Coca‑Cola Joins Forces to Support U.S. Military Veterans As They Transition to the Civilian Workforce

Coca‑Cola to Host Career Workshop, Networking Session with Hire Heroes USA and American Corporate Partners

ATLANTA, November 11, 2015 – The men and women of the U.S. military, as well as their families, sacrifice so much to serve and protect our country. As Americans and American businesses, it is our duty to honor and serve our military men and women. Coca‑Cola has proudly refreshed the U.S. military since World War II. Today, we continue to support our troops while they serve and also when they transition to civilian life.

As we celebrate Veterans Day this week, Coca‑Cola is partnering with Hire Heroes USA and American Corporate Partners to host a career workshop and networking session for more than 100 transitioning service members.

The Hire Heroes USA workshop will assist participants with resume writing and interviewing skills. Retired Colonel Danny McKnight, former battalion commander from the famed 3rd Ranger Battalion from the Battle of Mogadishu, will share his journey and advice to his fellow servicemen and women. The day will conclude with a panel of business leaders from Coca‑Cola, The Home Depot, McKesson Corporation and UPS, as well as a networking session hosted by American Corporate Partners.  

This program underscores Coca‑Cola’s commitment to hire 5,000 veterans by 2018. A goal that the company is on track to meet, if not surpass.

“Throughout our history, The Coca‑Cola Company has maintained a longstanding commitment to support our service members,” said Sandy Douglas, President of Coca‑Cola North America. ”Today, Coca‑Cola’s commitment not only focuses on keeping our servicemen and women refreshed but also supports their transition from the military with career opportunities and coaching on recruitment and personal development.”

In addition to the career workshop and networking seminar, Coca‑Cola will host its 16th annual Veterans Day celebration. This special event is meant to honor all U.S military veterans, including the more than 2,900 Coca‑Cola associates who identify themselves as veterans. Coca‑Cola is honored to have retired General George Casey, Jr., the former 36th Chief of Staff for the United States Army, serve as keynote speaker.   

Coca‑Cola will also recognize Dunkin’ Brands for their efforts to support our nation’s military personnel through initiatives that include: partnering with the USO to assist U.S. troops and their families and helping them build business careers by offering special incentives for franchise ownership.

Lastly, the World of Coca‑Cola always offers complimentary admission to members of the Armed Forces. During the week of November 9-13, service 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.

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.” Today, the Coca‑Cola system provides approximately 2.4 million beverage servings per day to active-duty members of the armed forces, reservists, retirees and their families.

Specific information about Coca‑Cola’s career opportunities for military veterans can be found at http://www.enjoycareers.com/en/military.

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 byCoca‑Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our Company's portfolio features 20 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 1.9 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 www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CocaColaCo or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.