Robin Hutton’s most important work was inspired by a military horse!
Meet Belle of Steel # 24
July 13, 2026
Robin Hutton always dreamed of working in the film industry. But she had an unusual path in getting there. After high school, Robin Hutton attended Ithaca College in 1972. She graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She minored in Psychology. She knew to practice in the area, she had to continue on in her schooling, so she applied and began attending UNC-Chapel Hill. During her very first semester there, she realized that working in speech pathology was just not the right fit. After all that tuition, and clinicals, and time. She liked psychology, which resonated deeply with her, but just not the Speech and Hearing part.
Was her original dream, of working in film out of the question? Out of the blue, she saw a job opportunity, so she took off for California. Her family thought she was not thinking right. But Robin, made a choice, took a chance, and decided to pursue that dream before it slipped away.
She began her journey as a personal assistant to Tom Laughlin and Delores Taylor Laughlin, the creators of the iconic Billy Jack film series. Her first job was to organize a week-long psychology conference (Panarion Conference) featuring some of the worlds’ leading Jungian scholars, including Marie-Louise von Franz, Edward Edinger, and Robert Johnson.
She found the experience to be truly transformational! Planning that conference and getting to know one of the speakers, Marie-Louise von Franz, led to her working with the guru for the next 20 years. Robin recalls that the work “led her on a path that” she “still proudly walks today.” She also credits the work with Delores and Tom for changing her entire life. They worked so closely, that she considered them family. Her position with the Laughlins lasted for over 34 years, up to the point where Tom died in 2013. She describes Tom as a true maverick, particularly in Hollywood, a legacy of his that still exists today. Tom wrote a ground-breaking book. Robin assisted him with the research of that book, and also began to serve as a writing partner on his other books devoted to psychology and film.
Robin admired Tom because she states, “he possessed a remarkable worldview, combined with an ability to see solutions that others often missed.” That was unsettling to some, and challenged those with which he worked, however it never deterred him from pursuing what he believed was right. Robin related a quote she learned from one of his films, “. . . you stand up and fight for what you believe is right, no matter how overwhelming the odds.” That was how Tom lived his life, and became a mantra for Robin to follow.
Robin and her beloved pups
Robin considers Tom as her greatest mentor, and credits him with the first person who ever believed in her and her capabilities. Tom helped convince Robin that she “was smart” helping her to recognize her own gifts. One of the things he taught her was to always think outside the box, navigate both the highs and lows of life with resilience. As such, Robin began to pursue her dreams relentlessly. Not to fear to ask for something, as at worst, the answer could be “no.” Another important lesson, never stop dreaming! But most importantly, he taught Robin to believe in herself, ignore the naysayers, and honor the gifts God gave her.
Robin describes her second mentor, Marie-Louise von Franz, as “one of those rare people who could ‘walk with Kings, but never lose the common touch.’” She respected Marie-Louise for loving people for who they truly were, dark shadows and al, rather than for the persona they felt they had to uphold. Robin began seeing her as her personal analyst and she fulfilled that role for 20 years. Despite that professional relationship, Marie-Louise also became a “very dear friend” until she passed away in 1998.
Robin credits “Mar-Lou” with teaching her the importance of looking deeply within her own soul and unconscious mind. The thought of confronting darker aspects and faults within ourselves is often frightening, but Marie-Louise helped Robin understand that completing this “inner work” was essential to developing individualization; crucial to becoming “all that God created us to be. Trust the light within oneself; to never give up, no matter how overwhelming the darkness might seem.”
Robin’s work with Dr. von Franz gave her the confidence an strength to believe that she could accomplish whatever she set her heart to. She encouraged Robin to follow her passion, and therefore, her “true Self.” Dr. von Franz taught Robin that as long as she remained true to her Self and what she believed she was called to do, that was all that truly mattered in life. Robin states she never felt judged, instead appreciated and valued for who she was becoming. Marie-Louise gave Robin an important gift, acceptance. That gift, Robin states, “gave me the courage to strive for more.” As such, not only did she confront the past, she was able to transform it, which she believes is a life-long process which continues every day.
