CARLSBAD UNIFIED CONNECTIONS

Christopher Epps and Douglas Peak, CUSD Custodians

Freedom, democracy, the American way of life – our most cherished ideals. On Veterans Day we honor the men and women in uniform who have served and sacrificed in order that we may live these ideals in this great Nation. So today we at Carlsbad Unified pause to acknowledge and thank our many employees who have served our country in the military.

Douglas Peak is one of them. Now a custodian at Calavera Hills Middle School, and before that a two-year member of the District Substitute Custodian team, Mr. Peak enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, in Virginia, from 2010 to 2012.

There he trained as a Navy Corpsman, or Medic. As the Navy describes it, a Navy Hospital Corpsman is a professional who provides medical care to Navy and Marine Corps units, squadrons, battalions, and commands. They are proficient in first aid, emergency medicine, anatomy, hygiene, and operating medical equipment. They are prepared to treat battlefield injuries, such as applying tourniquets to stop bleeding. Corpsmen also dispense vaccines and medicines, analyze lab samples–and even perform emergency surgeries.

Mr. Peak soon was transferred to Camp Pendleton, where he served with the Marines from 2012-14 as a field medic. Training with Marines on strenuous hikes, he splinted sprains, treated wounds, and provided IV support for soldiers suffering severe dehydration. In serious situations, he would summon an ambulance or helicopter to transport the patient to the base hospital.

“I enjoyed my military time,” says Mr. Peak. “It was hard work, but it opened doors for me. As a field medic I learned the skills of an Emergency Medical Technician.” More importantly, “I was there when I met my wife.”

After his discharge and a return to his home state of West Virginia for eight years, Mr. Peak seized an opportunity to come back to California. He says he feels fortunate to be hired by Carlsbad Unified two years ago. Right now he works at CHMS from 2:30 to 11 p.m. In his free time he attends UEI College to earn a certificate in HVAC. As Custodial Services Supervisor Rick Graham reports, “Mr. Peak has got it covered. He does a great job, and works well with students and teachers. We are lucky to have him.”

Christopher Epps is another military veteran at CUSD. He has worked as a custodian at Sage Creek High School for almost three years. Originally from Queens, New York, Mr. Epps also served as a Navy Corpsman, stationed at Camp Pendleton, from 2000 to 2005. Assigned to the Emergency Room at the base hospital, he provided medical aid such as inserting IV’s, suturing, casting, splintering injuries, and even occasionally applying CPR.

“Working in the emergency room was always exciting, and every day was different,” says Mr. Epps. “I was trained to respond in a crisis, and I saw it all. It was very hard work, and sometimes very difficult emotionally. But it was very rewarding to help people. And I always appreciated the camaraderie and brotherhood of those I served with.”

“Chris is always the calm in the storm,” says Mr. Graham. “His attitude is ‘We got this.’ He is very helpful and dependable, and has great communication skills. Whether it is a special event or an emergency situation, he always makes it happen. Nothing overwhelms him.”

The strong work ethic and teamwork mentality of both of these individuals are great assets at their school sites. Carlsbad Unified takes great pride in our employees who are veterans. We thank them for their service to our country.