Don Prescott joined the U.S. Army Reserve because he came from a family of service members and wanted to continue that legacy. At the time, he didn’t have a clear direction in life, but the military gave him structure, purpose, and a sense of belonging. It taught him discipline, leadership, and the value of service.
The hardest part about coming home after serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan was figuring out who he was without the uniform. In the military, everything had a purpose, and he always had his team with a strong sense of camaraderie. Back home, that structure and sense of direction were gone. It took time to adjust to a different pace and to people who didn’t understand those experiences.
His time in the military taught him discipline, flexibility, and how to stay calm when things get tough. He learned how to work with all kinds of people, make quick decisions, and stay focused. Those lessons carried over into his career, especially the importance of leading by example, taking responsibility, and putting people first.
Prescott has built a distinguished career rooted in public service and servant leadership. He served at the Worcester Housing Authority, where he was promoted several times, eventually becoming vice president of training and development. In 2022, he began working for the City of Worcester. He serves as coordinator of training and professional development in the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. As a disabled veteran, inclusion and accessibility are always on the forefront of his mind, especially in his work.
