Private (Pte) Liberty Oldham (19) from Wigton, Cumbria has deployed to Oman in the Middle-East on Exercise Saif Sareea 3 (SS3).
Liberty joined the Army as a Combat Medical Technician and is working in Shafa, Oman on her first overseas deployment with the Army Medical Services.
Pte Oldham’s role on SS3 is to provide medical support to the exercising troops. ‘I love being out here in the sun’ said Liberty, ‘I’m enjoying it, it’s more comfortable than I had expected, we’re getting 3 meals a day and there’s loads of fresh fruit’. ‘The best part about being on exercise in Oman is learning from how other people work, there are thousands of soldiers out here so it has given me sight of the bigger picture, it’s nice to be somewhere different’ said Liberty.
Whilst in Oman, Liberty had a very special surprise, “All of us medics were on parade and our Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Wilson told us that some soldiers were about to be promoted to Lance Corporal. When he read my name out, I couldn’t believe it!” said Liberty, “I just didn’t expect it because of my age, it was really flattering, everyone was clapping and smiling, I actually cried, I was so unbelievably happy”.
This promotion means that Liberty will become a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) and opens up lots of exciting opportunities for her. “When I told my mum and dad, they were both so proud, they cried too” said Liberty.
Liberty grew up in Wigton with parents David and Sara, younger sister, Matilda and younger brother Zachery and went to The Nelson Tomlinson School. Before joining the Army, Liberty worked as a mascot for CFM Radio which involved dressing up as ‘Courage the Cat’ and hugging people. “I’m really looking forward to getting back home and seeing my family” said Liberty, “their support has meant everything to me. Also, I can’t wait to eat some of my mum’s cooking, her lasagne is something special, the cheese sauce she makes is amazing!”
