CHARLOTTE -- It’s a simple yet powerful thank you, from a simple yet powerful idea.

A Rose of Thanks, a military greeting card spearheaded by Charlotte resident Matthew Hunt, sends along thanks to those fighting overseas.

Late last year, 41-year old Hunt was robbed at gunpoint twice within 90 days.

“It was evident something was not going right, there was not some good karma going on in my life, and I just needed to make a difference,” said Hunt.

That difference became A Rose of Thanks.

“I can’t even image what these soldiers are going through over there, but to know what we’re doing is possibly making a difference in their lives is what it’s all about.”

Hunt, an Army veteran, is not done with his duty. He’s working with family readiness groups at Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune with the hopes of sending hundreds of cards this summer to troops around the world.

“It would have meant the world to me that people I don’t even know appreciate what we’re doing to defend the freedoms they’re defending,” said Hunt.

For the soldiers who’ve opened their cards, Hunt said A Rose of Thanks has already generated a powerful and heartfelt response.

“We’ve actually gotten an email from one commander over there that said that their troops do not get a lot of mail. The business cards have actually brought some of their men to tears.”

Now Hunt is asking for more people to take time out of their days to send their appreciation to the troops.

“Take the time, write a letter, send a card, send some cookies, whatever. They’ll take anything.”

Hunt said his next goal is to make the military greeting cards available at major league baseball stadiums.

For more information on A Rose of Thanks and how to send your own personal thanks, visit one of these sites.

A Rose of Thanks

America Supports You

A Million Thanks

Any Soldier

USO