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 9through 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 still brands.
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.
Copyright Business Wire 2013