My brother was called to the military. Even though he is almost nine years younger than I am and we never lived in the same house growing up I, as well as everyone else in our family, knew the route he would take.
From his hours in the woods dressed in camouflage to his knowledge of military facts, no one was surprised when he enlisted. I, for one, have never truly feared for my brother. I have always felt that if there is someone I want defending me and our country he is the guy. His calling has given him focus and clarity and he seems to be right where he should be.
That's why I am happy to be a part of the Cheerios sendCheer Campaign. This fall, Cheerios® and the USO are partnering to send "Cheer" to military families to thank and encourage them for their commitment to our country. Specially marked boxes of Cheerios cereal will feature "Cheer" postcards, which can be cut out and mailed to military families through a partnership with the USO. Even more, for each postcard received, Cheerios will donate $1 to the USO to help support programs for military families. Cheerios has already donated $150,000 and will donate up to an additional $100,000 based upon the number of postcards received by November 30, 2012.
I often think about my sister-in-law- who I think the world of, but don't get to see that often, and all she has to endure with the multiple deployments and taking care of their two kids on her own. I think of her every time I complain about feeling overwhelmed in my own life. It takes a special person to partner with someone who is in the military. I complain when my husband goes to deer camp for a week.
I know I haven't done as much as I could to make life easier for them, and now I feel the urge to do more. For not only them, but for others serving as well. Our local Girl Scout council has sent girl scout cookies to troops overseas for several years now. My community has collected a variety of items for care packages. Now, we can go to Walmart and buy these specially marked packaged of Cheerios and sendCheer to a military family you know, or the USO will handle that for you. Regardless of who it reaches, cheer will be sent.
The USO is a nonprofit organization that helps lift the spirits of America's troops and their families. For over 70 years, the USO has provided a touch of home to our troops and their families through centers at airports and military bases, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. When a loved one is away serving, the USO steps in to be a second family for our military families, providing support and tools. The donation from the "Cheer" program will help fund services and programs that support and comfort families, help kids cope when Mom or Dad are away or come home different, and keep families connected during these times.
I hope you will all visit a store and look for these specially marked displays of Cheerios. Buy a box of Cheerios, cut out the card, write your message of cheer and send it on. Make it a first step for your holiday season. A first step that could brighten an other's season as well.
This post has been compensated as part of a sponsored charitable opportunity for Collective Bias, all opinions are mine alone.
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