Josue Barron joined the Marine Corps shortly after high school because he wanted to fulfill his duty as a red-blooded American. He became stationed with 3/5 at Camp Pendleton as an Infantryman. Cpl. Barron showed outstanding leadership and was often recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty. Cpl. Barron trained in various countries including Japan, Korea, and Australia. On September 27, 2010, Cpl. Barron and 3/5 deployed to Afghanistan.

On the morning of October 21, 2010, Cpl. Josue Barron was conducting military operations in Sangin, of the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Cpl. Barron followed behind an Engineer who was sweeping for mines. Unfortunately, the Engineer stepped on a pressure plate IED that sent shrapnel flying in Cpl. Barron’s direction. The shrapnel claimed Cpl. Barron’s left eye, left leg and inflicted several other serious wounds. Cpl. Barron felt guilty that his injuries would keep him from completing his tour of duty and commitment to his fellow marines.

At just twenty-one years old, Cpl. Barron felt like a mere shell of the man he used to be physically, but mentally he was as tough as ever. He put his mind towards healing and not letting these injuries pull him down. After two years of intense rehabilitation, he wears his prosthetic leg and glass eye everyday and walks with his head held high. Despite suffering these injuries, Cpl. Barron has participated in 6 full marathons including the Marine Corps Marathon twice, and he participated in the third annual Warrior Games as a hand cyclist and wheelchair basketball player. He and a few fellow wounded warrior created a wheelchair basketball team made up of wounded service members which competed against teams all across California and the Western United states and was recognized by the NWBA (National Wheelchair Basketball Association). He plays golf, climbs, surfs, mono skis and volunteers to help Veterans groups. He even found time to renew his vows with his wife, Debbie.

“I want to continue serving my country, my community and the many like me who share the common burden and struggles to succeed,” says Cpl. Barron. “I am ready for a new chapter in my life as a retired Marine. My experiences have made me the man I am today, the scholar and professional I hope to become. It’s because of gracious organizations and programs such as The Wounded Marine Fund that allows me to grow.”