ATLANTA — They have performed across the country and have also served the United States in military action. They are the 82nd Airborne Division “All-American” Chorus and they will be at Coca-Cola Headquarters this week to honor service members for Veterans Day.
Every year Coca-Cola associates pause to honor the veterans and members of the U.S. military who sacrifice to serve their country and protect our freedoms. This year the Company will host a ceremony to pay tribute to these men and women, including more than 3,000 veterans employed by Coca-Cola. On Thursday, November 14, Retired First Class Sergeant Michael Schlitz will provide a keynote address. Sergeant Schlitz will share his inspiring story of survival and courage following a terrible accident during a military campaign in Iraq.
“This event provides the opportunity to recognize co-workers who have served or are serving in the military,” said Steve Cahillane, President, Coca-Cola Americas. “On this special day, we also remember the families of those serving, for their sacrifices are often deep and long as they wait patiently for the safe return of their loved ones.”
As part of the week-long Veterans Day observance, the Company will also host its annual USO Care package stuffing party on November 13. Hundreds of Coca-Cola associates will “stuff” more than 10,000 care packages for the USO. The packages include items such as batteries, Odwalla bars, phone cards and personal letters of thanks from Coca-Cola associates. These packages will be distributed to boost the morale of troops worldwide.
“The Coca-Cola Company has a proud history of standing behind America’s men and women in uniform, which dates back more than 70 years,” continued Cahillane. “We continue that tradition today by partnering with organizations like the USO, bringing veterans into the Coca-Cola workforce and refreshing the members of the extended U.S. military family millions of times around the world each day.”
Coca-Cola began its support of U.S. military troops in 1941 during World War II when former Company President Robert Woodruff committed “to see that every man in uniform gets a bottle of Coca-Cola for five cents, wherever he is and whatever it costs the Company.” That same decade, the Company began a more than 70-year partnership with the USO. Today, the Coca-Cola system provides more than 2.5 million beverage servings per day to active-duty members of the armed forces, reservists, retirees and their families. In addition, throughout the year, many marketing programs pay tribute to and reward veterans for their service.
Finally, The World of Coca-Cola is making a special offer to members of the Armed Forces (Active duty, Reserves and Retired) and their families starting Saturday, November 9 through Sunday, November 17, 2013, in recognition of Veteran’s Day. The museum offers complimentary admission to members of the Armed Forces on an ongoing basis. During this special promotional period, members may purchase up to four half-price general admission tickets for their friends and family.
To take advantage of this special promotion, military members and retirees should simply present their valid Armed Forces ID cards at the World of Coca-Cola ticket windows.
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and stillbrands. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world’s most valuable and recognizable brands, our Company’s portfolio features 16 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of more than 1.8 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active,healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world’s top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.