Many thanks to Operation Open Arms

Jan 10, 2009 2 min read

To the editor:

My recent visit to Lee County was direct from Camp Victory, Iraq.

I love Florida’s warm weather, and when I was planning my R&R from Iraq, I wanted to visit. I live in Missouri and it’s cold there in December. I found a hotel to stay the night. There, I met a gentleman named John Sharples of Pine Island. He asked me if I knew anything about Operation Open Arms. I promised to check out the Web site; he promised to have a representative from OOA call me.

The next day the founder of Operation Open Arms called me and immediately offered free lodging, free meals at restaurants, and even a free haircut plus free dentistry if I needed it.

I was overwhelmed with this gesture of generosity and could not quite comprehend such benefits being extended to a perfect stranger. The last full day before I had to return to Iraq, Mike Dopslaff at Arrowhead Golf Club invited me for a free round of golf and lunch.

I want to thank Operation Open Arms founder Capt. John “GiddyUp” Bunch and all the generous people who were so kind and caring to me and my family. He made me feel like family.

I cannot wait to tell my fellow warriors about the kind and caring people of Lee County and especially Bonnie at the Beach Barbershop on Fort Myers Beach who repaired my hair after it was “groomed” by a well-intended Pakistani.

I also want to thank Mr. Sharples for telling me all about this great program that serves U.S. troops on their combat leave. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Staff Sgt. Donna Underwood

U.S. Army National Guard