Veterans healing together at the Freedom Station in San Diego On the outside they appear to be a cluster of cottages, but inside U.S. veterans fight invisible battles together transitioning into civilian life. Author: Tim Blodgett Updated: 6:55 PM PDT May 19, 2021 SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Eleven years ago, Corporal Josue Barron, a Marine serving in Afghanistan, stepped on an IED. Barron lost his left leg and sight in his left eye. Dealing with the physical wounds were one thing, but it was the psychological horror that kept the Marine up at night. “While I’m laying in my hospital bed, I’m going through these nightmares,” said Barron. “I’m having these memories that I’m still in Afghanistan. My heart was still in the fight with the guys.”