MAD

The Manifest A Deliverance Foundation, Inc. is proud to honor our April Community Thanks recipient, Michael Patterson Jr. (MJ), who has received our specially designed Community Thanks trophy in celebration of children ages 5–12 who are making positive moves and creating meaningful change within their communities.

Small Hands, Big Impact: The Inspiring Heart of MJ

At just 10 years old, Michael Patterson Jr. (MJ) has already shown what it means to take pride in his community and lead by example. While many children his age are focused solely on school and play, MJ has developed a passion for helping care for the world around him in a way that continues to inspire those who know him.

Since the age of four, MJ has taken it upon himself to help clean and care for the spaces around him, beginning right in his own neighborhood. What started as a simple desire to pick up litter and help make his environment cleaner and safer has grown into something much bigger—a powerful example of responsibility, compassion, and community pride.

After asking his parents for a trash grabber so he could safely pick up litter, MJ began extending his efforts beyond his own neighborhood into other areas he noticed needed care and attention. His willingness to take initiative at such a young age demonstrates maturity, selflessness, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Over the years, MJ’s consistency and dedication have transformed what may seem like a small act into a powerful statement. He reminds us all that you do not need a title, organization, or recognition to create change. Sometimes all it takes is a willing heart, determination, and the courage to care.

Through his self-driven efforts—and with the loving support of his parents—MJ is inspiring others to take responsibility for their environment, respect their community, and understand that even the smallest hands can make the biggest impact. His actions encourage both children and adults alike to be more mindful of the spaces they share and the role they each play in making their communities better.

What makes MJ’s story so inspiring is not just his age, but his heart. He leads through action, showing kindness and responsibility without expecting anything in return. His commitment to helping others and caring for his environment is proof that leadership can begin at any age.

In every community, there are young people whose actions shine brightly and remind us that the future is full of hope. MJ is one of those young leaders. Through his dedication, compassion, and servant’s heart, he continues to inspire positive change one act of kindness at a time.

This month, we proudly honor MJ for being a shining example of youth leadership, community pride, and the power of making a difference.

Program Director: Yvette Frazier
Designed by: The Pink Group
Nominated by: Deborah Cook / Deborah Tyler

Special Thanks to Our Trophy Sponsors

MADlove💙 to Total Awards & Promotions, Inc. for generously supporting our Community Thanks initiative through the donation and sponsorship of our recognition trophies. Their continued commitment to celebrating community leaders and difference-makers helps us honor those who selflessly serve others. We appreciate their partnership in helping us recognize impact, excellence, and service throughout our community.

The Manifest A Deliverance Foundation, Inc. is proud to honor our March Community Thanks recipient, Lt. LeRoy Kent, who has received our specially designed Community Thanks trophy in celebration of Law Enforcement Appreciation, recognizing individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting, serving, and uplifting their communities.

A Life of Service: The Strength and Dedication of Lt. LeRoy Kent

Some individuals are called to serve, and throughout every season of their lives, they answer that call with courage, faith, and dedication. Lt. LeRoy Kent is one of those remarkable individuals whose unwavering commitment to helping others has impacted countless lives throughout his community and beyond.

Born and raised in an Air Force family, Lt. Kent spent much of his childhood living in multiple states across the country. Those experiences gave him a unique understanding of different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, helping shape his ability to communicate and connect with people from all walks of life. That ability to genuinely connect with others would later become one of the greatest strengths throughout his years of public service.

Lt. Kent began his adult service as a volunteer firefighter in Lowndes County with Bemiss-Barretts Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as an Engineer (Driver/Operator), First Responder with nationally registered medical training, and extraction technician. His passion for service continued as he became a founding member and Safety Officer of the South-East Cook Volunteer Fire Department and later served with Echols County Volunteer Fire Department.

In February of 2001, Lt. Kent officially began his law enforcement career with the City of Pavo Police Department in Georgia. Later that same year, he transferred to the Echols County Sheriff’s Office, where he continued faithfully serving his community until 2003. His professional journey also included serving as an area manager with a private security company and working with a Department of Defense contractor company at Moody Air Force Base, where he quickly earned a promotion to supervisor through his leadership and dedication.

Lt. Kent returned to law enforcement in 2009 with the Homerville Police Department, where he served for the next ten years as a K-9 Handler, Ma*****na Examiner, and Patrol Sergeant. His willingness to take on multiple responsibilities reflected both his commitment to public safety and his passion for protecting those around him.

In February of 2020, Lt. Kent joined the Waycross Police Department, where he has continued to excel and grow within the department. In August of 2025, he achieved the respected rank of Lieutenant. Throughout his time there, he also became a Field Training Officer in 2022, a Crisis Negotiator in 2023, and a G***k Certified Armorer in 2025.

While Lt. Kent’s professional accomplishments are impressive, perhaps his greatest testimony is his perseverance through personal adversity. Lt. Kent courageously lives with two rare and life-threatening medical conditions: Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) and LZTR1. These conditions cause tumors to form on nerves throughout the body and have resulted in six major surgeries since 2020. Despite the physical and emotional challenges these conditions bring, Lt. Kent continues to move forward with faith, strength, and gratitude.

Rather than focusing on fear or hardship, Lt. Kent credits God’s divine guidance for carrying him through each surgery and protecting his life from severe complications, including paralysis and death. His resilience is not only inspiring—it is a reflection of his unwavering faith and determination to continue serving others no matter the obstacles placed before him.

Lt. Kent loves serving God, his community, and everyone he encounters. He believes in connecting with people, encouraging others, and helping individuals find happiness and hope through faith and compassion. His life reflects true servant leadership—leading not only through authority, but through humility, sacrifice, and heart.

In every community, there are individuals whose service extends far beyond a title or uniform. Lt. LeRoy Kent is one of those individuals. Through his courage, faith, perseverance, and lifelong dedication to helping others, he continues to make a powerful and lasting impact on everyone around him.

This month, we proudly honor Lt. LeRoy Kent for his extraordinary service, his resilience through adversity, and his unwavering commitment to protecting and uplifting his community.

Program Director: Yvette Frazier
Logo Designed by: The Pink Group
Nominated by: Wyesia Hamilton

Special Thanks to Our Trophy Sponsors

MADlove💙 to Total Awards & Promotions, Inc. for generously supporting our Community Thanks initiative through the donation and sponsorship of our recognition trophies. Their continued commitment to celebrating community leaders and difference-makers helps us honor those who selflessly serve others. We appreciate their partnership in helping us recognize impact, excellence, and service throughout our community.