Thank you Mr. Michael L Preston Jr.

There are among us many people who are doing double, triple, and even quadruple duty during the coronavirus outbreak. These men and women are working multiple jobs as well as helping out with family. They are putting themselves in harms way because they have a heart to do good for others. While many people were safe at home, these brave soldiers continued to do what they believe they were called to in order that the majority would benefit. One of those angels of mercy is Michael Lynn Preston Jr. He is a 38 year old college graduate who found that his education has not yet paid off at least not in the way he expected. Michael received an Associate Degree from Virginia Western Community College, a Bachelor’s degree from Radford University and a Masters Degree from Regent University.

He expected to find that one job that would make all the education worth it but this dream has yet to be realized. Michael had been working with special needs students then became a teacher with at risk students. He currently works full time night shift at Hope Tree which is a facility for troubled youth. He loves interacting with young people and finds this job rewarding, He also is a certified behavior specialist working with emotionally challenged adults for Brailey and Thomas. He drives his clients to appointments, to get medication, to the laundry mat, the grocery store and wherever they need to go. He offers support and keeps tabs on those who may be depressed or suicidal. Because he had such extreme amount of student loan debt Michael also drives for both Uber and Lift.

Each of these jobs keeps him working with the public and being essential puts him at risk for COVID-19. In addition he is the youth pastor at Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he preached on 5th Sunday’s until the sheltering in place began. His pastor now broadcasts from the church sanctuary through social media and Michael attends church when he is not working to lend support, as services are not open for everyone yet. He practices social distancing and cannot fellowship with the 5-10 other people who show up. Being a people person this is difficult. Michael is putting himself at risk every day because he always has five or six boys at his main job. As a behavior specialist he must go into clients homes.

There are weeks where he works every single day with little sleep. He understands that there will always be people who need rides so he is constantly cleaning and disinfecting his vehicle and offering hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes to his customers. Michael also helps out with his niece and 2 nephews since his sister’s divorce. Before the pandemic he took them hiking on mountain trails, to ball games, church event and to the park. He still spends time with them when he can but due to sheltering in place this has all but stopped. Since the pandemic began he often shops for his parents making sure they have extra toilet paper, antibacterial soap and other hard to find items. He also assists with his dad who is diabetic and recovering from a heart attack.

Michael has placed marriage and children on hold while he is juggling all these duties but he enjoys being of service. Michael is a true hero for spreading himself thin during this trying season. The doctors, nurses and medical personal who are essential workers have all been on display. The fast food and grocery store workers have been mentioned. There are other unsung heroes working jobs like Michael, who are not being celebrated because they are behind the scenes. If not for Uber and Lift there are many people who would have no other mode of transportation. If not for employees in boys homes and youth facilities, then children with nowhere else to go might not have a roof over their heads.

If not for counselor's and behavior specialists then adults with special needs may not have food or medication or just someone to check on them. There are people who have said that seeing Michael sitting in the pulpit (A safe distance away from his pastor) wearing his mask, gives them hope that soon everyone will be able to go back to church and worship.In celebrating Michael L Preston Jr. I celebrate all the unsung essential workers who put themselves on the line, in jobs of service to others. This is a dangerous time we live in and not everyone has the option to shelter in place. Thank you and God bless Michael and the other men and women like him. They are brave soldiers who keep moving as we all adjust to our new normal.