Warrior Foundation Freedom Station

Freedom station is more than a charity. It is a second chance for wounded veterans and their families. Disabled people in general, including those that were injured in combat, face challenges that most people will never understand. It is rare that an organization is comprised entirely of people who are completely dedicated to serving others, and can have such a drastic impact on families in ways that often go unnoticed in the public eye. Wounded veterans and their families face challenges on a daily basis, sometimes becoming so difficult that it is hard to get out of bed in the morning, much less go out and face the challenges of every day life, because returning home from a combat deployment often leaves veterans like myself feeling as though life, our country, and our families have moved forward and we have been left behind. Organizations like this provide a space, time, and assistance to veterans and their families allowing them time to re forge the bonds that made them a family before the horrors of war and injury completely metamorphose what it is to be a family and present challenges that were completely unfathomable merely days before they are presented with the challenges of not only overcoming obstacles and challenges in the personal lives of these families, but also affords them the opportunity to adjust both as citizens and families in their community and country. This awe-inspiring organization and their miraculous staff not only provide these families with a safe and comforting environment to re-establish their bonds with one another, but through their tireless efforts, also demonstrate and provide an example to model their future after, taking a group of mentally and physically strong warriors, showing them how to apply those skills to life and situations with an attitude and mentality of service and self sacrifice acquired in military service, amplified exponentially by overcoming their physical and mental challenges, showing them how to carry on those values in the civilian world when the combat role is done. The driving factor behind this incredible change is the sense of community provided in the living facilities that provide homes for these courageous humans during transition, allowing them to live in a community that surrounds them with others facing similar challenges, allowing for these veterans to forge bonds with one another. Given that the only way to fully understand these challenges is to face them head on, having a support system at every door in their community with people who can understand, while removing the everyday challenges of providing housing, food, household goods, and all of the every day stresses, it allows for a much more expedient recovery. Aside from these amazing contributions to these veterans and their families, they go even further above and beyond what any earthly body would think possible, once these families are ready to move forward, Sandy and her staff work tirelessly to acquire furniture, household goods, support, friendship, and compassion to carry on to their new homes. There is no way to quantify the impact that this organization has on families, veterans, or people who come into contact or receive services from this charitable organization.

I have watched and helped this organization grow for 10 years. Every Christmas season this is the group that raises money to send every injured sailor, soldier or marine home for Christmas. One year they had over 550 active duty injured warriors who were flown home so that they could be in their homes with friends and family for the holidays. And those who could not travel had their family members brought here to San Diego by this organization who also paid their hotel bills here because there was no room in Fisher House at this time of year for them. They run this outreach all year long and often are the group of last resort to get help for an injured warrior. May God bless them all always.

i have supported the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station for some years now. I haven't seen a better, more service oriented organization. Our Warriors are lucky to have this organization in San Diego. A true believer in helping our Warriors in any way possible, this organization is on the ball at all times. My recommendation to all is to get invovled.

Warrior Foundation Freedom Station has been a pinnacle for Wounded Warriors over the last 6 years since I have been around to witness what great work they have done. From housing families with hotel accommodations, purchasing flights for family members to come visit their loved ones in the hospital, providing transitional and affordable housing for Combat Wounded Veterans, Warrior Foundation has done it all and then some. Warrior Foundation continues to serve the Veteran community with resources to ensure Veterans are taken care of. it has been a real pleasure to witness the pride & integrity in which this organization serves daily.

Ashford University is very proud to be a partner of Warrior Foundation-Freedom Station. The Freedom Station specifically provides a place for injured service members to stay as they recover and await discharge or retirement. This is a very difficult transitional time, as they are not only in recovery but also need to secure housing and a job. The Warrior Foundation-Freedom Station identified a need and seized the opportunity to assist. In our opinion, their unwavering devotion to the community they serve exemplifies a strong commitment to our service members and the sacrifices they make for our country.

Ashford’s support of Warrior Foundation-Freedom Station has been financial, in-kind, Executive Board support, employee volunteers, and internships. We proud to say our commitment has been a holistic approach to making a difference with Warrior Foundation-Freedom Station and with the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom - it's something we can never truly pay back.

We have seen many positive impacts as a result of the Warrior Foundation-Freedom Station’s work. As San Diego is home to the largest military community in the United States, there is a significant need for this organization in our area. One of the philanthropic aims of Ashford University is the support military service members and their families. The Warrior Foundation-Freedom Station has given us a very unique and meaningful way to support our country’s service members. We are appreciative of all the work they have done and could not commend them highly enough.

When I retired five years ago, I wanted to become involved in my community. I was looking for a group that gave back and helped others. While listening to KFMB radio, I heard a lady by the name of Sandy Lehmkuhler speaking about her passion, the Warrior Foundation. This was it! What better cause is there than the chance to give back to the men and women that have given so much for me and mine. I started to volunteer that week and I am still giving my time to this honorable group. I would challenge everyone to take a moment to look at the website warriorfoundation.org and see what we do and for whom we do it. These are young men and women who have sacrificed their limbs, eyes and emotions so we can live a free and safe life. REMEMBER FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE. God Bless America and those who keep us safe.

This is the first foundation for veterans that I have seen which gives back 100%. Everyone is a volunteer, no one gets paid and you know right where your time and donations go to. They are passionate about their veterans, they are extremely patriotic, and they are extremely honest and loving Americans.

This is an amazing organization providing services to our combat injured that is integral to the transition and rehabilitation process. The world needs many more organizations like WFFS!