May 13, 2004
For Immediate Release

Contact
Shauna Fleming, Founder (714) 282-9415 Email: SFleming@AMillionThanks.org
Alice Wax, Executive Director, NMAM (703) 765-8613 Email: nmam@nmam.org
Mr, Gregg Pinick, Principal (714) 998-5151 Ext 602 Email: Pinick@lhsoc.org

Los Angeles High school freshman, Shauna Fleming, 15, who started a national campaign called, “A Million Thanks” that is trying to collect and distribute a million letters of thanks to U.S. military personnel around the globe, is asking Americans to display their U.S. Flag for 30 days beginning Sunday as a massive show of appreciation for our military.

“Armed Forces Day is Sunday and is the half way point for National Military Appreciation Month,” said Fleming. I’d like to see flags on cars, in front of homes, businesses, and even on clothes until June 14th which is Flag Day as a show of appreciation to the men and women serving our country,” she added.

Shauna letter campaign, which has collected almost 300,000 letters and emails of appreciation from Americans all over the U.S.

Shauna felt that her campaign needed a boost but she didn’t have any contacts until a radio DJ named, “Gunner” from WIVK in Knoxville, TN called her for an interview.

Gunner interviewed Shauna and introduced her by phone, to country music artist, John Michael Montgomery, whose song “Letters From Home” is moving up the charts toward the #1 spot. The song was one of her inspirations for the letter campaign.

“John Michael had not heard about my letter campaign for the military, so I talked to him on the phone and told him what I was trying to do. I couldn’t believe it was him,” said Fleming. “We talked about his song and how he feels the same way I do that Americans need to show more appreciation for what our service men and women do to protect our freedom,” she added.

The two now plan to make several appearances together giving Shauna the opportunity to tell her story to the artist’s fans. He has her linked on his website too.

John Michael Montgomery isn’t the only one helping Fleming. So is NASCAR.

The last two weekends Fleming has been at two Southern California NASCAR tracks getting fans to write letters at a booth she set up that is manned by her, family members, and fellow students from Orange Lutheran High School where the campaign is run.

“Two weeks ago, I was at California Speedway for the Auto Club 500 race. DeWalt Racing and Roush Racing, Matt Kenseth’s team, allowed me to use part of their display. Matt and his wife came over and wrote a letter and said they’d help promote our campaign,” said Fleming.

Irwindale Speedway, a Southern California NASCAR track held, “A Million Thanks Night” this past weekend, with another one planned this Saturday night. Team OCM, a local NASCAR team put Shauna’s A Million Thanks website address on two of their cars in large letters.

“Having the Winston Cup Champion, Team OCM and two top Speedways on your side is a huge boost for us,” she added.

Even the Department of Defense (DOD) has given her exposure on their website putting her picture standing next to Kenseth’s car on the DOD’s home page. They also have an article on her through the National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM) home page tab.

“With John Michael, NASCAR and the DOD, I think I might be able to hit my goal before summer,” said Fleming with a big smile.

For more information on A MILLION THANKS, go to their website at http://www.NMAM.orgwww.aMillionThanks.org or www.NMAM.org.

Letters of appreciation for the military can be sent to: A Million Thanks c/o Lutheran High School, 2222 N Santiago Blvd, Orange, Ca 92867

High resolution, publication-ready photo(s) supporting this story available for free editorial use: Clcik Here