Memorial Day donation a welcome addition
To the editor:
Today has been a very special Memorial Day. It has been honor to serve U.S. Troops on their combat leaves for the past six years. Emails of thanks have been received from Afghanistan, Iraq, South Korea, Gitmo, and South Korea. It has been one of the most emotional days of my life.
Also on Memorial Day Day, I received a call from a lady and her husband. “Brenda and Dave” expressed a desire to make a difference in the lives of Our Troops. They donated their BMW to supplement our over-used Limo Fleet. Brenda was supposed to be in a meeting on 9-11-2001 in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Her feelings for those who protect our freedoms and put themselves in harms way could be seen through her eyes.
Everyone has their moments of doubt. In the past six years I’ve had many. There will probably never be another day quite like today. One hundred and eighteen U.S. Troops cared enough to email and/or call Operation Open Arms to say thanks. A woman filled with honor and patriotism could not find the words to say how much she loved her country.
Operation Open Arms enables those who have served their country an opportunity to serve again. Likewise, OOA entitles those who have never served a chance to serve for the first time. Serving our country is the most selfless act anyone could undertake. Serving our country when you don’t have to is my definition of extraordinary honor and patriotism. U.S. Servicemen and women serving today deserve every tangible act of kindness we can bestow on them. Please help me with this enormous challenge. The call to serve comes from your heart.
OOA is a 501c3 public charity. No salaries are paid to anyone. Only Our Troops receive benefits. God bless you all and this great country. Semper Fidelis!
Capt John “GiddyUp” Bunch
Founder/Operation Open Arms
St. James City