Trek for Troops

Trek For Troops is a national fundraiser for Darkhorse Lodge.

Darkhorse Lodge will be a retreat for combat veterans of all branches of service to come to relax, fish on Kentucky Lake, enjoy area activities and communicate with others who have walked in their boots. All at no cost to combat veterans.

Once completed, there will be five, 5 bedroom guest cabins, each room named for one of the 25 men lost from the Marine Corps' 3/5, Darkhorse unit. When our 19 year old son, LCpl Alec E Catherwood, was killed in action on October 14, 2010, it felt as if the world had ended for us. After realizing that we wouldn't honor him by giving up, I stayed up nights, wondering what I could do for those who did come home. Once I had the basics down, my husband added improvements to the plan. Finding my new purpose in life has given me a reason to get up each morning and face the challenges ahead. We will need A LOT of money to complete our build. 5 guest cabins, a staff cabin, and a shower house/dining facility (named for US Army National Guard, Specialist Tim Bowman, who committed suicide on Thanksgiving Day, 2005 after returning home from Iraq). Our employees will be combat veterans as well, including those who will take the participants fishing at one of the most beautiful spots in the south (oh yeah, we'll need boats and gear donated as well). The buildings at Darkhorse Lodge will be handicapped accessible to accommodate as many of our veterans as possible. ~ Gretchen Catherwood

Indy Blue Star Mothers supports this initiative and we have committed to walking 100 miles for your donation between Nov 8th - 11th. Help us make a difference for combat veterans! Donate today, our feet will thank you!