Edward L. Romero facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward L. Romero
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| United States Ambassador to Spain | |
| In office April 2, 1998 – May 1, 2001 |
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| President | Bill Clinton, George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Richard N. Gardner |
| Succeeded by | George Argyros |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 2, 1934 Alamosa, Colorado |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Cayetana Garcia |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, activist and diplomat |
Edward L. Romero, born on January 2, 1934, is an American businessman, activist, and former diplomat. He was the U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra from 1998 to 2001. He has also worked on many environmental and social issues. He has received awards from groups in both the U.S. and Spain.
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About Edward L. Romero
Early Life and Education
Edward L. Romero was born on January 2, 1934, in Alamosa, Colorado. His family had moved there from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
His first language was Spanish. He now speaks both English and Spanish very well.
When he was young, he fought in the Korean War. After the war, he studied at Los Angeles State College and Citrus College. He moved to New Mexico after finishing college.
During the Vietnam War, he did not agree with the war. He helped start a group called "Veterans Against Vietnam." This group worked to stop the war.
Political Work
After the Vietnam War, Edward Romero became a county leader for the Democratic Party.
He was part of an important group that advised the U.S. government on trade. He led several U.S. groups to Mexico for trade talks.
During the time President Carter was in office, Romero was on a federal committee for trade talks. He also joined U.S. groups for the Helsinki Accords. These were agreements about security and cooperation in Europe.
Serving as Ambassador
On April 2, 1998, President Bill Clinton said he wanted Edward L. Romero to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Spain. On June 1, President Clinton also named him Ambassador to Andorra. The Senate approved his nomination on June 23.
An ambassador is a high-ranking diplomat. They represent their country in another country.
Ambassador Romero arrived in Madrid, Spain, on June 28. On June 30, he officially presented his credentials to King Juan Carlos. This is a formal step to begin his role.
In 2001, George Argyros took over his role as ambassador to Spain.
Helping the Hispanic Community
Edward Romero has done a lot to support the Hispanic community. He started the Hispanic Culture Foundation. He also founded the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
He was a founding member of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the board of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.
In 1989, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce named him the National Hispanic Businessman of the Year. This was a big honor for his work.
Business Career
Edward Romero is a successful businessman. He helped start a company called "Valor Telecommunications Southwest, LLC."
He was also the founder and CEO of Advanced Sciences, Inc. This company worked on environmental engineering and waste management around the world. After this company joined with another, he continued as president and director.
Awards and Honors
Edward L. Romero has received many awards for his work.
- In September 1989, the U.S. Small Business Administration named him Region Hispanic Businessman of the Year.
- In 1989, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce named him National Hispanic Businessman of the Year.
- In 1991, he was featured in a book called "Hispanic Heroes." This book highlighted New Mexicans who made a difference.
- On March 21, 2001, King Juan Carlos I of Spain gave him a high honor. It was called the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabel I of Castile.
- He has received awards from many U.S. and Spanish groups. These include the National Kidney Foundation and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
- He is an Honorary Brother of the International Brotherhood of Researchers in Toledo, Spain.
- He is also an Honorary Brother of the Illustrious and Most Ancient Brotherhood of Mozarabic Knights in Toledo, Spain.
- He is a Knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in Madrid, Spain.
Personal Life
Edward Romero is married to Cayetana Garcia. They have four children and eight grandchildren. Cayetana is also from a family of early Spanish settlers in New Mexico.
He enjoys being involved in various community and charity activities.
See also
In Spanish: Edward L. Romero para niños
