Spanish Association of Journalists of Defense (APDEF) celebrated on Monday, June 18, award ceremony of its IX Awards of the Association of Defense Journalists. There were three categories awarded in this edition:
“Special APDEF Award” to Major Miguel Angel Franco
Major Franco, a participant in the EUTM Mali European mission, was enjoying a break at a resort near Bamako (Mali), when a jihadist terrorist group attacked the resort. In those moments he did not hesitate to risk his life to organize the escape of a group of civilians of the attack, while he shot down a terrorist.
“Bernardo Alvarez del Manzano Award” to Dª. Carmen Romero
Carmen Romero is NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy. Being responsible for the Communication and Coordination of the NATO information.
“Trajectory Award”, to Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Benito
Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Benito is the coordinator of the “Course of War Correspondents” of the Spain Army School of War.
The organization of these awards is part of the APDEF’s goal and willingness to “defend the right to information of citizens in matters related to defense, promote technical training for journalism professionals and increase institutional relations”, as it is showed in ABC.es
The award ceremony, held at the “El Olivar de Castillejo” Foundation in Madrid, had the outstanding presence of the highest defense authorities in Spain:
The Minister of Defense, Ms. Margarita Robbles (who gave the “Special APDEF” award to the commander Miguel Angel Franco), the Chief of Defense Staff (JEMAD), Army General Fernando Alejandre, the director of the National Intelligence Center ( CNI) Mr. Félix Roldán, the Chief of Staff of the Army (JEME), Lieutenant General Francisco Javier Varela, the Secretary General of Defense Policy (SEGENPOL), Admiral Juan Francisco Martínez Nuñez and a long list of political authorities and military, as well as journalists and business representatives.
In this context, Hispano Vema represented by its CEO Mr. José Antonio Navarro, had the honor and privilege to attend the delivery of these awards. Showing their explicit support for the values and principles of the APDEF on the dissemination and information of the issues related to Defense and highlighting the relevance that the Defense has in today’s society.
