Coca-Cola hosts ceremony to honor veterans, U.S. military members

ATLANTA — As part of a week-long observance of Veteran's Day, Coca-Cola will host a ceremony to honor the men and women who have served the country, which includes more than 3,000 veterans employed by the company.



On Thursday, Retired First Class Sergeant Michael Schiltz will provide a keynote address where he will share his story of courage in the aftermath of an accident during a military campagin in Iraq. The 82nd Airborne Division "All-American" Chorus also will be on hand to pay tribute.



“This event provides the opportunity to recognize co-workers who have served or are serving in the military,” Steve Cahillane, president of Coca-Cola Americas, said. “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.”



On Nov. 13, associates at Coca-Cola helped stuff more than 10,000 care packages for the USO, which will be distributed to help boost the morale of troops around the world. The packages include items like batteries, Odwalla bars and personal thank-you letters from Coca-Cola associates.



“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,” Cahillane added. “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.”