Coca-Cola Consolidated has a long history of honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families. In recognition of Veterans Day, Coke Consolidated partnered with the Independence Fund to renovate the home of a well-deserving hero in Richmond, Virginia. 

76-year-old Melvin Washington served in the Marines in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968. After being honorably discharged for a family-related matter, Melvin was injured and has been a wheelchair user since 1973. A ramp at the back of his home needed repairs and that’s when the Coke Consolidated Response Team stepped in to complete a home makeover. The team, which is made up of volunteer teammates who work in a variety of roles throughout the Company, primarily serves teammates and their families as well as business and community partners during natural disasters and other setbacks. 

“They came to me, they asked what was the problem and all they said was, ‘We got that,’” Melvin said. 

Thirty-five teammates, including veteran teammates, spent a week at the hero’s home, making repairs to his roof and renovating his ramp. 

“It’s so humbling to volunteer to help a veteran who served this country,” said David Shelek, Coca-Cola Consolidated Market Unit Vice President and General Manager in Virginia. 

Coca-Cola Consolidated is honored to call more than 1,100 service members our teammates. Thank you to all of America’s veterans for your service.