The Minister of Defence decorates personnel from the 11th Infantry Regiment ‘España’ (REI 11) for Operation 'Support in Valencia'

The JEME in his speech

On July 10th, the Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, together with the Chief of Staff of the Army (JEME), General of the Army Amador Enseñat y Berea, decorated 25 service members from the 11th Engineer Specialties Regiment (REI 11) who took part in Operation 'Support in Valencia', following the floods caused by a cut-off low weather system (known in Spain as a DANA) on October 29th, 2024.

This marks the first time the Minister of Defence has decorated a unit of the Spanish Army for its participation in relief efforts in Valencia. The ceremony took place at “General Arroquia” Barracks in Salamanca—the headquarters of the 11th Engineer Specialties Regiment (REI 11) and the Engineer Command (MING)—and was attended by military authorities including the Chief of the Engineer Command (MING),?Brigadier General Julio?Rello, and the Commander of REI 11, Colonel Óscar Javier Nogués, as well as civilian authorities such as the Government Delegate in Castile and León, Nicanor Sen.

The Minister during the decoration ceremony

Following the medal presentation, the Minister addressed the decorated service members, expressing her gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and all citizens for their “invaluable work, their sacrifice, and their empathy” toward the affected population. Robles also stated that “it is in difficult times when one truly sees the strength and capability you possess,” referring to the members of the Spanish Army.

For his part, the Chief of Staff of the Army (JEME) expressed his personal gratitude and appreciation. On behalf of all members of the Army, he congratulated the personnel of the Engineer Command for their work during the more than 150 days of the operation, as well as for their ongoing efforts in addressing contingencies and improving the conditions of Army unit facilities and training grounds. “With your strength, loyalty, and courage in Valencia, you have demonstrated your spirit of sacrifice and your love for the citizens of that region. You have not only alleviated their suffering but also created the conditions, in the face of an emergency, for a permanent solution to that tragedy,” the JEME added.

Afterwards, the Minister of Defence toured the “General Arroquia” Barracks, where she visited a static exhibition on the capabilities and equipment of REI 11 in the parade ground. She concluded her visit by signing the Regiment’s Book of Honor.

The JEME congratulating the decorated personnel