For immediate release and publication.         

Photo is Elaine McLaughlin, Director with the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce and Capt. John “GiddyUp” Bunch

 

    PINE ISLAND FISHING CAPTAIN RECEIVES ANNUAL “AL MILLS CITIZEN OF THE ISLAND” AWARD

 

At the annual dinner meeting of the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, on January 22, 2007,  Captain John “GiddyUp” Bunch received the “Al Mills Citizen of the Island” Award for 2007, for his creation of Operation Open Arms. Operation Open Arms is a Pine-Island based program to provide free or discounted services to active military personnel on temporary leave of duty.  Captain “GiddyUp” conceived the idea after donating a GiddyUp Fishing Charter to a Pine Island soldier who was home for a 2-week leave.  As soon as the charter was completed, Captain Bunch contacted other fishing guides along with area golf courses and restaurants, told them about his experience, and asked them to join the program, which they readily did.  From this chance meeting with SPC. Travis Downes, Operation Open Arms was created, and the program has continued to grow and has expanded throughout Lee County and into Collier County.  The web site is www.operationopenarms.com.

 

The “Al Mills” award is the third recognition in recent months for Captain “GiddyUp” and Operation Open Arms.  In October, he received the Honor or Distinction Award at the annual “E” Awards, by the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau.  In December, he was honored by Senator Mel Martinez at the Naples American Legion Post for his creation of Operation Open Arms.  With this third award to his name, Captain Bunch, in addition to the “Al Mills” Award, received a 3-star Captain’s cap, which may well be a Pine Island first.

 

Lisa Benton,

Administrator

Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce

239-283-0888, 239-283-4842, fax 239-283-0336

www.pineislandchamber.org