I realize that it's been awhile since Netroots Nation, but I've been meaning to write this diary for awhile. As a veteran myself, I want to thank everyone who put together the Netroots for the Troops. I am proud to call myself a member of this group called the netroots, and that has never been more true then when I went to pack my box on Saturday afternoon and couldn't even find space to sit down because so many people where helping out.
I came to Dailykos almost four years ago now. Like so many others, I needed someplace to express my confusion and anger over the 2004 election, and Kos was a great place for that. Additionally, as a soldier stationed in Texas, I was glad to find such a vibrant group of liberals. You all have provided so much support for me through both deployments, and I know that I'm not the only servicemember to feel that way. It is absolutely wonderful to see that support extended to so many others who aren't even a part of the community. Thank you.
Since my first diary so many years ago, I have been amazed at the amount of interest in the lives of individual soldiers. When I posted that first effort, My Conflict, I had no idea that anyone would actually read it, but people did. Over the next several years I would post so many diaries and have so many great conversations and exchanges. I am an example of the incredible amount of support there has always been in the progressive community for soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. I have never once felt that anyone commenting on any of my diaries was even close to being against soldiers.
To see that support extended to so many people who may not even agree with us politically is truly uplifting. From a former soldier, thank you.