Community Champion: Gretchen Catherwood

It’s time to recognize a Community Champion, an honor given to people making a positive impact in the community in partnership with Leaders Credit Union. We introduce you to to a mother who is honoring her son by giving back to those who served our country.

“They just don’t feel like we care, and we’re here to prove to them that we do,” said Gretchen Catherwood.

Darkhorse Lodge is a retreat for combat veterans located in Springville, TN.

It was created by Gretchen and Kirk Catherwood in memory of their son Lance Corporal Alec Catherwood and the 24 marines who were killed during their 2010-2011 deployment to the Helmand province of Afghanistan.

“When the unit came back. We noticed that there was quite a bit of pain involved in the marines who did come home. I just kept seeing their faces in my head and I thought ‘There’s gotta be something we can do for those who did come home and if we can honor those who didn’t — even better.’ That’s when I came up with Darkhorse Lodge,” said Catherwood.

They accept combat veterans from all branches of service, wars and conflicts. Giving men and women a place to come stay free of charge for four nights and five days.

“Just to kind of hang out with other veterans, other people — people who get it — who’ve been through what they’ve been through. Literally or figuratively,” said Catherwood.

Catherwood says it took nine years to raise money and build the facility. Their grand opening was held in September of 2023 and they started hosting veterans in 2024.

“We had six groups all together and it was incredible. It was everything that in my head I dreamed it would be,” said Catherwood.

At the lodge, the veterans are able to partake in several activities like fishing, ax throwing, and multiple forms of games and entertainment.

“People like it because it’s not structured. They’re not required to do anything but relax,” said Catherwood.

Every penny that has been spent here has been raised by average Americans and Catherwood says the goal is for every veteran who stays at the lodge to feel the love of every person who has donated.

“It’s a grassroots effort. We don’t have government support. What we have is thousands of people donating small amounts of dollars to show that we are grateful for what’s been done for us, we need to let them know that America cares,” said Catherwood.

At the lodge, there are five guest cabins and each cabin has five bedrooms in it. Each bedroom bears the name of one of the men from the 3/5 Darkhorse unit, which is the unit their son Alec was attached to.

There are also 25 trees with a placard that was planted in their memory.

“There’s subtle reminders everywhere here about those 25 boys,” said Catherwood.

Catherwood says it’s important for the veterans who made it home to know that they are appreciated and that they matter.

“We don’t want to lose them, we’re losing so many to suicide everyday. 22 a day — not ok,” said Catherwood.

She says if the Darkhorse Lodge can help save one life, it’s all worth it.

“Because we don’t want another family to feel this way,” said Catherwood.

To donate to the cause at Darkhorse Lodge, or if you’re a combat veteran and want to be a guest you can visit darkhorselodge.org. The lodge is open every other week from April to October.

If you know someone doing good in their community, you can nominate them for the Community Champion award by clicking here.

For more local news, click here.