Slaughter’s Reasoning…

To me, OHC is a commitment to an idea bigger than myself and my immediate family. OHC is the group of people, I’ve chosen for both me and my family, to care about more than myself. OHC is my family through shared experience and fellowship. OHC is my accountability group, with mentors, coaches and teammates throughout. OHC is an energy and influence that strengthens and guides me. OHC is my support group, confidant and counselor. OHC is my “who’s car we gonna take?’” OHC is my “reason” for a lot of things. I choose OHC because OHC chooses me, and it is my privilege.

But I am an extremist. I know that and accept it about myself. If I’m in, I’m “ALL IN”. It’s the only way I know to be. I take everything seriously, sometimes even too seriously for some. I’m also a [grumpy] optimist. I may come off a bit intense or awkward, but I try to always hope and plan for the best. For me, that optimism and belief in this brotherhood legitimizes our standards.

That is what OHC means to me. As I’ve moved through life, I’ve seen my circle grow stronger as it’s grown smaller/tighter. I’ve gained and lost friends, met some amazing people and experienced some incredible things. My path has also crossed with some extraordinary people, and as we’ve gotten to know each other, I’ve had to privilege to call some of those people my family. OHC is a large part of that family.

OHC is what we choose to make it, so OHC is who we choose to make it. As I have expressed before, I am honored to call each of you my brother. I thank you for your commitment to our clan, my family and me.