OOA – From combat boots to flip flops
To the editor:
I am the proud Mom of AFM Sgt Lisa Weekley. My daughter is a very special young woman who has dedicated 17-plus years as a member of the Air Force. She refuels U.S. Fighter jets at altitudes of 25,000 to 30,000 feet above the earth over very unfriendly foreign countries. On her recent combat leave, she and her 13- year-old daughter were welcomed to southwest Florida by one of the most amazing public charities in the United States. I say amazing because Operation Open Arms seems to be a collective effort of all southwest Florida businesses who love our men and women in uniform: the Fort Myers Miracle/Minn Twins organization – thank you Gary Sharp; the Sanibel Marina and Grandma Dot’s – thank you Tom and Brianna; and, of course, Leroy Selmons and Greg.
For so many that return home from deployments and military families that need assistance, it is wonderful to know this organization is available. OOA spends so much time and energy in thanking and assisting military families, they deserve a huge thank you as well – Thank you OOA and Captain John “Giddyup” Bunch.
Few people understand the reach of Operation Open Arms and how it draws US service women and men to SW FL to buy homes, raise families, start businesses, pay taxes, and contribute to the growth of our local economy with their retirement dollars. My daughter is retiring from the US Air Force in three years and plans to move to southwest Florida because of the friends and relationships she formed from being the guest of Operation Open Arms. I cannot think of a greater ambassador to SW FL than OOA. After all, it attracts some of the finer people in our society – those who serve and protect our freedoms.
Sandy Anderson