Marc Beaudin/news-press.com After serving nine months in Iraq, U.S. Army specialist Daniel Snurkowski , right, and fiancée Tiffany Coffey enjoy a free three-day stay at the Silver Sands Resort on Fort Myers Beach. Order Picture

Army Specialist Daniel Snurkowski feels like he won an all-expense paid vacation.

Stationed in Taji, Iraq, but home on leave, Snurkowski qualified for freebies that included lodging at Silver Sands resort, dinner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill and a fishing trip — all courtesy of Southwest Florida’s Operation Open Arms.

The program was started in 2005 in Lee County by Pine Island fishing guide Capt. John “GiddyUp” Bunch, who wanted to provide troops a warm homecoming.

Operation Open Arms has since expanded to Collier County. If enough Charlotte County sponsors volunteer to donate services, Bunch plans to expand there.

“When the kids come home, we wanted to show them there are people who appreciate their sacrifices,” Bunch said.

When he started the program, Bunch went to hair salons, hotels and bowling alleys, among other businesses, asking if they would donate services. About 100 businesses have signed on to help.

Bunch is hoping to make the program even larger by asking residents to donate gift cards for the troops.

To qualify, however, service members must present papers showing they are stationed overseas, home on leave and have orders to return overseas.

“I think it is pretty cool that they are actually noticing us and trying to do stuff for us,” said Snurkowski, 22, of Pine Island.

While Snurkowski said he probably could have afforded the services he received, it would have stretched his budget.

The average room price at Silver Sands resort runs $143 a night. Snurkowski stayed three days with his fiancée.

“We felt it was the patriotic thing to do,” said resort owner Tom Graves. “It falls into the category of being the least we could do. As long as we have a vacancy, it’s theirs.
We’re trying to make their time on leave a little more enjoyable.”

There is no central database that shows how many people have taken advantage of the program, but Graves said more than 100 people have stayed for free at his resort.

Susie Q’s Quilts owner Renee Kennedy, who was married to a soldier for 15 years, signed up as sponsor because she supports the work of the troops, she said.
“I’m trying to help out any way I can for our community,” Kennedy said.

A few people have brought her photographs to transfer onto fabric, which can be made into pillows or quilts.
Maria Martins, 44, of Cape Coral, found out about the program just before her son, U.S. Marine Corp. Michael Martins, returned to Iraq.

“I found out a little too late,” she said. “I have been going to the Web site now. It is a great organization. It is amazing how many people really care about the military.”