Francisco López Muñoz, Vice-Rector for Research, Science and Doctoral Studies at Camilo José Cela University, has been appointed a Spanish Army Brand Ambassador in recognition of “his successful and distinguished professional career and his close collaboration and ties with the Armed Forces”.
The appointment ceremony and presentation of his ambassadorial credentials took place on Wednesday, 23 September, in the Throne Room of the Palacio de los Consejos, headquarters of the Captaincy General of Madrid. The ceremony was presided over by Major General Santiago Juan Fernández Ortiz-Repiso, Director of Army Quartering, the Spanish Army’s Institutional Representative for Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha, and Military Commander of Madrid.
The new Spanish Army Brand Ambassador was accompanied by the Rector of UCJC, Jaime Olmedo Ramos; Lieutenant General Manuel Busquier Saez, former Inspector General of the Spanish Army; Air Force Lieutenant General Carlos Gómez Arruche, former Director General of the Civil Guard; Major General Alberto Hernández Abadía de Barbará, Head of the Joint Medical Command (JECOSAN) of the Joint Staff (EMACON); and Santiago Velo de Antelo, President of the Academy of Diplomacy of the Kingdom of Spain.
The role was established in 2020 as an initiative to strengthen the culture of security and defence in Spain and foster closer ties between society and the Armed Forces. In addition to acting as a link between the Spanish Army and society, the ambassadors are entrusted with promoting the image and values that inspire the military institution, increasing awareness of national defence, encouraging public engagement in matters relating to the country’s security and exerting a positive influence on military personnel through their personal example and professional careers.
In the words of the Chief of Staff of the Spanish Army, Army General Amador Enseñat y Bereal, the ambassadors are “social role models who help make the power of values more than a mere institutional slogan and represent an excellent contribution by the Spanish Army to the culture of national security and defence”.
In his remarks of thanks, López Muñoz described the recognition as “an invitation to commit ourselves to helping society understand its Army better, appreciate the nature of its mission and recognise the values embodied every day by the men and women who serve Spain”.
“Behind military service lies a simple yet powerful idea: to serve. To serve without asking whom one serves. To serve when circumstances are favourable and, above all, when they cease to be. To serve because there is something that transcends individual interests,” he added.
He also stressed that “security can no longer be understood solely as a military matter. It is a collective responsibility that requires knowledge, research, innovation, education and public awareness. This is precisely where universities have much to contribute”.
The Vice-Rector concluded by reaffirming his “commitment to bringing universities and the Armed Forces closer together; to promoting among our students a culture of security and defence based on knowledge rather than prejudice; to championing the value of public service; and to reminding society that defending what we share begins with knowing it, understanding it, valuing it and embracing it as our own”.
