Red Apple Group Chairman and CEO Joins Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation (www.themedalofhonor.com) has appointed John Catsimatidis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Red Apple Group, to its board of directors.

"John exemplifies what it means to achieve the American dream," said Louis Chênevert, Foundation co-chairman. "He'll be a powerful force for the Foundation because he brings amazing dedication to giving back to the community and endless passion for our values of selfless service, courage, integrity and patriotism."

Catsimatidis was born on the Greek Island of Nisyros and moved to New York City with his parents when he was six months old. His Red Apple Group is primarily an energy company with holdings in oil refining, bio fuels, retail petroleum products, convenience stores, real estate, aviation, supermarkets and medical and industrial technology. His businesses, which post annual sales of approximately $5 billion, employ more than 8,000 people in the New York metropolitan area and upstate New York.

"It is a great honor for me to join the Medal of Honor Foundation," said Catsimatidis, "because my heroes are the servicemen and women who secure our freedom every day, and especially the 76 living Recipients of the Medal of Honor. I'm inspired by their service and sacrifice and I look forward to working with them to create opportunities for all Americans to understand the importance of living by the values embodied in the Medal."

Col. (retired) Jack Jacobs, Medal of Honor Recipient and Foundation co-chairman, said the appointment of Catsimatidis is a great step forward for the Foundation. "John is always seeking ways to make our communities and America a better place for all," said Jacobs. "He will be instrumental in helping us expand our education, outreach and recognition programs across the country."

Catsimatidis began his career in the supermarket business and opened his first grocery store in 1968. Gristedes Supermarkets is now Manhattan's largest, high-quality supermarket chain.

Over time, his company has evolved into energy and real estate and today his largest holding is United Refining in Warren, Pennsylvania. The company refines 100 percent American crude oil and supplies the energy needs for western Pennsylvania, northern New York and eastern Ohio. His 400 gas stations and convenience stores advertise "100% American products."

Catsimatidis also has growing business and real estate interests. Red Apple Real Estate has substantial holdings in the New York and New Jersey markets, with three housing and commercial development projects underway in Brooklyn and the New York City area.

He began hosting his own radio show called CatsRoundtable on WNYM-AM in March 2014. The program is a mix of news, politics and entertainment and is the number one program on the east coast in its Sunday morning time slot.

About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society:

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society was chartered by the Congress in 1958 to create a brotherhood among the living Medal of Honor recipients, to protect and uphold the dignity and honor of the Medal, to promote patriotism and love of country, and to inspire our youth to become worthy and dedicated citizens of our nation. Its membership

consists exclusively of those individuals who have received the Medal of Honor. Today, there are 76 living Recipients of the Medal of Honor. The Society is unique in that its membership hopes that there will be no need to welcome new inductees.

About the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation:

The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation was founded in 1999 by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to perpetuate the legacy of the Medal. Through character development, scholarship and citizen recognition programs based on the values embodied in the Medal — courage, sacrifice, selfless service and patriotism — the Foundation teaches all citizens that they can make a difference in the lives of others. The Foundation also supports the important work of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with Tax ID #25-1828488, the Foundation carries a rating of 4/4 stars for fiscal management, accountability and transparency from Charity Navigator, America's premiere nonprofit evaluator.

Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation
Contact: Mike Caldwell, 703-469-1861

SOURCE Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation

Related Links

cmohfoundation.org