Serving Those Who Served: How Coca-Cola Consolidated Supports Veterans in Careers and Communities

At Coca-Cola Consolidated, we have a deep respect for the men and women, past and present who have served our nation. Service members and veterans bring invaluable qualities—leadership, discipline, teamwork and resilience—that strengthen our culture and help us live out our Purpose of serving others. These skills not only shape success in the military but also drive excellence in the workplace and in our communities. That’s why Coca-Cola Consolidated is committed to creating meaningful career opportunities for service members and veterans across our 14-state territory, while also honoring their service through ongoing community engagement.

Veterans in the Coca-Cola Consolidated Workforce

For decades, Coca-Cola Consolidated has proudly welcomed service members and veterans into its workforce. Today, they serve across operations, logistics, sales, transportation, warehousing and corporate functions, as well as in technical roles such as diesel mechanics, HVAC specialists, and electrical technicians.

Recruitment is intentional. Through Hiring Our Heroes – a nonprofit dedicated to connecting the military community with businesses – Coca-Cola Consolidated attends hiring events on military bases and shares opportunities with military talent. Coca-Cola Consolidated also partners with the military’s Transition Assistance Program to help service members navigate their path into civilian careers.*

Internally, Coca-Cola Consolidated invests in dedicated recruiting support. A role was created to focus specifically on school-to-career and military initiatives, ensuring veterans can connect to the right opportunities. The unique skills developed in the military—adaptability, leadership and a service-first mindset—make service members and veterans especially strong candidates.

“Veterans bring leadership, problem-solving and resilience,” said Ken Waring, a current Air Force Reservist and Talent Acquisition Recruiter at Coca-Cola Consolidated. “Those qualities are recognized and celebrated at Coca-Cola Consolidated.”

Veteran Voices at Coca-Cola Consolidated

The impact of this commitment comes to life through veterans who have found stability, growth and purpose at Coca-Cola Consolidated:

Alvis Williams, Maintenance Mechanic (Navy & Army National Guard, 20 years of service): With 25 years at the Company, Alvis has grown from pallet builder to maintenance mechanic. “I wanted to work for a large, respected company and I needed the same stability I had in the military,” he shared. “The military taught me attention to detail and the importance of teaching others. What I value most at Coca-Cola Consolidated is the stability—knowing I have a future here.”
Ken Waring, Talent Acquisition Recruiter (Army & Air Force Reserves, 21 years of service): Still serving in the Air Force Reserves, Ken has spent nearly nine years at Coca-Cola Consolidated. “The military instilled principles like loyalty, duty, respect and integrity—values I see lived out at Coca-Cola Consolidated every day,” he said. “The camaraderie here mirrors the military. We work together as one team and the culture of respect is genuine and deeply ingrained.”
Zachary Powell, Learning & Development Manager (Army Reserve, 6 years of service): Starting as a part-time warehouse Teammate, Zachary now manages learning and development. “Coca-Cola Consolidated showed me that hard work and aspiration are recognized,” he said. “Veterans thrive here because it’s about growth, teamwork and resilience.”
Rebecca Sheridan, Warehouse Shift Lead (U.S. Army, Active Duty, 4 years of service): While still serving, Rebecca has earned multiple promotions since joining Coca-Cola Consolidated in 2022. “I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, and I found that here,” she said. “Coca-Cola Consolidated supports me fully when I need to serve, and the warehouse feels like a unit—everyone working together to achieve the mission. For veterans looking for a place to grow, this is it.”

Together, these testimonies show how Coca-Cola Consolidated not only provides careers but also fosters an environment where service members and veterans continue to serve with Purpose.

A Culture of Service Beyond Employment

Coca-Cola Consolidated’s commitment to service members and veterans extends far beyond the workplace. Guided by our Purpose—to serve others—we honor service members through events and partnerships that celebrate their sacrifice and strengthen community ties.

For example, each Memorial Day weekend, Coca-Cola Consolidated Teammates come together for the Coca-Cola 600, where military tributes are woven throughout one of NASCAR’s biggest races. Recent efforts included honoring Gold Star Families, partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build a home for a local veteran, and joining The Coca-Cola Company and NASCAR in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Coca-Cola Consolidated also sponsors the annual Charlotte FC Military Cup Tournament, where veterans from multiple service branches—along with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police—compete in a spirited evening of camaraderie and community.

In addition to these events, Coca-Cola Consolidated partners with veteran service organizations across our footprint to support veterans and their families—whether by teaming up with the Baltimore Ravens for Operation Homefront’s Star-Spangled Babies program to provide baby supplies to new and expecting military parents, or by working with Giant Food and Soldiers’ Angels to assemble meal kits for veterans. These efforts reflect a core belief: serving veterans isn’t a one-time gesture, but a sustained commitment to gratitude and community impact.

Continuing the Mission

Coca-Cola Consolidated is proud to stand alongside service members and veterans—not only as Teammates but as leaders and community partners. Service members and veterans bring unmatched dedication, problem-solving, and resilience to the Company, and in return, Coca-Cola Consolidated provides meaningful careers, growth opportunities, and a culture rooted in service.

For service members and veterans considering their next chapter, the message is clear: your service and skills are valued at Coca-Cola Consolidated. Join us and, together, we can continue serving with Purpose. Visit www.work4coke.com to apply for your next career opportunity.

* The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.