A CITGO Corpus Christi Re�nery publicationisti Re�nery publicatpus Christi

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTSBienvenido a Corpus Christi Dr. Nelson Martínez! 7

A Life of Abundance: Alma Montana 13

Military Corner: A Salute to Veteran Ron Bruni 15

United Way Committee Fueling a Record-Breaking Campaign

IN THIS ISSUE

Please direct all information and inquiries to: CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery, Government and Public Affairs Department 1802 Nueces Bay Blvd., Corpus Christi TX 78407 or email us at: vcollin@citgo.com.

CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Published By Government & Public Affairs:Rosie Collin, Public Affairs & Community Relations Coordinator and Maddie Chalk, G&PA Intern.

© 2014 CITGO Petroleum Corporation

Letter From the Vice President

and General Manager ..............................................................3

Social ResponsibilityNAACP 44th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet .......................4

Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation 100th Year

Birthday Celebration.................................................................4

Charlie’s Place 14th Annual Celebration of Hope:

honoring Larry R. Elizondo, Sr. ................................................4

John Paul II High School: Black and Gold Banquet ............4

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi:

President’s Mardi Gras Ball ....................................................4

Outstanding Community Leaders Banquet ...........................4

American Heart Association’s Heart Ball .............................5

Timon’s Ministries: A Toast to Mayor Nelda Martinez ........5

Incarnate Word Academy: 2014 Paradise Island

Benefit Gala ...............................................................................5

STSARS Golf Tournament ........................................................5

It’s Your Life Foundation:

iConquer Movie Premiere........................................................5

Community Matters: Strengthening Our Community

Through the United Way of the Coastal Bend ......................6

Bienvenido a Corpus Christi Dr. Nelson Martínez!..............7

Hands for HillcrestHands for Hillcrest: Meet & Greet .........................................8

CITGO CaresHabitat for Humanity Volunteer Event ...................................9

The Rise School: Rise and Shine Walk/Run .........................9

Padre Island National Seashore

Big Shell Clean Up ....................................................................10

National Multiple Sclerosis Society MS Walk .....................10

Hans and Pat Suter Park Clean Up ........................................10

15th Annual César Chávez Marcha and

VIP Reception ............................................................................10

Fueling GoodChristmas Tree Recycling Event .............................................11

Texas Association of Partners in Education

Awards Luncheon .....................................................................11

Foster Angels of South Texas: Gift Card Presentation ........11

Habitat for Humanity Groundbreaking Ceremony ...............11

University Interscholastic League Boys’ and Girls’

Basketball Tournament ............................................................11

Something Magical Prom ........................................................11

American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball ...................12

Birth Announcements ..............................................................12

Bragging Corner ........................................................................12

A Life of Abundance: Alma Montana ....................................13

CITGO Salutes the Special Olympics Athletes .....................14

Military Corner: A Salute to Veteran Ron Bruni ...................15

Letter from the Vice President & General ManagerS O N N Y L O U D O N

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Best Ever

“Best Ever!” These are the most appropriate words to describe the Safety and Environmental performance of the 2014 West Plant / Crude Turnaround. There is not enough space in this letter to address all of the individual work and effort that was required to accomplish such a feat. Instead, we will focus on the overall performances that can only be achieved through the collective efforts of all individuals. Let’s take a look at some of the accomplishments achieved during this period of elevated work load and risk.

Approximately 3,000 contractors worked over 1 million safe work hours in 9 units spanning 45 days doing high risk, non-routine work without a single recordable injury. Take a second and read that sentence again. It is both impressive and a world class accomplishment. Congratulations to all.

Beyond the lagging indicator of recordable injuries: first aids, damage to property, and dropped items were also reduced from previous turnarounds. These types of sweeping improvements can only be made through the planning, work, and flawless execution of the entire team. Again to all, great job!

There were a few challenges that we will continue to improve upon in the next turnaround. We experienced a number of iron sulfide fires as equipment was opened up. It will be critical for us to remember that keeping iron sulfide fire potential items wet at all times will eliminate this issue. We solved this issue during the turnaround, but want to ensure that we have learned the lesson for future turnarounds. We also had a few incidents of material falling from forklifts while being transported; remember that loads must be secure prior to moving them.

In addition to achieving the remarkable safety record, employees also shut down, cleaned, drained, opened, and then started up those same nine units without a single environmental scorecard event. All of this occurred while successfully implementing the new Texas Environmental Maintenance Startup and Shutdown (MSS) permit rules. The permit provisions provided specific limits on when equipment could be opened to atmosphere. This, in turn, raised the importance for thorough chemical cleaning, purging and managing movement of materials via vacuum trucks. Additionally, the MSS permits required extensive monitoring of emission controls which added complexity to the drain systems and increased the use of vacuum trucks and frac tanks. Again, through all of these changes, the excellent performance of all involved created proper management of waste materials in roll-off boxes and frac tanks, ensuring compliance with the waste regulations and avoiding serious issues with the East Plant and West Plant wastewater treatment units. Incredible!

