About the Troop Appreciation Foundation
"We consider it a honor & privilege to have an opportunity to organize the Troop Appreciation Fishing Derby and to assist Soldiers with their Christmas travel needs.
Thank You to the men & women of America's arm services - GOD bless you!"
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Contact:
Captain Mike Glover (803) 609-0066
"Our heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place - Our Armed Forces & First Responders."
The Troop Appreciation Fishing Derby was started in 2012 by Capt. Mike Glover, a Lake Murray fishing guide, while on a guided fishing trip with Army officers asked a simple question:
“If I could get some friends to donate a day of service taking troops fishing could you get soldiers to go?"
The answer was a resounding YES! As a result, 15 boats outfitted by local fishermen took 43 troops on what turned out to be the first annual fishing trip.
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Pictured here are Colonel Christopher R. Forsythe (center) & two officers that were on the fishing trip that led to annual event.
The Fishing Derby was born in 2012
Past Events
2012 - 43 active duty troops, 15 volunteer captains with fishing boats
2013 - 65 active duty troops, 21 volunteer captains with fishing boats
2014 – 78 active duty troops and 15 wounded warriors, 93 troops,
31 volunteer captains with fishing boats
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2015 – 63 wounded warriors signed up, 28 volunteer captains with fishing boats
2016 - 53 wounded warriors with, 19 volunteer captains with fishing boats
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2017 - 65 wounded warriors fishing derby
2017 - Law Enforcement Fishing Round Up (31 DNR & Deputy Sheriff's).
2018 - 69 wounded warriors participated with 22 volunteer captains with fishing boats, 272 striped bass caught.
2019 - 69 wounded warriors participated with 26 volunteer captains with fishing boats, 350 striped bass were caught
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2020 - Funded air travel home for Christmas Holiday for 11 Activity Duty Soldiers and 4 Sailors.
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2020 - Fishing Derby postponed postponed due to COVID-19
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2021 - Funded round trip air travel for 62 Sailors, Soldiers & Air Force service men & women to travel home for Christmas
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2022 - 60 Wounded Warriors participated in Fishing Derby on Lake Murray. 21 local boat captains volunteered. 290 striped bass caught.
2022 - 40 Law Enforcement Officers participated in Fishing Rodeo. 20 Highway Patrolmen & 20 SC Game Wardens participated.
2023 - 61 Wounded Warriors participated in Fishing Derby on Lake Murray. 20 local boat captains volunteered. 278 striped bass caught.
2023 - Funded round trip air travel for 15
Marines & Sailors to travel home for Christmas Holiday
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2023 - Received South Carolina Angel Award from the South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond
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