Dana Cisneros
U.S. Marine
Dana Cisneros is U.S. Marine who served as a Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) with nearly 18 years of service including Combat Duty. When Dana underwent multiple surgeries for a leg amputation, the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station flew her family members to San Diego and placed them in the foundation’s Legacy House during her recovery. Once the medical issues subsided, Dana moved into a cottage at Freedom Station II to be close to Balboa Naval Hospital. Throughout her recovery process, Dana has volunteered at the foundation, mentored other residents and supported the foundation with her positive outlook and gratitude. Dana is real example of how the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station supports Warriors in transition and how the Warriors in turn show their appreciation by passing it along to others. Dana medically retired from the U.S. Marine Corps on October 30, 2023.
Anthony Pone
U.S. Army (ret.)
Anthony is a U.S. Army veteran and current resident of Freedom Station I. He is an “above-the-knee” right leg amputee, resulting from a vehicle accident. Living at Freedom Station has given Anthony a community that he considers his family and a purpose in life. As a former Division I College Basketball player, who proudly states his 6′ 9-1/2″ stature, Anthony was a natural to play for the Wolfpack Wheelchair Basketall Team largely funded by Warrior Foundation Freedom Station. Being part of the Wolfpack fills Anthony with confidence and pride, knowing he will always have brothers to depend on. Anthony recently competed in the DK3 wheelchair basketball competition, and the Wolfpack competed in the 2021 National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) Championships in 2021. Anthony also competes in Shot put for USA National Paralympic Team and is currently ranked 15th in the world and number 1 in the U.S.. Anthony is working on his Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology and plans to help others, including Veterans, to accomplish their goals.
Josue Barron
U.S. Marine Corps (ret.)
Josue is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Corporal who lived at Freedom Station I. He was a fire team leader with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines out of Camp Pendleton. On October 21, 2010, Josue was on a morning foot patrol. On the way back to the base, his engineer stepped on an IED, hitting him and Josue. Josue lost his left leg above the knee and his left eye. During his recovery and while awaiting his medical discharge, Josue and his wife Debbie moved into Freedom Station I. Being combat-wounded and among other service members, he felt comfortable, knowing he was surrounded by other transitioning warriors who shared things in common. Josue was also a founding member of the Wolfpack wheelchair basketball team, a program he started while recovering at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Today, he enjoys spending time with his wife and sons and is pursuing his passion of handcycling.
David Scott
U.S. Marine Corps (ret.)
David is a U.S. Marine and Combat Veteran of 12 years with five deployments including combat duty in Afghanistan and Iraqi. He medically retired in 2014 and returned home, but struggled to acclimate to Civilian Life. David moved to Mexican for two years and returned to San Diego in June to live to at Freedom Station II and start a new life with the help of the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station. In that short period of time, with help of affordable transitional housing at Freedom Station II, David has been able to save money and start a new financial plan for his future. In addition, through personal goal setting, financial and career mentorship, David has developed a stronger relationship with his family and started a new freelance Social Media photography and video editing career. David is an excellent example of how the Warrior Foundation can have a positive impact in a short period of time.
Hector Varela
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy (ret.)
Hector is a current resident of Freedom Station I and a member of the Wolfpack wheelchair basketball team. He is a retired Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy. He is an “above the knee” left leg amputee as the result of a motorcycle accident. Living at Freedom Station and playing for the Wolfpack have been very beneficial for Hector, giving him a sense of purpose and community.
Povas Miknaitis
Scout Sniper U.S. Marine Corps (ret.)
San Diego County Veteran of the Year (2019-2020)
Povas Miknaitis shares his firsthand experience of a harrowing deployment in Afghanistan, and how living at Freedom Station helped him overcome the battles he faced. Today, Povas continues to be an outspoken champion for injured veterans through his work with Warrior Foundation Freedom Station.
Junior Rodriguez
Petty Officer Second Class, FMF Corpsman U.S. Navy (ret.)
Junior Rodriguez tells a riveting story of survival, recovery and resilience from Operation Enduring Freedom. Hear how the love and support of Warrior Foundation Freedom Station helped him begin a fulfilling new journey in civilian life, from his experience living at Freedom Station to running the Wolfpack, one of the nation’s most successful wheelchair basketball teams.
Mike Spivey
U.S. Marine Corps (ret.)
Mike Spivey shares his personal journey of transitioning to civilian life after being combat-injured overseas. Living at Freedom Station helped him bridge the gap between military service and civilian life and successfully begin the next chapter.
Today, Mike is happily married, a proud homeowner, and successful Paralympic snowboarder. Read our interview with Mike and learn how you can help him reach his dream of competing in the 2022 Winter Paralympics!
Isaac Blunt
U.S. Marine Corps (ret.)
Hear the compelling story of Isaac Blunt’s experience in Afghanistan, and learn how Warrior Foundation Freedom Station helped him successfully transition from military service to civilian life.