Clearly, this was the best Crude West Plant turnaround safety and environmental performance in the history of the Corpus Christi Refinery. It is our largest turnaround block and affects everyone who works at our facility. This time, we won and we should feel proud. Thank you for all of your hard work and attention to detail during this turnaround!

Sonny LoudonVice President and General ManagerCorpus Christi Refinery

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NAACP 44th Annual Freedom Fund BanquetFounded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. From the ballot box to the classroom, the thousands of dedicated workers, organizers, leaders and members who make up the NAACP continue to fight for social justice for all Americans. The H. Boyd Hall Chapter of the NAACP is a longtime partner of CITGO. CITGO was the presenting sponsor for this event.

Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation 100th Year Birthday CelebrationFamily, former colleagues and elected officials recognized the achievements of the physician and civil rights leader during a luncheon hosted by the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation. The nonprofit, founded by daughter Cecilia Garcia Akers to preserve his memory, is raising funds to build a library wing at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi large enough to display the collection of Garcia’s papers housed in the campus’ archives. CITGO was the presenting sponsor for this event.

Charlie’s Place 14th Annual Celebration of Hope: Honoring Larry R. Elizondo, Sr.The 14th Annual event featured former homeless crack addict and petty criminal, Dr. Brenda Combs who found the strength to turn her life around. Dr. Combs is a nationally renowned speaker who holds a doctorate in education. Larry Elizondo, Sr. was recognized with a room at Charlie’s Place named in his honor. CITGO has been a longtime supporter of Charlie’s Place.

John Paul II High School: Black and Gold BanquetCITGO was the presenting sponsor of the Black & Gold Banquet.Blessed John Paul II High School provides an accessible Catholic education to every student who aspires to pursue personal excellence through faith, reason, and virtue. Many of their students have earned collegiate scholarships allowing some of their graduates to become first generation family members to attend college.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi: President’s Mardi Gras BallTexas A&M University-Corpus Christi is the area’s premier institution of higher learning with an enrollment of more than 10,000 students. A part of the Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution. President Flavius Killebrew hosted the annual Mardi Gras Ball as a fundraiser for scholarships. CITGO sponsored the event.

Outstanding Community Leaders BanquetLULAC, founded in 1929, is the oldest Hispanic civil rights organization in the United States of America. The mission of the LULAC is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of the Hispanic population of the United States. Community leaders were recognized for their support of the mission and values of LULAC. CITGO has sponsored the event for four years.

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American Heart Association’s Heart BallThe American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest, largest voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The mission of the American Heart Association is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The organization funds innovative research, fights for stronger public health policies and provides lifesaving tools and information to save and improve lives. CITGO has been sponsoring the American Heart Ball for four years.

Timon’s Ministries: A Toast to Mayor Nelda MartinezCITGO was pleased to sponsor Timon’s Ministries, A Toast to Mayor Nelda Martinez. Timon’s Ministeries is a day resource center serving the community. Organized and incorporated by a group of churches in 1999, Timon’s prides itself in “making a difference” in the community by offering services that include serving hot meals and providing groceries to the poor.

Incarnate Word Academy: 2014 Paradise Island Benefit GalaIWA offers an education that combines tradition, faith, and an eye to the future to provide opportunities for academic achievement, spiritual fulfillment, and personal accomplishment for each child that walks through their doors. CITGO was a presenting sponsor of the event which was attended by CaresTeam leaders and G&PA Staff.

STSARS Golf TournamentSouth Texas Substance Abuse Recovery Services (STSARS), offers a wide variety of programs to address the outpatient substance abuse needs of individuals residing in the Coastal Bend area. CITGO employees participated in the event in which CITGO was also a sponsor.

It’s Your Life Foundation:iConquer Movie PremiereIt’s Your Life Foundation’s (IYLF) mission is to serve and educate our community locally and globally to make better life choices. The program has been funded in partnership with local businesses, national foundations, and physicians. CITGO received a plaque of recognition at the premiere. The IYLF is a Hands for Hillcrest grant recipient. CITGO Cares Team leaders joined the G&PA Staff.

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Community Matters: Strengthening Our Community Through the United Way of the Coastal Bend

Strengthening the community in which we live and work is just one way the employees of the CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery pay forward. The United Way of the Coastal Bend believes everyone deserves opportunities to have a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, sufficient income to support their family through retirement, and good health.

