Edward L. Romero facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward L. Romero
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| 62nd 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 |
| Education | Los Angeles State College Citrus College |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, activist and diplomat |
Edward L. Romero, born on January 2, 1934, is an American businessman, activist, and former diplomat. He worked as the United States ambassador to Spain and Andorra from 1998 to 2001. Mr. Romero has also supported many environmental and social causes. He has received awards from groups in both the U.S. and Spain for his work.
Contents
About Edward L. Romero
Early Life and Education
Edward L. Romero was born in Alamosa, Colorado, on January 2, 1934. His family had moved there from Albuquerque, New Mexico. His mother was very active in politics for 37 years. She was a precinct chairwoman and a delegate for Adlai Stevenson.
Some of his family members were Spanish settlers. They came from a town called Corral de Almaguer in Spain. They settled in New Mexico in the year 1598.
Mr. Romero's first language was Spanish. Today, he speaks both English and Spanish very well.
When he was young, he served in the Korean War. After the war, he studied at Los Angeles State College and Citrus College. He moved back to New Mexico after he finished 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 protest the war.
Political Career and Diplomacy
After the Vietnam War, Edward Romero became a county chairman for the Democratic Party. He helped lead several U.S. groups to Mexico for trade talks. He was part of the Advisory Committee for U.S. Trade Representative's Services Policy.
During the time Jimmy Carter was president, Mr. Romero was on a special committee. This committee advised on trade talks. He also joined U.S. groups for the Helsinki Accords.
Ambassador to Spain and Andorra
On April 2, 1998, President Bill Clinton announced his plan. 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.
Ambassador Romero arrived in Madrid, Spain, on June 28. Two days later, on June 30, he officially met King Juan Carlos. He gave his credentials to the King.
In 2001, George Argyros took over as the ambassador to Spain.
Community Leadership
Edward Romero has done a lot for the Hispanic community. He started the Hispanic Culture Foundation. He also founded the National Hispanic Cultural Center. He was part of the President's Hispanic Advisory Committee.
He helped create the Chamber of Commerce Albuquerque Hispano. He was also on the board of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. He was a member of the Hispanic Cultural Foundation. He also belonged to the National Hispanic Cultural Center in New Mexico.
In 1989, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce gave him a special award. They named him the National Hispanic Businessman of the Year.
Business Ventures
Mr. Romero is one of the people who started "Valor Telecommunications Southwest, LLC." He also founded a company called Advanced Sciences, Inc. This company worked on environmental engineering and waste management around the world. He was the chairman and chief executive officer.
After his company joined with Commodore Applied Technologies, Inc., he continued to work there. He served 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 – Portraits of New Mexicans Who Have Made a Difference."
- On March 21, 2001, King Juan Carlos I of Spain gave him a high honor. He awarded him the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabel I of Castile.
- He has received awards from many groups in the U.S. and Spain. These include the National Kidney Foundation, New Mexico Anti-Defamation League, National Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, and Multiple Sclerosis Society.
- He is an Honorary Brother of the International Brotherhood of Researchers in Toledo, Spain.
- He is also a Noble 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. His wife is also from a family of the first Spanish settlers in New Mexico.
He enjoys bullfighting and toreo. He also spends his time helping with many community and charity activities.
See also
In Spanish: Edward L. Romero para niños
