealerships nationwide. Fleming also appeared in a national TV advertising campaign for GM promoting the effort.
The program has been warmly received wherever Fleming goes. Last month, she attended a Chicago White Sox game and urged the crowd to write letters. Fans responded with more than 44,000.
Fleming compiled a book, named after the program, of correspondence with troops. Proceeds have been used to pay postage, she said.
The letters shipped to military bases come in all shapes, colors and sizes. Some have drawings scrawled in crayon, while others have pictures attached. The cards come from teachers, parents and young children. Despite their differences, the letters have the same, unwavering message: You have our support and appreciation.
Everett Headley, who served as a chaplain's assistant during two tours in Iraq with the Marines, was one of the first people to receive the letters and pass them along to troops.
"Relatives will tell you they support you, so will some politicians," Headley said. "But for John Doe to take the time to write something to you and send it to Iraq, (that) has a simple and unique touch."
It's not known how many soldiers have received the letters, but e-mails to Fleming offer a glimpse of the difference they make.
"People like you are making a difficult task much more enjoyable through your kindness," wrote Marine Sgt. Aaron Jensvold. "It means a great deal to me and my Marines." Continue >>
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