WOBURN -- Massachusetts Republican Party Chairman Jim Lyons has brought former Massachusetts Secretary for Veterans Affairs Francisco Urena aboard to help lead the party's Veterans Coalition.
"Francisco is a decorated Massachusetts veteran and quite frankly a war hero, but he's the last guy who will tell you that," Lyons said. "He has honorably served our commonwealth, he's a proud Republican, and we're lucky to have him joining us."
Urena joins fellow co-chairmen John MacDonald and Adam Hogue in leading the MassGOP Veterans Coalition. Urena, who has also previously served as veterans service officer for the cities of Lawrence and Boston, served as a tank commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained during combat.
"Francisco has spent the better part of his adult life serving other veterans, and I can't think of a better individual to help lead this coalition," said MacDonald.
Urena said he's looking forward to helping more Republican veterans run for public office.
"Massachusetts veterans know firsthand what it's like to make important sacrifices, and they should know they have an important voice in public affairs," Urena said. "I'm excited to help them pursue opportunities to serve in public office in any way I can."
