Veterans have a special place in our hearts at Coca-Cola Consolidated. As a company whose Purpose includes serving others, we can think of no greater servant leaders than the men and women who served our country. 

Through our Veterans Resource Group (VRG), our military-affiliated Teammates are able to enjoy the camaraderie many service members miss when they leave the armed services. The group, which also welcomes allies, provides networking, mentoring and continued education opportunities. 

Meet P.J. P, as we go Behind the Bottle…

P.J. Palmer, Facility Manager
Bishopville, South Carolina
Retired Air Force Aerospace Group Equipment Technician 

Joining Coke Consolidated’s VRG gave P.J. the opportunity to connect with other Teammates who are veterans.

“There’s a common bond between us through our military link. We can talk about things with each other that we can’t with other people,” P.J. says. “Camaraderie, mentorship and growth. Those are some of the benefits of being part of the VRG.” 

P.J. served 26 years in the Air Force. He says his career with “one of the world’s largest corporations” – the military – armed him with the skills, discipline and strong work ethic needed for his civilian job.

“In the military, there are classes we go through to teach us how to be leaders, how to be effective communicators and writers, and how to schedule and stay on task,“ P.J. says.  “All of that knowledge and training in the service transfers to civilian life. It helps you communicate with people anywhere you go. It makes it so much easier to be able to deal with anything in the civilian sector.” 

He says he’s proud to work for a Company committed to the military community.

“We get a lot of support at our facility from leaders who support the Veterans Resource Group.”

When asked what Veterans Day means to him, PJ says, “It gives me a chance to reflect on some of the things I did in the military. I was part of Desert Storm, Desert Shield and the Kosovo War. It just brings all that full circle for me.”