Honoring Those Who Served

Veteran Highlights

These six individuals represent the dedication, discipline, and compassion that define both military service and surgical technology. We are honored to share their stories.

U.S. Navy

Rubin Ramos, CST

Orthopedic Surgical Tech Lead — Naval Medical Center Balboa

Rubin is serving as an orthopedic surgical tech lead at Naval Medical Center Balboa. He is driven by a strong commitment to improving care for military patients and is motivated by the impact each procedure has on service members' recovery and quality of life. He is currently pursuing a path toward becoming a Physician Assistant to further expand his ability to serve patients.

U.S. Marine Corps

Moises Pelayo Jr, CST

Specialties: ENT • Robotic ENT • Robotic Urology • Cranio/Maxillofacial Surgery • Head & Neck Microvascular Reconstruction

My time serving in the Marine Corps instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and service to others. I loved the high-tempo environment and the "hooking and jabbing" aspect of the Marine Corps — having to perform under pressure, stay sharp, and execute with precision. After leaving the military, I wanted a career that would still allow me to serve others while fulfilling that need to work in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where exactness matters. Becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist gave me that. Being part of the surgical team and helping care for patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives gives me a strong sense of purpose and pride in my work.

U.S. Navy

Edgar Lucero, CST

Orthopedic Surgery — NMRTC San Diego

Edgar is working in orthopedic surgery at NMRTC San Diego. He is inspired by the meaningful difference made in every patient encounter in the operating room. He is actively working toward advancing his career by pursuing a future role as a perioperative nurse.

U.S. Army

Cameron Spears

68W Combat Medic • ST Student — PIMA Medical Institute, Chula Vista

I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field because I always liked the idea of helping people. My reason for picking this profession is because I thought it would be the most interesting career — there are surgical techs in so many different specialties. I hope to see and learn many different things and welcome the variety.

U.S. Navy

Caitlin Gleaton

RS2 (SW) • ST Student — PIMA Medical Institute, Chula Vista

I was motivated to pursue Surgical Technology because of a personal experience within my family that showed me just how important compassionate, skilled surgical care truly is. Watching a loved one face serious challenges following surgery inspired me to want to make a difference in the lives of patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. That experience motivated me to pursue a career where I could be part of a surgical team dedicated to patient safety, excellence, and compassionate care. I want to help ensure that patients receive the highest quality care possible and to be someone who contributes positively to their surgical experience and recovery. My journey has strengthened my passion for healthcare and continues to motivate me each day as I work toward becoming a Surgical Technologist.

U.S. Marine Corps

Anquin Jackson

ST Student — Pima Medical Institute, Chula Vista

I've taken upon myself to use my life to serve others. Choosing to pursue Surgical Technology puts me in the position to help individuals that face difficult and life-challenging circumstances. Becoming a CST gives me the ability to be a positive advocate for patients in the operating room. Knowing that one day I will be a member of a surgical team that enhances the wellbeing and health of the less fortunate motivates me to continue my pursuit in becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist.