[2][3] Urena was later moved to Iraq's Al Anbar Governorate, where he served as a tank commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

[2][3] During a fight with insurgents, he was struck by flying glass and debris, including a piece of scrap metal that became stuck in his left cheek.

He worked as a security guard, attended Northern Essex Community College, and volunteered in Lawrence's Veterans' Services office and at the local public-access television station.

[5][6] In January 2007, Mayor Michael J. Sullivan chose Urena to serve as Lawrence's Director of Veterans Services.

In 2008, Urena was named Massachusetts' Veterans Services Director of the Year in part for his work with the Jimenez family.