Support our Military and #sendCheer with Cheerios {#CBias}

No matter what views you might have on politics or abortion or gay marriage, one topic that has the ability to unite our nation is the support that our military troops and their families deserve.

Whether or not you or a loved one are directly involved with the military or what you think about war, there is no way to deny the sacrifices that our troops make when they leave their homes and families behind. The dedication and commitment to America and protecting our freedom and everything our country stands for is unmatched by any other job out there.

I feel extremely fortunate that I don't have any close family members who are currently in the military, as I can't begin to imagine how difficult it is to say goodbye when they are departing and to have to stay at home and try to bravely wait for their return. Is there a more selfless act?

So how can I make sure that my children understand the true respect and appreciation that our current and past military members deserve? As well as supporting them by preparing care packages, bringing flags or flowers to place on the graves of our fallen heroes, visiting memorials and Veteran's homes, donating time and money, sending cards, and more, we are sure to show our admiration on days like the 4th of July and Veteran's Day.

Little Sister B, 2010

Just launched, Cheerios has another way that everyone can easily show their admiration and support for our military with the Cheerios sendCheer campaign.

In conjunction with Cheerios and the USO, the sendCheer program allows you to, quite literally, "send cheer" to military families. The steps are completely simple and can make a big difference!

• First, keep an eye out for new displays in your local Walmart showing off these specially marked boxes of this much-loved cereal and their partnership with the USO for this program. Be sure to purchase multiple boxes so that you can send lots of cheer while feeding your family these iconic O's.

• Next, cut out the pre-addressed Cheer postcard from the front of the box (which will include the "Cheer" portion of the Cheerios logo) and write a message of encouragement, a simple thank you or more.

• Finally, put a stamp in the corner, drop the postcard in the mail, and it will be distributed to military families on bases and in USO centers. For each postcard received, Cheerios will donate $1 to the USO to help support programs for military families... they've already donated $150,000 and will donate up to an additional $100,000 based upon the number of postcards received by November 30, 2012.

Did you need another reason to love and enjoy Cheerios? Because now you've got it!

Be sure to head to your local Walmart to find these special Cheer boxes of Cheerios today so that you can starting sending out postcards to deserving troops and their families. The small amount of effort that this will take from you will result in brightening the day of someone who truly deserves it. After the separation, relocation, single parenting duties, economic stress and more, a postcard acknowledging our appreciation is not too much to ask.

Want to join in the discussion about this great campaign? On Thursday, November 10th from 9 pm – 10 pm EST, join in the #sendCheer with Cheerios Twitter party to chat about how we can help support military families, great "giving back" ideas, and more. Not to mention great Walmart gift card prizes! Be sure to RSVP and join in tomorrow night!

This post has been compensated as part of a sponsored charitable opportunity for Collective Bias but all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.