He commenced work at his father's milling plant in 1896 upon his graduation from Bel Air High School.

Reckord expressed desire to serve in the military, but, at the request of his mother, delayed entry into service until he turned 21.

In 1933, he authored legislation that permanently gave National Guard personnel status as both state and federal troops.

Reckord was mobilized for World War II with the 29th Infantry Division in February 1941 and took a leave of absence from his post as Maryland's Adjutant General.

After World War II, Reckord returned to his post as the Adjutant General of Maryland.

[4] After retiring, he resided in Ruxton, Maryland, with his daughter and her husband, H. Frederick Jones Jr.[4] In his military life, Reckord was a leader of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), and served as its president from 1923 to 1925.

[5] No longer used for military activities, it is now a facility for public events including weddings, trade shows, and business meetings.

[6] In 1950, Reckord was the first recipient of the National Guard Association of the United States Distinguished Service Medal.