A bad day on Lake Murray is better than any good one at the office.

"That's why I call it my water therapy," Army veteran Harold Clark said.

Clark was among 70 wounded warriors signed up to take part in the annual Troop Appreciation Fishing Derby last week at Pine Island. 

Captain Michael Glover, founder of the Troop Appreciation Foundation, told Emily Scarlett of WIS-TV that he came up with the idea after a fishing trip 8 years ago.

"I said, I think I can do better than just 'thank you for your service.' How about I get some of my buddies together and we take out some of your soldiers?"

Every participant has served in combat, he said, but you cannot always see the scars of a wounded warrior.

"I have severe PTSD and a traumatic brain injury from explosions in Afghanistan," Clark said.

He said the fishing helps him meet other veterans who have the same symptoms and the camaraderie "like while I was in the service."

The event is 100% expense free to wounded warriors.  The Troop Appreciation Foundation (501-c3) and local businesses underwrite the event. 

Donations are welcome. Make checks payable to Troop Appreciation Fund and mail to P.O. Box 876, Chapin, SC 29036.

To learn more about the Troop Appreciation Foundation visit www.TroopAppreciationFoundation.org or on FB at https://www.facebook.com/Lake-Murray-Troop-Appreciation-Fishing-Derby-911070115628732/