Episode-2599- Kurt Dugger on Paraglider Adventures and the Dark Horse Lodge
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (15.0MB)
Kurt Dugger is a Former Infantry Marine turned paramotor pilot who decided to fly across the state of Tn to raise awareness and funds for The Darkhorse Lodge near Paris Tn. Gretchen and Kirk Catherwood decided to start a retreat for combat veterans after losing their son (also a Marine) in Afghanistan. To raise funds Kurt embarked on what he named, The Darkhorse450 an attempt by a low time pilot to cross TN using only a paramotor.
His paramotor is a roughly a lawn chair with a propeller suspended under a fabric paraglider wing. He didn’t make it all the way on his first attempt but it was a hell of an adventure. Kurt’s effort raised a little over $3000 during the attempt. He did this because he feels the Darkhorse Lodge might be one of the best tools to prevent veteran suicide he’s ever seen.
It’s a group of 6 room cabins set back in the woods of TN. Guys can stay for free, build relationships with others and learn how to come home home again. Kurt joins us today to discuss this worthy cause.
Resources for today’s show…
- Join the Members Brigade
- Join Our Forum
- Walking To Freedom
- TspAz.com
- Darkhorse Lodge on Facebook
- DarkhorseLodge.org
- Kurt’s Facebook
- FreedomAndPhotography.com
- In Color – Jamey Johnson
Sponsors of the Day
Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK (866-658-4465) and you might hear yourself on the air.
Want Every Episode of TSP Ever Produced?
Remember in addition to discounts to over 40 vendors who supply stuff you are likely buying anyway, tons of free ebooks and video content, MSB Members also get every edition of The Survival Podcast ever produced in convenient zip files in blocks of 24. More info on the MSB can be found here.
Going to just have a good chuckle about the fact that you said it was 2013 in the intro!
Great interview guys, such a worthy mission you’re taking on!
Kurt, as an experienced fixed wing pilot (inexperienced rotor), the flying lawn chair looks like such a raw tactile method of flying. Gotta feel so much more in tune with the outside world than being crammed in a tin can.
Gretchen, I honestly can’t imagine what it’d be like to outlive my son. You guys are turning an utter tragedy into a positive life changing experience for so many. Just awesome. There’s some guys I can think of that I believe would still be around if they had the Darkhorse Lodge in their life before…
I’m not a vet, but I really appreciate what y’all are doin.