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Academy Fifty-Four - Badge Logo-01
Shown left to right: Staff Sergeant Reckless in retirement - Photo courtesy of Wikipedia; World Equestrian Center - Sgt. Reckless Monument; Soldier with Staff Sgt Reckless - Photo courtesy of horsejournals.com

WHAT IS

ACADEMY 54

Academy 54: The Sgt. Reckless Story

When we launched Academy 54 at the World Equestrian Center, we knew immediately who its namesake would be. Blending our passion for horses with our commitment to the values we hold most dear, we turned to a hero of the Korean War: a horse named Sgt. Reckless.

Sgt. Reckless wasn't just any horse; she was a symbol of courage and determination in the face of certain danger. Serving with the United States Marine Corps, she undertook perilous missions, braving enemy fire to transport vital supplies to the front lines. Assigned to the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, 5th Marine Regiment, Sgt. Reckless carried ammunition and wounded soldiers with unparalleled perseverance.

Her service spanned the critical years of 1952 and 1953, during which she made an astonishing 51 trips under fire, traversing treacherous terrain to deliver her cargo and bring back the wounded. In 1954, for her extraordinary feats, she was bestowed with the rank of sergeant and honored with not one, but two Purple Hearts, a testament to her valor and sacrifice.
Sgt. Reckless with rifle - Photo courtesy of Robin L. Hutton
Sgt Reckless honored at ceremony - Photo courtesy of Sgt Reckless Facebook
Sergeant Reckless with her soldiers - Photo courtesy of Robin L. Hutton
Sgt Reckless on battlefield - Photo courtesy of Camp Pendleton archives
At Academy 54, we draw inspiration from the remarkable legacy of Sgt. Reckless. Our organization, named after the year she was made Sergeant, and our mascot, the Reckless Rangers, pay direct homage to our hero. And as a testament to the enduring values she exemplified – honor, courage, perseverance, and determination – we believe in striving for excellence in everything we do.

This is more than just a youth sports league; it's a community united by a shared passion for athletics and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity. We embody the spirit of camaraderie, teamwork, and unwavering dedication. Like Sgt. Reckless herself, our Rangers fearlessly charge ahead, ready to conquer any challenge that comes their way.

Whether on the field or off it, Academy 54 is committed to fostering the next generation of athletes, instilling values that will endure far beyond the final whistle. Join us as we honor the legacy of Sgt. Reckless and embark on a journey of excellence, unity, and unparalleled adventure.

Welcome to Academy 54, where heroes are born, and legends are remembered.
Some images used on this webpage are not owned by Sports at WEC and are used solely for illustrative purposes, with all rights belonging to their respective owners.