A Million Valentines
That's the goal of 16 year-old Shauna Fleming:
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Shauna Fleming, 16, was recently challenged by Ret General Richard B. Myers, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to collect another million thank you letters for U.S. military members serving around the world. With over 1.6 million letters, notes and emails already collected and distributed to members of the U.S. Armed Forces through her "A Million Thanks.org" campaign, Fleming's new goal is to collect a million Valentine cards and messages in the next 30 days. Be reaching her goal, Fleming will have symbolically given a thank you to every man and woman actively serving in the U.S. military including Reservists.
"2.6 in 2006 is my New Year's Resolution," said Fleming from her home in Orange, Calif. "The Department of Defense's, 'America Supports You' effort that I joined last year, is also helping through their Web site http://www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil , so I just might be able to do it."
Fleming's "A Million Thanks" was the first organization to join "America Supports You," a Department of Defense outreach program designed to recognize citizens' support for the U.S. military and to communicate that support to members of our Armed Forces and their families at home and abroad. Since the launch of "America Supports You," thousands of citizens, businesses, and community groups -- from local schools and establishments to nationally-known corporations and organizations -- are undertaking projects to support the military.
"We are very excited about Shauna's Valentine's Day challenge, and we look forward to helping her reach her goal of 2.6 in 2006," said Allison Barber, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs. "Shauna understands so well the impact that letters have on troop morale, and we are proud to be a part of her newest initiative."
Since beginning her initial letter efforts for the troops in 2004, Fleming has had the opportunity to discuss her program with many top military and political leaders including Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Paul Wolfowitz, General Richard Myers, and even during an Oval Office meeting with President Bush. Actor Gary Sinise is also helping Shauna toward her goal.
In addition to mailing thank you letters to soldiers that Americans send her, Fleming has personally handed out thank you letters to thousands of military members during her visits to USO's, VA hospitals, military bases, aircraft carriers, and during a day long visit to wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C.
"Right now our soldiers and service members need a morale boost and what's better than sending them a heart of thanks," said Fleming.
She has a website: Valentines For Troops and A Million Thanks. Of course you can learn more at America Supports You.
Stop for a minute and think of the contrast between Shauna and the "but I support the troops" crowd in the Democratic party. Mothra could learn a thing or two for this exceptional young American.
During the first Gulf War, a school and several churches "adopted" me. Getting mail from them helped me keep my experience in perspective, and gave me reasons to smile in a pretty serious place.
Thank you, Shauna.
Welcome Polipundit Readers (thanks, Lorie!)! Please tell your friends about Shauna Fleming's campaign - our troops deserve all the support we can fess up and more!
