By JOE VARGO, The Press-Enterprise

During intense retreats that combine counseling, massage and American Indian rituals, returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are learning to reconnect with their spouses after months of unrelenting combat.

Dubbed the Phoenix Project, the no-cost weeklong retreats unaffiliated with the military have attracted about 500 veterans and their spouses since beginning three years ago.

SAN DIEGO -- Army infantry Sgt. Wally Fanene's sister calls him "the face of who came back from the Iraq war," a reminder of the savagery confronting American troops daily.

SAN DIEGO -- It's called The Schoolhouse, and it's where some of the toughest, baddest, no-nonsense career Marines learn the drill-sergeant drill.