Alec grew up in the small town of Byron, Illinois. He loved outdoor activities—dirt biking, shooting, and mudding in his Ford Raptor. He was a Boy Scout, earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and served as a sentry in the Future Farmers of America. From an early age, Alec knew he wanted to join the military, inspired by his father, who served in the Army, and his grandfather, a Marine. Just days after graduating from Byron High School in 2009, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.

After completing basic training, Alec was assigned to Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton, California. In the fall of 2010, he deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On October 14, 2010, while conducting combat operations, Alec was killed by enemy small-arms fire.

To honor Alec and his fallen comrades, the Catherwood family founded the Darkhorse Lodge in Tennessee. Their mission is to provide a safe haven for veterans, with the motto: “Honoring our nation’s heroes by providing a peaceful atmosphere for combat veterans to enjoy rest, relaxation, and recreation.”