Donated vehicle transports troops

Operation Open Arms received a new vehicle recently to help transport troops to and from the airport.

Dave and Brenda Boss donated the 1999 BMW 528 they called "Miss Betty" to the charity.

"We wanted to donate the car and we're trying to figure it out," said Brenda Boss.

She wanted the car to be used and not sold. Boss called Capt. John "Giddy Up" Bunch, head of OOA, and asked if he could use the car. Bunch said he could use the car, but it needed work.

The air conditioning needed to be fixed and the windows and interiors needed work, too. Operation Open Arms requested help for the repairs and the support poured in.

Cliff Gilman, manager at Leading Edge Auto Care, took care of the AC and helped coordinate the auto work. Gilman's dad was a veteran so that was a major factor in his contribution.

"If it wasn't for the veterans we wouldn't be here doing what we do today," Gilman said.

James Szczep, owner of The Mobile Headliner Mad, also had similar ambitions.

"I just wanted to help out the troops," said Szczep. "I gave him a break on parts and did the labor for free."

Many other vendors contributed. Stealth Automotive worked on the headlights and Collex Collision Experts helped with the bumpers.

"(It was) an amazing effort for everyone to put this together," Bunch said.

The finished car was displayed at Geo's Italian Restaurant, 1140 Ceitus Terrace, in Cape Coral.

Geo's hosted a fundraiser and 10 percent of the proceeds benefited OOA. Geo's has been giving troops free meals with the program since it opened.

"(He) extends a lot of graciousness for police, fire and our troops," said Bunch about owner George Lukas.

The car will be a great asset to the charity. The group has been spending around $150 for limo service to chauffeur the troops. Now that the car is ready they will not have to rent a limo when they pick up a few soldiers.

"Now she is in her second phase," Boss said. "What all these people donated to have her (the car) look new again is just so heartwarming."

About the Program

Operation Open Arms is a military outreach program founded by Capt. John "Giddyup" Bunch in 2005.

OOA's mission is to give every benefit possible to veterans, and their families, returning from foreign service. All branches of service are eligible. For more information visit www.operationopenarms.com or call Bunch at 822-8888.