Molson Coors has a proud heritage of employing and supporting U.S. veterans. The Molson Coors Veteran Group is an employee resource group that includes as its members more than 700 veterans and allies dedicated to celebrating the diversity of veteran experience and empowering veterans in our communities. As we celebrate National Veteran and Military Families Month, we're spotlighting our Veteran team members who make our company stronger.
Meet Lilianna Cote, mail services specialist for Molson Coors' legal and corporation services.
Which U.S. military branch did you serve in?
I was in the United States Navy, located at NAVSTA in Annapolis, Md. The enlisted personnel at the Naval Station were responsible for training the Midshipman from the U.S. Naval Academy.
We used 108-foot Yard Patrol Crafts to simulate real ships. We helped conduct floating classes for midshipmen, training them on everything from basic familiarization of pier-side docking to advanced seamanship, navigation, basic damage control and underway evolutions.
What is one of the most meaningful moments while serving in the Navy?
There were many extraordinary events while I was in Annapolis. The most meaningful was the reopening of the Statue of Liberty in 1986 for the centennial celebration. It was closed in 1984 for major restoration. Upon reopening, the NAVSTA Yard Patrol Crafts were in the waters surrounding to secure the safety of the public for a special fireworks display on July 5, 1986.
What is your proudest moment as a member of Molson Coors' Veterans Group?
One of my favorite moments was helping serve beer to the Buckley Air National Guard Air Wing returning from the Middle East for their homecoming event at Buckley Air Force Base in Colorado.