He has made sure our soldiers have the rest and relaxation they deserve. Now -- the man behind Southwest Florida's Operation Open Arms needs our help, or else the non-profit will go under.

"I served in the United States Marine Corps from 1969-1975," John Bunch says.

John Bunch continues to serve his country by catering to the men and women who protect it through his charity, Operation Open Arms.

O.O.A. recently achieved federal tax-exempt status as a 501(C)3.

They call him captain. The fishing guide gives free boat trips, hotel accommodations and dinner to soldiers needing a little R&R.

"I couldn't ask for anything better," Marine Andrew Goldsmith, who visited Southwest Florida courtesy of OOA last October, says.

Bunch also gave a soldier his ticket to inaugural history, created a free network of therapists to help soldiers combat post traumatic stress disorder, and when local Iraq War Veteran Danny Beougher was killed in a car accident, it was Bunch who lobbied legislators to make it crime to lend your car to an unlicensed driver. Bunch even helped a young marine get married right here in Southwest Florida.

"It happens and it's because of the support of the people and it's amazing," Marine Michael Goodwin, the groom in the April wedding, says.

But all of that work happens out of Captain Bunch's modest St. James City home.

"My kitchen is also part of my office," Bunch says. "My in-box has 589 emails tonight."

Bunch and his dog, Lance Corporal Cooper, run the show. But the stage is getting too big. Bunch says there aren't enough hours in a day to run his fishing charter business and the charity without some help.

" I just can't keep up with it anymore and have Giddyup Fishing Charters be the main income for Operation Open Arms anymore," Bunch says.

Bunch is working with just $1,900 in the Operation Open Arms bank account.

"The people will have the final say whether it survives or not."

Bunch has given himself a deadline to determine if Operation Open Arms is sustainable -- the charity's five year anniversary on April 19, 2010.

Bunch not only needs donations, but he says he could really use a grant writer and fundraiser too.

If you can help or wish to donate, visit www.operationopenarms.org.