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Our local heroes

2 min read

To the Editor:

The purpose of this writing is to acknowledge several local heroes. These individuals support our troops via tangible acts of kindness. To my knowledge, none of them have those fancy ribbons on their cars or trucks declaring themselves “Supporters of Our Troops.” In other words, they are all go and no show.

Recently, the Today Show (NBC) paid tribute to our local mental health care professionals at the Tarpon Lodge. These heroes make up the first pro-bono PTSD network for our troops in the United States. They are Leigh Reynolds, Mickey Lewin, Francis Valenti, Marge Runyan, Dorothy Rodwell and Lee Tapager. As well, several others within the Pine Island community contributed to the success of the Today Show filming. Rob Wells and the staff of the Tarpon Lodge, the staff of Island Girl Charters, Capt. Chris Sanford, Capt. David and Kristi Dean, Rob and Terri James, Maxine and Steve Woodard, Nicole Lauber of the Sandy Hook, Gerry Butters, Bernard Johnson of Bert’s Bar and Grill, Jay Johnson of Bubba’s Roadhouse, JD Hollway at the Waterfront Restaurant, Eric at Lazy Flamingo, the Matlacha Mariners, the Matlacha Hookers, Mike the Mechanic, Anole Computer Service and Bill “Doc” Brooks.

Operation Open Arms entitles anyone who wishes to contribute to the well being of our troops on their combat leave to do so. For the purpose of this writing, it would be impossible to acknowledge all of the sponsors throughout our five years like Phil and Donna Gilles, Carole and Dan Loren, Reid Hutchison Construction, and the American Legion of St. James City. For a complete list of heroes, please visit the OOA Web site at operationopenarms.com.

Finally, a special thanks to Lisa Benton, Elaine McLaughlin, Sally Tapager, Marianne Paton and Buzzy Phillips. All of the names you see within this text are true local heroes. They have made a tangible difference to our troops via their generosity. All of the above deserve the following personal label: “Unconditionally Dedicated to Our Troops.” As Emeril would say, “They take supporting our troops up a notch.”

Two U.S. presidents have saluted the sponsors of Operation Open Arms in the last 10 months. You are the best!

Capt. John “Giddyup” Bunch

Operation Open Arms sponsor/founder

St. James City