Florida fishing guide offers free trips to thank veterans

Capt. John “GiddyUp” Bunch is a professional fishing guide in Florida. But his tours aren't just for fishing enthusiasts — they're for veterans.

It started over a decade ago when Bunch met a young soldier who wanted to fish before being deployed. Since that trip out to sea, he's offered free fishing trips for veterans. More than 1,200 trips, in fact.

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Bunch is the founder of a charity called Operation Open Arms, which also provides free vacations, weddings and more to vets.

For Bunch, it’s about patriotism.

"I do this because I love my country and I do this because America is the greatest country in the world," he told TODAY's Kerri Sanders.

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Bunch was recently honored with the army's highest civilian honor, the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. A fellow recipient, country singer Trace Adkins, told TODAY, “I think it's so cool what he's done.”

"To be able to meet a stranger that cares so deeply, it's an amazing experience," one vet said.

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