A Message from OCTLA President
Douglas Vanderpool
My theme for this year is Generosity. One kind thing. One gesture. A helping hand. Can change a life. Can save a life.
I have a sign hanging above my desk that says Be Kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
In the midst of all of these global crises, kindness may be too easily dismissed as a “soft” issue, or a luxury to be addressed after all of the other urgent problems are solved. But kindness is the greatest need in all those areas - - kindness to the needs of those are who are suffering. Until we reflect basic kindness in everything we do, our political gestures will be fleeting and fragile.
I am honored we have chosen Operation Helping Hands as our 2022 Top Gun Charity. Kim Valentine started Operation Helping Hands in 2015 because she knew that one kind word, one gesture, a helping hand, can change a life, can save a life.
Kim’s story leading her to start Operation Helping Hands and the time, heart and soul she dedicates to strengthening and broadening its mission moved our hearts tremendously and we are honored to be able to give back to her. We hope you will join us in doing so.
