'Always Looks Out For Others' OC Waitress Is Local Hero

ORANGE COUNTY, CA —When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. Together with Ring, we’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Cyndi Courter who nominated Sandra Tellez.

What does it mean to have someone listen to your stories? Everything, for a handful of Orange County veterans.

Sandra works at Keno's Restaurant, where she waits on many World War II era veterans, Courter tells Patch.

While some may let customers come and go without learning much about them, Sandra sees each one as someone to be treasured.

"She always goes out of her way to honor them, and make sure they know that their service is known and honored," Courter says.

"Understanding the needs of veterans by listening to their stories helps in so many ways," according to Courter.

Sandra does her part to keep those veterans thriving, and even passes them on to others, Courter says.

"She's an awesome mother and a hard worker, and is always looking out for other people whether she knows you or not."

Thank you for all that you do, Sandra!

Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here. Read about other heroes from across California here.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.