More than 5,000 military personnel are committed to the COVID-19 response supporting hospitals, the vaccine rollout, and community testing.

In Wiltshire, a Medical Support Officer has virtually met the Duke of Cambridge, to celebrate serving personnel’s work during the pandemic.

Lieutenant (Lt) Alexandra Merisoiu, a Medical Support Officer based in Tidworth, was commissioned from Sandhurst in 2019, promoted to lieutenant in 2020, and now manages six Vaccine Quick Reaction Forces (VQRF) teams across the south-east of England.

This is her second deployment as part of the COVID Support Force and in the spring of last year, she supported the build of the Bristol Nightingale Hospital.

“It’s quite a privilege to work with the NHS and to be part of the national project. I’m pretty proud,” said Alexandra.

Alongside a group of other serving personnel, Lt Merisoiu spoke to His Royal Highness on a video call and he was keen to know more about Alexandra’s role:

“The VQRF is formed from several teams. They deploy at very short notice in support of the NHS to help them provide the vaccines, which normally expire within a few days from delivery,” Alexandra explained.

She was honoured to get the opportunity to speak with The Duke, adding; “It was totally unexpected. I am hugely privileged. It was a completely unique experience, and I am so humbled and proud to have been selected and given the opportunity.”

Originally from Romania, Alexandra moved to the UK in 2011 and became a British citizen in 2018. Before joining the army, she ran her own business as a Physical Trainer specialising in running biomechanics. In her spare time, she enjoys martial arts, and Shotokan karate, and has practiced since the age of eight.