By MARIANNE PATON, pineisland@breezenewspapers.com

During a ceremony held at the Tarpon Lodge in Pineland Friday, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp expressed his gratitude to some of the many supporters of Operation Open Arms.

Hosting the afternoon event was Tarpon Lodge owner Rob Wells.

“When John Bunch called me a year and a half ago and asked me to participate, I thought of two groups — the men and women who are serving overseas and the local business owners who support such a good cause. With this, I knew the Tarpon Lodge had to become involved,” said Wells.

The Tarpon Lodges offers members of the military on leave free lodging.

Lt. Gov. Kottkamp sang the praises of OOA and its supporters.

“It is great to be home and when I heard about OOA taking place in my hometown, making a difference for our soldiers and I am very proud,” said Kottkamp. “John Bunch has displayed his generosity and willingness making OOA possible and I am so proud of him and the local businesses who also show their generosity and patriotism.

“It says so much about the community you have as this, a true act of supporting our troops and letting them know we really care and we know that they are out there fighting for our freedom. This is a tangible act that is selfless and heartfelt.”

Speaking on behalf of OOA, Capt. John Bunch paid special tribute to those who first signed on to the program.

“As a fishing guide and outdoor writer, I am a very busy person, but every time I look at my honorable discharge, I realize when your service ends, it never really ends and I needed to do something. This is what inspired OOA and I am so pleased with the generosity of the businesses who have continued to support the program,” said Bunch. “Our sponsors really exemplify what OOA is all about. It is not my program, it is everybody’s program and we work devoid of money or government or religious affiliation.”

Bunch said that Bill Barhill, owner of the Farmers Market in Fort Myers, was one of the first to sign on as a sponsor of OOA.

“When I told Bill about the program he didn’t hesitate and said that he would be honored to provide three squares a day to any member of the military and their family for the whole two weeks they are on leave,” said Bunch.

Bunch also recognized Capt. Hank from Ruffinit Charters and referred to him as the “MVP” of OOA because of all the fishing charters OOA has to offer he is always the first selected and has never refused a charter for a soldier.

Also signing up on the first day were the folks at Silver Sands at Fort Myers Beach.

“They have always been there even during season they never put out the ‘No Vacancy’ sign for members of the military,” he said.

Stemming from an idea of St. James City resident, Capt. John Bunch, Operation Open Arms offers free or discounted goods and services via a Web site to members of the military home on leave from overseas assignments with order to return to duty.

Among the supporters from Pine Island are the Tarpon Lodge, Sandy Hook Restaurant, the Matlacha Hookers, Mariposa Cruise, Giddy Up Charters, Family Tradition Guide Service, Max Marine Insurance, Capt. George Gosselfinger, Capt. Charlie Boucherie, American Legion Post 136, Elaine McLaughlin, Alden Pines, Backwater Outfitters, Bert’s Bar and Grill, Lazy Flamingo, Matlacha Oyster House, Double Nichol Pub and the Waterfront Restaurant.