Troop Appreciation Foundation

The Troop Appreciation Foundation's primary objective is to recognize & thank men and women in the military for their sacrifice to country. We do so by hosting expense free guided fishing trips, prize giveaways and catered breakfasts & lunches for Wounded Warriors at The Lake Murray Sailing Club. All branches of the military are welcomed. In 2020 we expanded services offered to include organization purchasing round trip airfare for E-6 or less military personnel for Christmas travel home.

See historical results and 2026 goals noted below.  Funding is needed to continue to host events and continue to provide holiday travel assistance. 

The first Troop Appreciation Fishing Derby took place June 2012. Our 2026 Goals are referenced below -

• 2026 - June 11th & July 16th host striped bass fishing derby on lake Murray for 80 Wounded Warriors on Lake Murray (guided trips; catered lunch; & prize give away).

• 2026 - December purchase round trip airfare for 20-25 soldiers, sailors & marines to travel home for Christmas. All selected require financial support to purchase tickets. Targeted locations - men & women stationed at Ft. Jackson, Camp Lejeune, Ft. Stewart & Ft. Bragg, & Ft. Sam Houston.

• 2025 - December purchase round trip airfare for 10-15 soldiers, sailors & marines to travel home for Christmas. All selected require financial support to purchase tickets. Targeted locations - men & women stationed at Ft. Jackson, Camp Lejeune, Ft. Stewart & Ft. Liberty.

• 2025 - June host striped bass fishing derby on lake Murray for 60-65 Wounded Warriors on Lake Murray (guided trips; catered lunch; & prize give away).

• 2025 July host fishing rodeo for 25-30 Lexington County Sheriff Deputies

• 2020 & 2024 - purchased round trip airfare for service men & women who needed assistance traveling home for Christmas. Organization has funded air travel for 111 Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors & Marines since 2020.

• 975 soldiers have participated in Fishing Events

• 2024 Sponsors & Donors - 70

• 2014 - 2022 Volunteers - 250

• All Military Participants receive a
THANK YOU GIFT. Since
inception approximate we have
given away $115,000 in Gifts &
Prizes to soldiers.

• 2016 - 2022 THANKED 60 Law
Enforcement Officers & 25 First
Responders by taking them on
guided fish trips.

• Highlighted on WIS, WLTX &
Fox TV & numerous print
publications.

• Oldest soldier participating
is 94 - Pearl Harbor Veteran

Testimonials

See Troop Appreciation FaceBook Page for testimonials.

https://m.facebook.com/LakeMurrayTroops/