Yesterday I had the privilege of visiting the "Ocala World Equestrian Center" in Ocala, Florida! What an amazing place! For those interested in this place, you can pull it up on YouTube! It boasts so many indoor and outdoor arenas, it boggles the mind! But more on that later.
The beautiful statue in the above picture has a story that captured my attention and heart- and I'd like to share it with you!
This is Staff Sergeant Reckless (19481968) of the 5th Marine Regiment-1st Marine Division!
SSgt Reckless served valiantly with the United StatedMarine Corps in the Korean War. During the pivotal five-day Battle of Outpost Vegas in late March 1953, she made 51 round trips in a singled- most of them solo- from the Ammunition Supply Point to the firing sites. She carried 386 rounds of ammunition totaling more than 9,000 pounds, and walked over 35 miles, through open rice paddies and up steep mountains- all as enemy fire exploded at the rate of 500 rounds per minute.
Reckless provided a shield for front-line marines, carried the wounded to safety, and was wounded twice. But she never quit until the mission was complete. She wasn't a horse- She was a Marine!
SSgt Reckless is buried at the Stepp Stables, MCB Camp Pendleton, where she spent her final years before her death in 1968.
Her Military Decorations: Two Purple Hearts- Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal- Presidential Unit Citation- Navy Unit Commendation- National Defense Service Medal- United Nations Service Medal- Korean Service Medal w/ 3 stars- Republic of Korean Presidential Unit Citation
This story gives me pause to consider a few things. Life itself is not always easy, for any of us. But enduring, continuing, having courage --those are qualities to get us through. A good lesson learned from Lady SSgt Reckless! And we all Thank You for your service!
A few pretty pictures from my visit yesterday:
Until Next Time! Remember, Life Is An Adventure! And Often New Lessons And Reminders Enhance The Adventures, Indeed! Be Like Lady Reckless! Never Give Up!
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