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Recently Reunited Military Families Will Help Give “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines” Command

Concord, N.C. (May 28, 2010) – Paying tribute to America’s military has become a tradition each Memorial Day weekend as thousands of fans gather for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In addition to honoring service members this year, Coca-Cola is recognizing the USO and the important role the organization plays in supporting U.S. troops around the globe.

Coca-Cola has named John Falkenbury, United Service Organizations of North Carolina president and chief operating officer, the grand marshal for the 51st running of the Coca-Cola 600 (May 30, 6:15 p.m. on FOX). Joining Falkenbury in delivering the most famous words in motorsports will be Megan Grady, USO of North Carolina Charlotte Center Director, as well as three recently reunited military families representing the Army, Marines and Air Force.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael S. Foley; U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. James Dickens; U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Dustin Barnes and their respective families, will be special guests of Coca-Cola throughout race weekend and will help lead the fans in reciting the “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines” command. Each service member recently was reunited with his family following an overseas deployment.

“Coca-Cola has a 120-year history of bringing families together – whether for special occasions or simple everyday moments – and the Coca-Cola 600 is a perfect opportunity to recognize the important work of the USO in bringing a touch of home to U.S. troops around the world,” said Beatriz Perez, chief marketing officer, Coca-Cola North America.

Tickets for Troops

Coca-Cola and North Carolina-based Coca-Cola Consolidated are partnering to provide 600 tickets to troops stationed at area bases. The companies have purchased the tickets through a program called Let the Troops Race, which gives individuals and companies the chance to purchase tickets for just $20 to send a member of the U.S. armed forces to the Memorial Day Weekend race.

In addition, Charlotte Motor Speedway offers specially priced race tickets to all members of the U.S. armed forces who wish to purchase tickets directly. Military personnel can contact the ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS and supply a military identification number for specific details.

About the Coca-Cola 600

The Coca-Cola 600 is the longest continuous Sprint Cup sponsorship in NASCAR. Coca-Cola is the Official Sparkling Beverage of NASCAR and has been involved with stock car racing for more than 40 years. A signature part of Coca-Cola’s innovative NASCAR program is the Coca-Cola Racing Family – a group of top drivers that includes Greg Biffle, Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Bobby Labonte, Joey Logano, Ryan Newman, David Ragan, Elliott Sadler, Tony Stewart, and alumni drivers Kyle Petty, Michael Waltrip, Dale Jarrett and Ned Jarrett.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with nearly 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of nearly 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

About the USO

The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America’s armed forces and their families. We provide a touch of home to troops wherever they serve through centers at airports and military bases around the world, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services tailored to meet the needs of troops and their families. The USO is not a government agency and relies on the generosity of the American people. The USO is also supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Gallery Furniture, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, S & K Sales Co. and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381), have joined millions of individual donors to support the USO. For more information, please visit www.uso.org.

- Charlotte Motor Speedway, Press Release