Photo By Staff Sgt. Carolina Sierra | Retired U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Ian Prescott and his family occupy their forever home...... read more read more
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EGLIN AFB, Fla. -- On January 20, 1961, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy delivered his inauguration speech, declaring, "And so, my fellow Americans: 'Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.'" Throughout Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.) Ian Prescott’s military service, he and his family exemplified this quote and are being rewarded as they relocated to their “forever home” provided by the Gary Sinise Foundation during a ceremony in Crestview, Florida, on September 20, 2023.
Lt. Col. Griffin Merrill, the group deputy commanding officer, remarked, "He went on his fifth or sixth Afghanistan deployment. He volunteered. He didn't have to go but chose to because of his dedication to the 7th Group. His dedication to his brothers on the team and his dedication to his country."
Prescott, a retired Green Beret with the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), suffered severe injuries in 2018 during a combat mission in Afghanistan. Merrill, his company commander at the time, recalls the incident vividly.
Prescott's injuries left him paralyzed after his L1 and L2 vertebras shattered and his spinal cord was damaged. Additionally, he underwent surgery to remove his left pancreas, diaphragm, and intestines. Merrill reflected.
"During that mission, they weren't tending to their area of responsibility. We chose their team because they were 'American rock stars.' When I heard Ian got shot, there was pure dread over the radio."
The dwelling is a custom-designed smart home featuring wheelchair-accessible areas that grant Prescott greater freedom of movement, enhance his quality of life, and bolster his independence.
Before acquiring their new residence, Prescott encountered challenges while attempting daily tasks that most consider routine.
"Since my injury, all the things that seem normal for everyone else have been a solid hurdle for me," Prescott stated. "The shower alone is going to change my life for the better. Our current shower situation is risky at best. The new shower has safety bars and a bench that will allow me to shower alone."
Carrie Prescott, his wife, expressed her relief, saying, "When I lifted him for his shower yesterday, I realized it would be the last time I'd have to do it. Knowing that alone takes years of stress away from my life."
Ian will regain some of his independence with the new home, and he and Carrie can resume bonding activities, such as cooking together.
Carrie noted, "Cooking was something Ian and I always did together. We lost that element of our relationship after he was shot."
The house was constructed to ensure Prescott could operate every appliance and access all necessary cooking equipment. This achievement was possible through the close involvement of various agencies and companies with the Prescott family throughout the construction process.
The construction of this home establishes stability the Prescott family lacked in their previous residence, but the 7th SFG(A) has been and remains a constant support system for them.
“It’s easy to forget about a guy once they’re out of the fight, but his team didn’t,” Merril said. “They treat him like a brother. His entire team was at the house dedication today. It’s a testament to that team and the impact that Ian has on people. We share an incredible brotherhood.”
The construction of this home provides excellent stability for the Prescott family and highlights the unwavering support of the 7th SFG(A). "It's easy to forget about a guy once they're out of the fight, but his team didn't," Merrill emphasized. "They treat him like a brother. His entire team was at the house dedication today. It's a testament to that team and Ian's impact on people. We share an incredible brotherhood."
While the 7th SFG(A) conducts monthly Rock Garden Memorials to ensure that the memory and sacrifices of the fallen are never forgotten, Prescott's presence remains strong within the 7th Special Forces Group.
"I still go down there {7th SFG(A)} all the time," Prescott affirmed. "I'll still be around."
Prescott once asked what he could do for his country, and he gave his all. Now, the citizens are giving back to him, and he expresses his gratitude.
"I was going to do the job [military service] one way or the other," Prescott said. "The thanks are just a bonus. Receiving this outpouring of love from the Gary Sinise Foundation, the Crestview community, and the 7th Group is what it's all about."
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| Date Taken: | 09.22.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 09.22.2023 14:46 |
| Story ID: | 454068 |
| Location: | EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 699 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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