United Way of the Coastal Bend supports programs that provide the building blocks to a better life: education, income, and health. Their goal is to create long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of these problems. The CITGO United Way Committee meets bi-monthly at the onset and then weekly the month before the kickoff.

We wish to express our gratitude to Randy Flowers for serving as Chairman for two years of the United Way

ONE PURPOSE. ONE GOAL. I AM ONE.THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

campaign. This year, we welcome Wayne Leiker as he takes the reins as Chairman! The highlight of the fundraising year is the annual Casino Night which is a night of friends, fun, and prizes! Additionally, be on the lookout for an opportunity to earn a ‘Top Gun’ parking spot!

Last year, employees of the CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery raised an impressive $390,000 and with matching funds from CITGO Petroleum Corporation for a total campaign contribution of $550,684.

Your gift can help our community not just survive--but THRIVE. Give back to the Community you love.

Thank you, CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery employees, for your continued commitment to the United Way of the Coastal Bend.

Fueling Good…the CITGO way!

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Bienvenido Dr. Nelson P. Martínez, President and CEO of CITGO, and Chairman and Member of the Board of Directors. Dr. Martínez brings more than 30 years of experience in the energy industry to his new role, including broad internationalexperience, in-depth knowledge of the refining industry anda strong scientific, innovative and dynamic background. Dr. Martínez earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in physical chemistry from France’s University of Poitiers. He also holds a doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom and a master’s

Bienvenido a Corpus Christi Dr. Nelson Martínez!

degree in Technology Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In addition, he studied management at Michigan University, Harvard University and at the non-profit research institute, SRI International, in California. Dr. Martínez also holds more than 50 international patents and papers and was elected to the New York Academy of Sciences for his contributions to the study of catalysts in hydro-treatment and catalytic cracking. Dr. Nelson Martinez visited and toured the Corpus Christi Refinery on November 21, 2013.

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The Hands for Hillcrest Meet & Greet was attended by CITGO Cares Team volunteers, all ten Hands for Hillcrest grantees and other community partners. The goal of the Meet & Greet was for the Hillcrest neighbors to meet the grantees and learn about the services offered by the CITGO Hillcrest grant. Community partners that provided information about their services included Driscoll Hospital, the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation, Craft Training Center, U.S.S. Lexington, Texas State Aquarium, and TAMUCC Islander Cheerleaders.

Hands for Hillcrest: Meet & GreetThe event included carnival rides, games, food, drinks, TAMUCC Go Mobile Trailer, CITGO RTFC Fire Truck, CITGO Education Trailer, CCPD Police Museum, and the CCFD Fire Truck. People Assisting Animal Control (PAAC) was also in attendance providing 73 rabies vaccinations, 26 zeuters (male dog sterilizations) and handed out 43 vouchers for free spays/neuters for female dogs and male/female cats. 37 Cares Team volunteers offered 107 volunteer hours.

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CITGO employees are committed to getting involved in our community. Our Cares Team continues to bring positive energy to every charitable

initiative or social program we support.

Cares Team Chair: Aurora RoblesCares Team Co-chair: Jane Arriaga

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer EventHabitat for Humanity-Corpus Christi is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity works in conjunction with “partner families” to build decent, affordable housing. Volunteers provide most of the labor; individual and corporate donors provide money and materials to build the houses. CITGO volunteers four times a year to this effort. 9 Cares Team volunteers offered 45 hours of their time.

The Rise School: Rise and Shine Walk/RunThe vision of the Rise School is to provide the highest quality early childhood/preschool education and services to children with special needs (having a developmental delay or disability) and their typically developing peers in order to fully prepare them for their next learning environment and long term success. CITGO sponsored the event. 22 Cares Team volunteers donated 57 hours to the event.

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National Multiple Sclerosis Society MS WalkThe MS Walk is a signature fundraising event for the National MS Society that supports research and provides services to individuals affected by multiple sclerosis. CITGO sponsored the event. 26 Cares Team volunteers offered 72 hours to the walk.

Padre Island National Seashore Big Shell Clean UpThe Billy Sandifer Big Shell Clean Up is an opportunity for the community to clean up a 12 mile stretch of beach. Community volunteers of all ages gathered to pick up debris that washed in from the Gulf of Mexico. 8 Cares Team volunteers donated 54 hours to this event.

Hans and Pat Suter Park Clean UpThe 72-acre Suter Wildlife Refuge provides a home for many migrating birds along the banks of Oso Bay. Suter Park offers a nature trail, picnic tables, grills, a playground, interpretive displays, and a butterfly garden. CITGO purchased 25 butterfly flowers for the beautification of Suter Park. 18 volunteers from the Cares Team offered 51 hours.

