SoCal student on a mission to make sure veterans feel appreciated

PORTER RANCH, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The power of kind words cannot be overestimated. A simple "thank you" goes a long way, especially for our troops away from home. That's why a local student is on a mission to make sure our servicemembers feel appreciated.

At the Porter Ranch Farmer's Market, you can see heartfelt messages to veterans and first responders fanned out at a very special booth.

"I mean military just aren't appreciated in today's society, right, especially my generation...I think a statistic was like 86% of military didn't feel appreciated and that's like a huge overwhelmingly like majority so that's why I did this," describes Henry Paik, a senior at Granada Hills Charter High School

Paik founded the nonprofit, Youth4Heroes, an organization that empowers teens to give back through acts of service, gratitude and leadership.

The letter writing booth is just one of the nonprofits' events.

"They protect us, they serve for us, and without them, we might not have these opportunities that we have in this country," describes Alejandro Escobar, a student at Granada Hills Charter High School

"I hope the card finds the person it's meant to go to. If someone's lonely, if someone needs an extra boost in that moment, I just hope it reaches someone's heart, makes them happy, and to know they're appreciated," said Kelly Cox of Porter Ranch.

"Having deployed a couple of times, sometimes that's the only letter you get. So it means a lot to know that people care about you. A lot of times that's just some kind words. We used to receive them from school children, organizations, and any time you get it, it feels good. So I think it's a very loving, kind gesture," said Charles Melshanker, a veteran.

Chatsworth resident John Silva says he hopes his daughter Jasmine's signature smiley face brightens the day for the person who receives their letter.

"You know what, I hope they do get it. I hope the little smiley face lights them up just like it does for me when she smiles," Silva said.

Many praised the teens for spending their Sunday giving to those serving our country.

"I think it's amazing that they have that inside of them to make sure that vets don't, well, that they know that they are appreciated," said Brandy Aguirre of Chatsworth.