Robin recognized that writing was indeed her greatest passion. In 2006, she was working on a novel about horse racing and had writers block. After a dream and using Active Imagination, Robin picked the book Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover’s Soul from her book case in the hope it would help her with her research on horses. But another story, one that caught her attention, was the very surprising story about a small, red Mongolian mare of modest origin, who emerged as the greatest war horse hero in American history. Her name was Sgt. Reckless.
Robin was stunned that she never heard of Reckless before. As she began her research, she found Reckless was listed in the 1997 collector’s issue of LIFE magazine called “Celebrating our Heroes.” That special edition featured “the usual statesmen and inspirational figures that children learn about in school,” and a story of this small Korean pony that saved the day during one of the fiercest battles in Marine Corps history.
Reckless originally gained a place in America’s heart in April of 1954, when a story by U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Colonel Andrew C. Geer detailed her exploits during the Korean War. The article was featured in the widely-read, Saturday Evening Post. Reckless was a horse purchased by the Marines during the Korean War from a young Korean for $250. Her job? To train with the U.S. Marines as an ammunition carrier for the Anti-Tank Company of the Marines. The soldiers named her Reckless because she carried the ammunition for the recoilless rifle, so dangerous that the rifle was nick-named the “reckless” rifle.
Robin’s first book, Sgt. Reckless whose story reshaped her life
During her missions, Reckless endured the worst conditions of battle, including freezing cold winters, continuous missions hauling heavy ammunitions across treacherous, rugged mountains, all while surrounded with the ear shattering explosions of bombs and guns going off around the small, unlikely war horse. But Reckless never flinched or failed, valiantly completing each and every run. Horses are herd animals, and need company. Alone on her missions in Korea, the Marines became her “herd.” Rarely, has relationship between a horse and a human been more extraordinary. Due to the horse’s feats of profound heroism, the U.S. Marine Corps actually promoted Reckless to a full sergeant rank. This animal was no mascot, she was an actual combat Marine Corps member.
Robin began searching for anything and everything she could about Sgt. Reckless’ story. Robin Hutton wrote the full story of Sgt. Reckless into a biography in 2014, Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse. The book has since won many awards, including a gold medal from the Military Writer’s Society of America (MWSA). The book was well written, and loved. In 2013, Robin was offered a book contract with Regnery History, a history division of Regnery Publishing. The military loved it. Sgt. Reckless became a five-star reviewed New York Times best seller, meaning it sold over 10,000 copies!
The book was reviewed not only by top military generals and colonels, but authors of well-known works, such as Victoria Racimo, who co-authored actress Alicia Key’s memoir, The Journals of Mama Mae and LeeLee. A Boston Globe critic wrote, “Sgt. Reckless will take you to places you’ve never been before. Both Robin and her inspiration are to be commended.” The Director of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Liz Ezell states, “Robin’s new book about one of those forgotten heroes of the Korean War – one with four legs … adds drama, and color . . .and depth to the story.”
In 2010, even before her book was published, Robin set up the non-profit, Angels Without Wings, Inc. and The Sgt Reckless Memorial Fund and began to raise funds for a large bronze monument of Sgt. Reckless to be built and placed at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Robin led the fund raising effort. She continued on with her journey, constantly inspired by the courage of Sgt. Reckless. She dedicated her book to the horse for “forever changing her life.”
Robin’second award winning book about war animal heroes
Robin’s non-profit, Angels Without Wings, Inc., not only spearheaded the development and dedication of three national monuments to Sgt Reckless, but it also raises funds dedicated to honoring those extraordinary people and animals who selflessly give of themselves to make the world kinder, safe, and more hopeful. From individuals quietly serving their communities, to animals whose loyalty and bravery change lives, Hutton says that the organization was created to celebrate the angels who inspire us all. Some of their recent honorees are other military animals. Robin serves as president.
Robin remains deeply grateful. She says, “I never could have predicted the pathways my life has taken, but am thankful every day for the opportunities to share Reckless’s remarkable legacy.” She hasn’t stopped writing, her latest work, War Animals: The Unsung Heroes of WWII was published in 2018. The book also won the gold medal for excellence from MWSA. The book on Sgt. Reckless, in October 2020, became a selection on the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Professional Reading List for enlisted Marines.
