An Aberystwyth cadet has received a prestigious prize for her efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sergeant Alecia Jackson has been awarded a Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit from Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed.

Twenty-five-year-old Alecia has been recognised for her outstanding dedication to 561 (Ardwyn, Aberystwyth & District) Squadron and the wider 3 Welsh Wing, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Alecia said “I was honoured and surprised to receive this award. It brings a heightened sense of motivation and pride to my work and I hope that my work with the cadets over the Covid situation has helped to keep their spirits high during these strange times.”

Since the first national lockdown in March 2020 the RAF Air Cadets has moved to virtual training. Although, this has not stopped Alecia from spending approximately 350 hours (or nearly 50 working days!) giving the young people in the organisation varied and exciting training opportunities.

Alecia, who works for Aberystwyth University has not only supported her local squadron two nights a week, she has also been instrumental in the delivery of training to No3 Welsh Wing, which covers a geographical area from Aberystwyth in the North, Tenby in the South to Cowbridge in the East.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, No3 Welsh Wing have delivered a variety of courses which Alecia has supported; ranging from supporting young people through their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, assisting cadets through a BTEC in Aviation Studies and spearheading a photography course; a topic Alecia is passionate about having recently graduated with a master’s degree in Fine Art and a BA (Hons) in Fine Art.

Alecia was also commended for her role in the delivery of Operation PHOENIX. Op PHOENIX has brought the whole of 3 Welsh Wing together on a virtual platform delivering training courses such as; leadership, radio communications and cyber to name a few. With close to 250 qualifications being awarded, the wing appreciates Alecia’s support and dedication to this operation.

It can be said, without doubt, that Alecia has given hundreds of cadets the opportunity to have fun, learn and grow as individuals during the pandemic.