By:Jason Scheer
As reflected in his numerous awards, Prescott gave his best while in Iraq. As a survivor of an explosive attack on his Humvee, he nearly gave his life. His accolades include an Army Commendation Medal of Valor, the U.S. Navy and Marine Achievement Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.
Last Monday, Prescott, 23, was on the receiving end of praise and applause, as the Nassau County Legislature thanked him in a ceremony in Mineola. Nassau County Deputy Presiding Officer Roger Corbin (D-Westbury) spoke glowingly of Prescott, saying, "It is an honor today to be in the presence of this brave young man, and I know he serves as an inspiration when we hear of his courageous and noble acts. I know I speak for everyone here when I look at this young man who has honorably served our nation during these trying times, and I know we all say, 'Thank you so much.'"
While Prescott is thrilled to be home with his family in West Hempstead, his mind is still in Iraq, with the soldiers who became his brothers. "It feels really good to be home, but I'm just praying for other soldiers to get home too," he said.
Prescott acknowledged that the experience has changed him forever. "I gained a lot of insight on life itself," he said. "I definitely take less things for granted now."
Prescott and his unit were riding in a Humvee headed to Baghdad when it was hit by enemy explosives. Prescott suffered a concussion, and was awarded a Purple Heart. "It's not the type of medal that you want to get," he said. "I got it for the injuries I received, but I just hope that people don't need to receive that metal in the future."
Despite the injuries he sustained during the attacks, as well as the physical and emotional turmoil that comes with serving in combat, Prescott said that he would make the same decision again today. "I would do it again. I feel like the soldiers over there are my family, and I'd absolutely do it again," he said.
His family, which lives in West Hempstead, is just happy to have him home. "I'm absolutely excited and elated, and we feel blessed as a family that he has had this opportunity to serve his country," said his mother, Portia.
His father, James, said that he hopes other families with children overseas will have their children back home soon as well. "My heart goes out to all the men and women and their families, and hopefully they will be returning them all home soon," he said.
Sonja Prophet, Specialist Prescott's best friend, has noticed a change in his attitude. "He's a lot more serious," she said. "He's like a totally different person. The way he looks at the world is totally different. He's definitely a lot more mature."
Prescott is still enrolled in the National Guard, but is working full-time in a security position at JFK airport and attending Nassau Community College, working toward a master's degree in criminal justice. "I'm looking for a position in the CIA," he said of his future plans.
Though she was nervous about seeing her friend go off to war-torn Iraq, Prophet knew that it was all just a part of Prescott's personality. "He's a real gentlemen," she said. "He's respectful, and he always does what he knows he has to do. He's a real stand-up guy, a guy that would always do the right thing by other people."