In 2022, Robin was honored by the MWSA with the Mike Mullen Writer of the Year award in recognition of not only her book Reckless, but all of the charitable work her organization has achieved. The award is given to those outstanding writers whose literary achievement and contributions, to the mission of MWSA are exceptional. The mission of the MWSA is to help service members, veterans, their families, and historians record the history and complexities of military life. The MWSA encourages writing and the creative arts to enable veterans therapy and educate the public and members of the military community on the ideals attributed to service in the U.S. four military branches.
One of Robin’s awards from the Military Writer’s Society of America
As the Sgt. Reckless book gained more attention, the South Korean Government showed an interest in the project. They wanted the people of South Korea to experience and be motivated by the story of Reckless and recognize the work and heroism of the horse. In summer of 2026, Robin and Jocelyn Russell, the artist of the Sgt Reckless monuments, received a grant for them to travel to Korea for a week-long celebration of events recognizing the horse hero. It was part of a three-day speaking engagement for the Jeju Peace and Prosperity Forum of 2026.
Using Reckless’ story as a bridge, the purpose was to discuss how to transform the memories of the Korean War into languages of peace and prosperity for the Korean people. A second purpose, was to continue to build the U.S. alliance with Korea in a positive, forward-looking way. The U.S. Marine Corp’s and Army’s ground efforts played a significant role to help the South Koreans win the war against the communists. Robin couldn’t believe it. She was asked to speak on a world stage with other many other distinguished international scholars, ambassadors, and military leaders. Could she do it? But then, she thought of Reckless. The mare was her “arrow in the quiver.” That was all she needed. The trip was a massive success.
Robin in front of Sgt. Reckless monument
At the end, the Governor of Jeju Province presented Robin and Jocelyn with a beautiful ceramic music box of Sgt. Reckless that he had made. She did book appearances at the largest book store in Korea, was honored at a dinner, and celebrated with Korean War veterans at the Seoul Racetrack after the Sgt. Reckless Memorial Race they hold there every year. The entire event was amazing.
As they waited for their flight home in Seoul, she got word that the Governor of Jeju Province wants to present her and Jocelyn with Honorary Citizenships of Jeju Province at a ceremony in October. This is a prestigious recognition awarded to domestic or international figures who have made significant contributions to the island’s development, cultural values, or international cooperation. The Governor loves the story of Reckless and what she is now bringing to the Island of Jeju.
On the plane ride home, exhausted, but thrilled to bits, she again thanked her inspiration and guidepost, Reckless. Today, there are six monuments around the country honoring her, and the Koreans have placed two in South Korea.
Angels Without Wings, Inc. holds an annual Animals in War & Peace Medal Ceremony. Robin’s work has helped Reckless receive the PDSA Dickin Medal in England in 2016 – often referred to as the “Victoria Cross for animals.” Robin began to wonder why America did not have a similar way to honor its heroic animals. The mission for Animals in War & Peace was born from that spark. In 2019, Reckless was honored as the first recipient of the Animals in War & Peace Medal of Bravery. The sixth ceremony in 2026, will honor their 40th recipient with Medals of Bravery and Distinguished Service Medals.
Everyday, Robin “pinches” herself in gratitude for what she believes are God’s gifts to her and direction in which she is being led, especially through Reckless, who remains a constant in her heart. She strongly believes that it was Reckless, who has changed her “life in ways that” she “could never have imagined.” After this quote, Robin laughed and said, “And I have a great imagination!” She feels that honoring Reckless has brought amazing people into her life, many of whom she never expected, like the Koreans.
When asked about her future goals, Robin stated, “mainly, to continue to celebrate the profound impact animals have on our lives and our world.” Robin’s most rewarding moment always comes back to July 26, 2013, the date that the Sgt. Reckless monument was dedicated at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. AgeView Press is deeply humbled to honor Robin Hutton as our Belle of Steel # 24.