This page is dedicated to the Founder of Vets Day, Wisconsin,
Terry Prescott.

Terry Prescott joined the United States Marines in the late 1960's, intent on serving
his country by volunteering specifically to go to Viet Nam.  His reason is interesting,
but not unlike many of our volunteers during the time.  He felt that by his going to Viet Nam,
he would save someone else from having to go to War.  Terry was born into a family of Veterans.
His father served the United States Army after WWII.  All of Terry's brothers served in the
armed forces of the United States, two others in the Marines, two in the Navy, and one in the Army.
Terry was born to a very patriotic family.  Ironically, even his sisters wanted to join the military forces,
but went on to pursue marriages and to have families instead.

 After serving his time in the Marines, he came home to pursue a career with
J.I. Case in Racine, Wisconsin.  He married and settled down with
a wonderful family in the Kenosha area in Southeast Wisconsin.

Hungry to serve his country and community in what ever way he could, he joined
the Westosha Marine Corps League.  Right away, he went to work.
Terry became a servant to his community and never lost sight of his personal mission,
and that was to serve his community and country.  He always had a very soft spot in
his heart for those who served, for those who gave their all in the service of the United States.
He lead his detachment in several fund raising events, played a pivotal role in establishing
parks dedicated to the memory of Veterans, educated members of his community in enabling
them to remember our Veterans and what they had done for us.  Terry raised money by organizing
popular pig roasts, picnics, carnivals, and assisted any Veterans group which requested his talents.
He joined several Veterans organizations and organized events for them.
His talents grew as he established connections and credibility.

In 1995, he visited the Veteran's Medical facility in Tomah, Wisconsin, and learned
about their plight and situation.  He saw there was another role he could play in serving
and assisting.  As a result, he created Vets Day, Wisconsin.  He pulled together his resources,
requesting assistance from the various organizations he became familiar with, composed
of proud Veterans, hard workers, and members of his community who knew him so well,
trusted him, and respected his judgment and skills.  Before anyone fully appreciated it,
Terry had created something incredible.

Vets Day had grown in popularity and everyone wanted to become involved.
A committee was established and Vets Day took off like a rocket propelled grenade.
But this grenade had an explosion to it with a wonderful, positive effect.  Veterans who
had long thought they had been forgotten suddenly realized that someone out there truly
knew and understood their situation.  They became aware that Americans do
realize their sacrifice and wanted to give something back.

The conditions for the Veterans took a turn for the better, and many of them found a meaning,
understanding what they were here for, and had a reason to survive, live, and found some
happiness in their lives.  Many of them, who had not seen family members for years could
now see their families due to funding being made available to offset the cost of travel, room,
and boarding.  Today, Veterans begin talking about Vets Day long before summer arrives,
becoming excited and looking forward to the event.  Rather than simply the volunteers of
Vets Day expressing thanks to our Veterans, our Vets are now expressing thanks to their fellow Americans.

Terry Prescott is a hero.  He is one of those "thousand candle lights" described by
President George Bush in the early 1990's.  Terry has been dedicated to serving his
community and Veterans for 27 years.  He has long retired from his job and is now
on a pension.  At a great loss to his family, and at his own expense, and even during
moments of personal crisis, he had continued to serve our nations interest by providing
his talents and services to those in need.  Terry has sacrificed a great deal due to his sense
of duty to his God, Country, Corps, Community, and to all Americans, with emphasis to
those in need and in particular, our Veterans who had given their all.
Terry expresses that "some gave some, and some gave all."

Terry Prescott has given his ALL.   This year, May, 2002, Terry is stepping down from
heading the chair at the Vets Day committee.  He is pursuing the benefits of retirement,
seeking solace and peace in the knowledge that he had paid his dues, played a significant
role in the development of Vets Day as a concept, creating and nurturing his creation from
a mere idea, and establishing it as an institution which will survive for perhaps centuries to
come.  His name will serve to motivate others to enhance this amazing endeavor, continuing
the cause, and remaining focused on the mission of serving, giving back, and making this world
a little better place for those who might feel left out or forgotten.

Terry Prescott!  Stand up.  Stand at Attention, Sir.  Please face us.
Allow us to peer upon you, to look at the person who has inspired so many.
We wish to offer you our thanks, our best wishes for peace and happiness in your life.
On behalf of all Americans who were graced with your presence and service, we thank you.
On behalf of the hundreds and thousands of Veterans you have served, we Thank YOU.
On behalf of those within our community who asked of your services, with whom you
had served with your eyes wide open, with whom you had sacrificed more of your time and energy, we thank you.

May our nation look upon you with respect and admiration, may God grace you with
serenity and peace, and may you live your golden years in harmony and tranquility.
We will never forget you.  God Bless America, God Bless the
Marine Corps which inspired you, and God Bless you.

We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend,
oppose any foe to assure the success of liberty.  (J.F.K.)