WHO WE ARE

Anthony Mattina is Founder and President of Helping Light. He is a very proud American who has served in the US Army and the Mississippi National Guard. He has been an officer of the law, an elected official in Harrison County and is a respected businessman who has made the Gulf Coast his home all his life. Mr. Mattina is a recognizer songwriter and performer. He had a promising career in music, and chose a more stable career to support his family. His songs and recordings have raised fundsfor St. Jude’s Hospital and hurricane victims. During the aftermath of Katrina, he was inspired to compose and record the song, “Lord Bless the World”. Its melody and lyrics reflect the heart and soul of America – still the beacon of freedom and hope.

Tony Mattina is Vice-President of Helping Light. His community activism began early – founding a Republican Teen Club while in high school and elected to membership in civic clubs as he started his career. As a public safety professional, Tony received numerous commendations for response, commitment and dedication. As a Gulf Coast businessman, Tony recognizes the need for expanded opportunities for children, youth and adults in creative, cultural and conceptual arts.

Tom Payne is legal counsel for Helping Light. A former police officer, prosecutor and judge, Tom brings over 30 years of law enforcement experience—20 years of legal practice—to individuals and small businesses in south Mississippi. The recipient of a special achievement award from the U.S. Attorney General, attorney Tom Payne offers full-service legal counsel on matters involving criminal defense, DUI/DWI, family law and personal injury. One of the youngest sheriff's deputies ever assigned to patrol duty, Tom has also served as an undercover agent for the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and chief investigator for former District Attorney Mike Moore.

Jude McDonnell is Treasurer and CFO of Helping Light. Jude is a life-long resident of Biloxi. He spent 15 years working for a major local CPA firm and retired as the business manager of the Biloxi Public School System after 25 years of service. Jude is presently self-employed in the accounting and tax profession. He is a past two-term commodore of the Biloxi Yacht Club, presently serving as its treasurer and has served as past president and present treasurer of the Biloxi Lions Club.

William Sackett is Chairman and Marketing Coordinator for Helping Light. As an independent producer, William has developed, produced and directed musical variety and talk formatted radio programs and television specials for Radio America Network, PBS and syndication.  He has worked as an Associate Producer with Emmy Award Winning Lou Reda Productions on documentaries for the History and Biography Channels.  Sackett currently produces a weekly national network radio talk show, is a consulting Entertainment Historian and is Vice President of Media Development for Radius Group, Inc.  His 25 years of diverse experience and acumen in development, production, entertainment, marketing and public relations adds a broad dynamic to the company and their projects.

Ken Leonard is Secretary of Helping Light. Ken is a producer, engineer, musician, composer and ethnomusicologist. He studied with Halim El-Dahb, national composer of Egypt and composer for the UN. For over 30 years, Ken has overseen intimate studio sessions, casino spectaculars and everything in-between. Ken is dedicated to children and youth, leading wilderness expeditions, teaching rock and roll camps and mentoring young hopeful musicians.

Joe Spraggins is the Military Liaison/ Veterans Affairs Coordinator for Helping Light. He served in the Air National Guard and achieved the rank of Brigadier General. He worked as the Civic Defense Director for Harrison County and received the state's Magnolia Cross and the federal Legion of Merit Award. He serves on the Board of the Mental Health Association of Mississippi.

Lt. Col. Dick E. Wilson USAF (Ret) is Historian and Coordinator for Retired Military Affairs for Helping Light. Col. Wilson had a 20-year career as a fighter pilot in the Air Force, including over 360 combat missions in Vietnam. In 1972 Col. Wilson was assigned to Keesler AFB where he remained until his retirement. Fortunately for the Gulf Coast, he stayed on the coast working the community and active in numerous community and military organizations.