When two recently married RAF Reservists were mobilised in the fight against C-19 little did they know they would be on the same team on a virus testing unit.
Newlyweds Corporal Karen Mellows-Marais, 41, and Leading Aircraftman Sam Mellows-Marais, 28, had been hitched for less than a year when they answered the call to support the fight against the pandemic.
The pair spent their first wedding anniversary packing their kit on standby then joined colleagues from across the RAF Reserves as they carried out C-19 tests at pop-up drive-in centres across the South East.
"When we volunteered, we thought we would be at opposite ends of the country from each other," said Sam, who is a watersports instructor in civilian life. “We were really surprised when we discovered we would be working together.”
Karen added: "It wasn't until the day of training that we realised we were going to be on the same unit."
The couple, of Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, are drivers on 501 Squadron, a specialist logistics unit, based at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. Karen, who gained her HGV licence with the Reserves has been mobilised before and served in the Falkland Islands.
Sam has recently finished her basic training and is due to start driver training. “I thought about joining the Army,” she said, “but then I saw what Karen was doing and I thought I would also like to drive a full range of military vehicles with the RAF.”
Karen, whose great uncle was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Bomber Command, added: "It's ticked many boxes, having this opportunity, we joined to serve and we are happy to be able to do that and the fact we are together is a bonus."
Squadron Leader Andy Marshall, Officer Commanding 501 Sqn, said:
“I am extremely proud of the 501 Sqn Reservists who are contributing to the fight against COVID 19. Running a mobile testing unit safely requires discipline, thoughtfulness, and an ability to reassure and relate to the people who are being tested. I know they will do a great job.”
Squadron Leader Andy Marshall
Officer Commanding
No. 501 Squadron
