I come from a huge military family. My grandfather was a Sailor at the end of World War II, my favorite uncle served 20 years in the Navy, two of his sons (my cousins) did a stint in the Navy, his other son is just graduating Marine boot camp, and I was a Navy wife…twice. I lived overseas for two years, far away from the majority of my family through the holiday season. I, of course, had it easy, because I was on a cushy Air Force base, where my then-Sailor husband worked as a Navy Journalist. Despite how much I missed my family and all of our traditions during that time, it is nothing compared to the men and women serving in lands far away from everyone they love, like their spouses and children. It’s just as hard for the family members back home, who are faced with constant worry and dread until their loved ones are back home safely.

Throughout the month of November, Cheerios is partnering with the USO to bring Cheer to the families of the troops. What better month than Thanksgiving month to say “hey, I really appreciate all that your loved one is doing, and how hard it must be for you without him or her”? During the Cheerios Cheer campaign, you can buy specially marked boxes of Cheerios cereal that feature a special postcard right on the box. Just cut it out, write a nice message, throw on a postcard stamp, and drop it in the mail. It’s already addressed for you. Not only will your postcards reach those who need some cheering up, but Cheerios will donate $1 for each one the USO receives between now and November, 2012. The cereal company has already donated $150,000 to the USO kick off the campaign, and has pledged up to $100,000 more.

Jacob already eats Cheerios like they’re going out of style, so I’ll definitely be participating in this. If you already buy the cereal, you’re only out the cost of a postage stamp. In these tough times, not many of us can afford to contribute much financially to such great causes as this, but most of us can muster up two quarters for stamps (how much are postcard stamps these days?). This is a great opportunity to teach children about bringing joy to others through a simple act of kindness. It’s a win-win situation, and the families of the men and women in the military, as well as the troops themselves, will definitely appreciate it.

Note- I was confused in my original post. The campaign is to support and bring cheer to military families, postcards will not be sent directly to the troops. This is still just as wonderful a cause, those left behind need as much cheer and support as those who get sent off to faraway lands.

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Cheerios and received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to post.