15th Annual César Chávez Marcha and VIP ReceptionThe Celebration & Marcha honored the life and legacy of César Chávez, an American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist. Speakers included Christine Chavez, granddaughter of César Chávez and Cleo Rodriguez, Jr.,

Executive Director National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association. Larry Elizondo, Sr. sits on the National Advisory Board of the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association. 11 Cares Team volunteers offered 83 hours to the event.

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Christmas Tree Recycling EventThe City’s Solid Waste Services Department and Clean City Committee hosted their annual Christmas tree recycling event at seven locations over two weekends. Donated trees are mulched for local landscaping with the additional value for the City of saving landfill space and disposal costs. City officials estimate that volunteers at the staged recycle locations collected more than 2,000 trees. In exchange for their old Christmas trees, residents were offered a free desert willow or Afghan pine seedling to take home. 23 CITGO Cares Team members volunteered 95 hours to the recycling event.

Texas Association of Partners in Education Awards LuncheonThe mission of TAPE is to provide leadership and expertise for schools, families, businesses and communities to build partnerships that enhance student success. CITGO sponsors the Moody High School Innovation STEM Academy for Engineering, Environmental & Marine Science. The Academy creates a rigorous 4 year college preparatory program that includes upper level engineering, mathematics and science courses. CITGO received the Business Partnership Gold Award for its partnership with Foy H. Moody High School.

Foster Angels of South Texas: Gift Card PresentationCITGO representatives awarded Foster Angels of South Texas, one of this year’s Fueling Good Project winners, with their Grand Prize at the CITCO retail location in Corpus Christ. CITGO representatives presented Foster Angels of South Texas Foundation with their $5,000 fuel gift card.

Habitat for HumanityGroundbreaking CeremonyHabitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Working in partnership with local families, the Corpus Christi chapter helps to build decent affordable housing for those in need. When a family is selected, they are required to contribute 300 - 500 hours of “sweat equity”. These hours are earned in construction, ReStore, fundraising, office work, and other areas of need. Other community volunteers are needed to supplement the building process. The CITGO Cares Team offered 133 total volunteer hours to Habitat for Humanity in 2013.

University Interscholastic League Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball TournamentThe UIL believes that most students enjoy the pursuit of excellence and seek opportunities to test themselves against their own accomplishments and those of their peers. CITGO has sponsored the tournament.

Something Magical PromThe Something Magical Prom is an event featuring entertain-ment by local DJ Elvis and food and refreshments for special needs high school students from throughout the community. CITGO sponsored the event. 4 Cares Team volunteers offered 15 hours to this event.

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American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s BallFor nearly 100 years, the American Cancer Society has been working to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. This year more than 11 million cancer survivors will celebrate another birthday. The proceeds from Cattle Baron’s Ball support their mission to eliminate cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. 13 Cares Team volunteers offered 75 hours to the event.

Birth Announcements

Jaxon Rudy Garza8 lbs. 5 oz.21”Born January 29, 2014Grandson of Jerry and Cynthia Villarreal (Maintenance)Parents: Charlie Garza and Shelby Kelley

Trace Dwayne Hofstetter9 lbs. 2 oz.20”Born November 12, 2013Grandson of Augustin and Rosie Collin (G&PA)Parents: Dwayne and Andrea Hofstetter

Alyse Marie Buentello7 lbs. 6 oz.20.5”Born March 16, 2014Parents: Lonnie Buentello (Operations EP II) and Jane Arriaga (Environmental)

Raeann CavazosMay 2014 Graduate of Mary Carroll High SchoolDaughter of Jessica and Brad Sperry (Maintenance)Congratulations, Raeann!

Albert David GarzaDecember 2013 Graduate of Del Mar CollegeApplied Science: Occupational Safety and HealthSon of Debbie Garza, Albert (Procurement) and Elsa GarzaCongratulations, Albert!

Bragging Corner

Achiever:Please send your graduation pictures,

birth announcements or any academic or community service award information to

Rosie Collin for our next Achiever.vcollin@citgo.com

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Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ~Colossians 3:23

At only 18 years of age, Alma Montana began her career at CITGO.

For Alma, learning is a career hallmark. Throughout her 34 years at CITGO, Alma has acquired skills that have taken her from her first position as clerk typist to where she is today as an IT Analyst. She has worked in multiple capacities at CITGO including working as a secretary to the Purchasing Manager, Accounting Manager and in Technical Services.

