First Go 'Round

Here we go. This is my first and only blog. It isn't meant to be professional or a source of breaking news. I have been following the club for quite some time now. My first match was way back in 2000. Needless to say I have seen the ups and downs of the past decade, and changes for the good and bad.
I will probably ramble quite a bit as i don't necessarily organize my thoughts before I start typing. It should be a fun ride though.
Let's start with some background about me. I have been involved with the game since I began playing at 4 years old. It is something that always has been, and always will be a big part of my life. As i said, my first Wizards match was way back in 2000. I began attending as often as possible a few years later. I made that long drive to Arrowhead more than I could afford to. The Zard Card program was my salvation. As life moved on and marriage and kids required more attention, my attendance began to slip. I still watched on tv when possible and went when I could. A few years ago, I began a new job and found a new crew of friends that loved the beautiful game as much as i did. Shockingly, they were Mexicans. I had finally found people with the same level of sickness I have. The seed was planted once again. Last year, a friend gave me the shocking news that her husband had cancer. In a one day visit to them, I finally met her husband Chris. Turns out he had as much passion as I did. The texts and ribbing began. The seed sprouted.
I was not happy a few years back when OnGoal bought my team and changed everything. I couldn't afford to go to as many games. I really didn't like the idea of playing at CAB. I attended a couple of games that i was given free tickets to. Of course the Cauldron was still the shining star is always has been. Other than that, I was terribly unimpressed. Nearly everyone I knew had left the team. The building of the new stadium helped. I was glad to see that soccer in KC was going to have a home. Enter Andy Edwards. I worked with Andy and got to know him and what he was doing with and for the club. I saw the new name and logo the same day he found out. Didn't like it. He convinced me to wait things out and to keep my faith. (What little I had left.) then we finally got the date for the home opener. I knew I would attend more games as they are closer to my home, but I figured on a few. Then one day, one of my fantastic Mexican friends said he was getting season tix and told me how much they would cost. Mrs. Militia said go for it with a smile on her face. She had seen the excitement for the club and game come back to me. With all the talk with my friends and watching the stadium go from a grass lot to the best stadium in MLS, I was sucked into the hype.
I didn't know what to expect driving into Lot F for the first time. The stadium was grand. The tour we took when we picked up the season tix showed me that. I just wondered if I would see any faces from the old days. They were, and still are, few and far between. I did learn however that all the efforts of the ownership group, and the die hard fans had paid off. The lot was full of younger people just as passionate as ever. Needless to say, I was happy.
I have managed to get some people to games that hadn't been to many before. I got them to sit with the Cauldron and experience why I love going to matches. Sadly, Chris lost his battle with cancer. His wife moved back to Kansas. She attended a handful of games this year. Chris planted the footy seed with her during the last World Cup. After her first game at LSP, she was hooked. Mrs. Militia is not a big fan of the game. However, she loves the stadium and atmoshphere in the Member's Stand.
I am lucky to be surrounded by people that love this as much as I do, and understand what it means. The folks i attend with are truely special people. I wanted to give them something back. Enter the Militia.
I am a huge fan of the supporters in other countries. The pride and passion is unmatched in popular American sports. I felt the need to have something to call my own that I could share with the crew I party and watch games with. I am loud, foul mouthed, and obnoxious. They have no issue with that. They ask if I am ok if they think I am not being those things. We decided we needed our own supporters group. We will fight tooth and nail to help our boys win. We will handle our business inside and outside the stadium. LSP is our home and will be protected. Opposing teams will learn to fear LSP and the Member's Stand. We will gladly do our part to assure that.
This blog is my little way to give back to anyone interested. This will be written from our point of  view. It will be biased. It will be emotional. This will be our outlet to get our thoughts and feeling out, and have a dialogue with whomever wants to have one with us. I would like to see our little group grow and branch out much like the Cauldron boys have done. I am not trying to compete with them, or take over anything they do or are involved in. I would just like to build on what we all already have as my schedule allows.
In closing, I have several people to thank.
 Luis and Carlos, thanks. In the two of you I found something that is hard to find. You put up with my sense of humor and passion without batting an eye. You guys keep me in check when I need it, and use me as a barrier between our fans and the Chivas fans.
Charles. All those games years ago were more fun than we should have been allowed to have. Although you have moved on in your life and aren't around much, I still hold your friendship dear. Next season we will get you to more than one game.
Chris. Unfortunately you aren't around to enjoy this with me. That is my loss, not yours. You helped me get back into this silly game. I will ALWAYS be there to help your wife and son. I will take them to as many games as possible. I can't thank you enough for the short time we were able to be footy friends.
Andy Edwards. (@AndyEdSKC) Thank you for telling me I was and idiot and to have some faith.
I was being a stubborn old fan and fighting change every step. You were right. This season was a fun ride. I had a great time. Thank you for helping to give me this part of my life back.
Mrs. Militia. My wife, my love, my life. You didn't quite know what you were getting into all those years ago. What a ride we have been through. Both in life and with football. Thank you for the season tix. That was something I never thought I would get. Then you let me renew for next season. I don't know if you are crazy or just like me being gone. :)  Next year won't be so hectic. We won't have a 2.5 month home stand. Thank you for my wonderful children. Thank you for letting me implant the footy sickness in them. Thank you for all you patience. I know I have beat SKC into your head.