Menifee student supports, visits war horse monument

From left: Robin Hutton, author of the book "Sgt. Reckless: America's War Horse"; Craig Gruber, resource specialist at Herk Bouris Elementary School; Kailee Pardo, third grade student at Herk Bouris; Chuck Dacus (USMC Ret.), Kailee's grandfather. Photo courtesy of MUSD Facebook page

A third grade student and a teacher at Herk Bouris Elementary School were invited to Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base recently to witness the unveiling and dedication of a monument honoring Staff Sgt. Reckless.

Sgt. Reckless, considered "America's Greatest War Horse", received the Purple Heart with Gold Star and other military honor for service for the Marine Corps in the Korean War. She is buried at the Stepp Stables at Camp Pendleton, where Chuck Dacus (USMC Ret.) helped care for the mare in her later years.

Dacus' granddaughter, Kailee Pardo, and Herk Bouris teacher Craig Gruber participated in community fundraising events to help raise money for the bronze statue.

Photos of Sgt. Reckless have been on display in the military section of the Herk Bouris Elementary multi-purpose room since the school opened.