This month is Military Appreciation Month. As an active-duty U.S. Army officer on assignment at The
My assignment is to serve as a Public Affairs/Military Fellow through Training with Industry, a program in which the military places soldiers in corporate America to expand their skillsets within their respective fields and bring these enhanced skills and new learnings back to the Department of Defense. In my case, this meant placement on the Strategic Communications team in
Some Quick Facts
What story would make it past the editor without adding in some facts that may be of interest to readers? The
Many in the military do not realize Coke’s wide range of products. Before my fellowship began, I had no clue that many popular brands such as Dasani, Simply Orange or Honest Tea are part of the
Coke and the Military
Throughout the years, an enduring partnership has lasted, adding a special dimension between
Coca-Cola participates in military career conferences, job fairs and networking events. In 2013, the company set a goal to hire 5,000 veterans nationwide within five years’ time.Coca-Cola reached that goal in October 2016, more than a year ahead of schedule.Coca-Cola partners with Army PaYs, a program that multiple U.S. companies have committed to support. PaYs guarantees soldiers an interview and potentially a job after they have fulfilled their commitment to the Army (this is often an enlistment incentive). In 2016, I was present as over fourteen new recruits enlisted into the Army at Coke’s annual Veterans Day event in Atlanta.Coca-Cola supports the United Service Organization (USO) through sponsorships, volunteerism and promotions that drive donations and awareness of USO’s mission. A few examples of the USO partnership include:- Operation Care Package – an annual USO stuffing party for
Coca-Cola associates to put together care packages for military troops overseas. To date,Coca-Cola has sent over 60,000 packages downrange. - The return of limited-edition patriotic packaging for the summer on
Coca-Cola products. In addition, available this year starting May 25, the Share an ICE COLD Coke program added new customizable patriotic glass bottles and USO-label glass bottles to the campaign. For every one of these bottles sold, TheCoca-Cola Company will donate $1 to the USO.Coca-Cola patriotic packaging honors the nation’s service men and women and commemorates the company’s partnership with the USO.
- Operation Care Package – an annual USO stuffing party for
- The
Coca-Cola Military Veterans Business Resource Group (BRG): a group, made up of hundreds of associates, focused on supporting veterans and service members both inside and outside the company.- Through the BRG,
Coca-Cola is a founding partner of VETLANTA, an organization in Atlanta focused on veteran networking and philanthropy. On May 2, 2017, VETLANTA hosted its quarterly summit atCoca-Cola headquarters.
- Through the BRG,
With over 10 months of BoG (boots on ground) at
The Coca-Cola 600
This Sunday, May 28, in honor of Memorial Day weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway: the 58th running of the
Coke Through My Eyes
Fellow Coke employees often ask me to talk about my experiences here at
The Class A Uniform
Last Veterans Day, I wore my Army Service Uniform (ASU) to work at Coke’s headquarters. My uniform was sharply pressed, ribbons were dress right dress, and shoes were highly glossed.
Unexpectedly, all of a sudden it was as if I was a superstar. Throughout the day, Coke employees (AKA “civilians”) approached me, thanking me for my service and asking if I would join them for a selfie. Not anticipating this reaction, I was a little bit surprised by this attention, but more importantly I was honored that Coke employees want to say “thank you” for my service. They understand how much it means to us as military members to feel proud to be in uniform, and I was moved by their recognition of my service.
Military Jargon
My primed use of words and abbreviations is the result of our military jargon that we are all very competent in speaking. And though fellow employees here at Coke are no strangers to acronyms themselves, no matter how many times I have defined BLUF (bottom line up front), I am still continuously asked what it means. When I ask someone for a SITREP (situation report) or to link up at the ECP (entry control point; translated - the front door) for lunch, and the blank stare I receive is priceless. I do not do this on purpose. It is an instinctual way of speaking, but it always makes me smile. Now towards the end of my tour, I receive emails from Coke employees and they are saying Roger and WILCO (will comply), probably mostly in jest, but I love it nonetheless.
Thank you,
Major Rick Galeano is an active-duty member of the U.S. Army assigned as a Fellow with the Training With Industry (TWI) Program with duty at The
COCA-COLA ON SOCIAL