CITGO provided many opportunities for Alma to advance and grow, both personally and professionally. As a prerequisite for her job in IT Services, CITGO paid for her shorthand classes. CITGO has also provided other opportunities that have enabled her to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Twenty years ago Alma took advantage of a program that allowed for workouts during lunch. Alma and her work “sister” Cammie Morris can be seen going to the on-site aerobics or out running every single day!

Alma says her friendships with co-workers and bosses have made working at CITGO a real joy for her. Some of her bosses have served as mentors to her and for that, she says she is truly grateful. Alma believes that she has developed lifelong friendships at CITGO, such as the very special one she has with Cammie Morris who calls Alma “my sister in Christ, my cheerleader, my exercise buddy, my colleague, my inspiration, but most of all—my best friend.”

A Life of Abundance: Alma MontanaBy: Rosie Collin

Cammie continues saying “We have shared many wonderful times and some very sad times, too, but each time we have been there for each other—pulling the other one through. Alma, I love you. Thank you for all the love and support that you have given me all these years. You have worked so hard! We all know that you were born here at CITGO!”

Alma’s favorite story of working with colleagues is one she will always cherish. She recounted a time when she was nine months pregnant and times were a little tough financially. One day after lunch, in typical CITGO culture, her co-workers surprised her by filling her office with diapers from floor to ceiling.

Alma has enjoyed volunteering with Special Olympics and participating in the Annual Beach-to-Bay Relay Marathon since 1990. She is grateful for the many opportunities afforded to her at CITGO and looks forward to her June 1st retirement. She anticipates her retirement to be filled with the laughter of her grandchildren and traveling with her husband.

Alma has been an excellent example of hard work, diligence, and the value of lifelong learning. The driving force of her success has been through the inspiration of the Colossians 3:23 passage. All of us at CITGO wish Alma a very happy and cheerful retirement and hope to see her next year at Special Olympics!

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Special OlympicsCITGO Salutes the Special Olympics Athletes

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Ron Bruni had never volunteered for the Miracle League before. However, since his induction into the CITGO culture, he has given his time and energy to volunteer efforts such as showing kids how to bat and cheering them on to victory for years. Compassion and enthusiasm are the prerequisites of volunteering for the Miracle League and for Ron Bruni, it comes naturally!

Like many CITGO employees, Ron has volunteered at a number of events throughout the years including MDA Golf Tournaments, Special Olympics Games, and Suter Park Clean Ups. This past Christmas, Ron just couldn’t say “no” when approached to don a Santa suit for the children who were coming to sing Christmas carols. Ron (as Santa) eagerly and warmly welcomed students from the nearby fence line schools. Ron says his life has been enriched by the many hours of volunteer work he has offered over the years. For Ron and for all our volunteers, that is the CITGO way!

Many CITGO employees know Ron Bruni, but perhaps do not know his story. At age 17, Ron announced to his mother, Donna Poer, that he wanted to join the Navy. His parents were proud that at such a young age he was committed to serving his country. In May of 1975, right before his high school graduation, Ron made a commitment to the U.S. Navy. It was a decision that still puts a smile in his eyes. The following September, he left to San Diego, California where he was enrolled in the Aviation Electrician School for six months.

Ron admits that he thought he was going to see the world by joining the Navy, but to his surprise, he was stationed in Beeville. The Navy afforded Ron an occupation in life which was

A Salute to Veteran Ron BruniBy: Rosie Collin

Military Corner

working on aircraft electrical systems. Reflecting on his time in the U.S. Navy, Ron says he is very grateful for the time he spent in the military.

He feels that the silver lining to the experience came in the form of creating his family. Because when Ron was only 18 years old, a beautiful young lady named Dena caught his eye at the base. In September 1979, he married Dena and left the Navy. Ron and his wife Dena have now been together for 35 years and have a lot to celebrate these days. Their two children, Jacen and Meagan

are both getting married this year—one wedding in Atlanta and one in New York.

Ron and Dena were afforded the opportunity to create a beautiful family, when in February of 1981, Ron went to work for Champlin which later became CITGO.

Ron started out in the Terminal as a technician and was then promoted to Supervisor of the Measurement Department. He dabbled in roles in the Training and Safety Departments, but later went back to the Terminal as a Shift Supervisor. A short time later, he was promoted to the position of Labor Relations Manager in the HR Department. In this capacity, Ron deals with union and labor issues as well as employee negotiations. Additionally, Ron participates in the new hire process. Ron says he looks forward to returning to the Terminal Department as he especially loves working with the people there and says he is excited to start contributing to terminal operations again.

Thank you, Ron, for your 33 years of service!

CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals

and other industrial products. The company is owned by PDV America, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary

of Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

For more information, visit www.CITGO.com.