Warrior Foundation Freedom Station Proudly Celebrates Dual Anniversaries of its “Homes of the Brave”
Freedom Station I and Freedom Station II Haved Helped Dozens ofSan Diego’s Injured Warriors Transition from Military Service to Civilian Life
Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, a local non-profit organization supporting ill and injured service members, is proudly celebrating the dual anniversaries of its transitional housing residences, Freedom Station I and Freedom Station II. The first property, Freedom Station I, opened its doors ten years ago on May 13, 2011, and after much success, was followed by the opening of Freedom Station II on May 29, 2020. Together, both ‘homes of the brave’ have been incredibly effective in helping injured service members make the daunting transition from military service to civilian life.
When Freedom Station I opened in May 2011, it became the first transitional housing residence of its kind in the San Diego region – a place for healing, recovery and preparation for civilian life. With an average residency of six months to two years, the idea was to shift injured warriors to independent living while still providing the sense of camaraderie and brotherhood they valued in the military. Both active duty service members and veterans recover among their peers, share war stories, and know they are supported by others experiencing the same transition. They work toward new careers, enroll in college or trade schools, gain financial independence, and find challenging new pursuits.
“When ill or injured warriors are told they can no longer stay in the military, it’s one of the hardest days of their lives,” said Sandy Lehmkuhler, CEO and Founder, Warrior Foundation Freedom Station. “They need a moment to take a breath, learn to live as civilians as they transition, and decide what’s next. Over the past decade, nearly 100 warriors and families have called Freedom Station home. It has been an honor to help our service members successfully step into the next chapter and continue doing great things for our country, even after they retire their uniforms. These milestone anniversaries are not only a celebration of Freedom Station, but a celebration of all the brave men and women who have called it home.”
Freedom Station I is located in Golden Hill and features eight charming cottages and four apartments. Located in South Park, Freedom Station II features eight cottages and an additional 1,000 square-foot unit known as the Legacy House. Both properties are located near Naval Medical Center San Diego, one of the nation’s largest military hospitals and leading centers for amputee care, to facilitate access to medical appointments. While living at Freedom Station I or Freedom Station II, residents pay reduced rent so they can learn how to budget and become financially independent.
About Warrior Foundation Freedom Station
Founded in 2004, Warrior Foundation Freedom Station aims to be the leading force in assisting, honoring and supporting the military men and women who have so bravely served and sacrificed for our country. The foundation supports ill and injured warriors in a variety of ways, providing quality-of-life items, support services and transitional housing designed to assist them and their families during recovery. The foundation assists four main groups of warriors: the seriously injured returning home from war; those suffering from post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury; those undergoing physical or occupational therapy; and warriors who have been medically retired and remain in the community.
Warrior Foundation Freedom Station is designated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest evaluator of charities. The four-star rating is the highest available, recognizing exceptional charities that exceed industry standards and outperform most charities in its cause area. To learn more or donate, please visit www.warriorfoundation.org.
