Air Force Medic of the Year

“That was a lightbulb moment for me - it really motivated me to look into it.

“There were moments of doubt as I saw it was a male-dominated area, but looking back I know it was the best decision I made to enlist with the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). Being in this job has taught me so much, it has tested my resilience and pushed me to new limits I didn’t know I could achieve. I have no regrets joining the military.”

Now, the Leading Aircraftman, who graduated as a Royal New Zealand Air Force medic in 2022 after three years of training, has just been named the service’s Medic of the Year.

“I was shocked when I found out – I didn’t even know I’d been nominated for the award.”

LAC Cooper was recently presented with the Gordon Watt Memorial Trophy at Base Auckland.

Her citation states LAC Cooper was known for her positivity, professionalism and initiative, maintaining a reliable and steady presence in an often demanding environment.

“Her resilience, problem-solving skills and leadership consistently exceeded expectations for her rank. Additionally, it has been highlighted to her command through patient feedback on several occasions that she is a highly competent and empathetic medic.”

LAC Cooper also revitalised the training programme at RNZAF Base Auckland’s Defence Heath Centre, the citation said.

Growing up, she was always interested in health care and joining the military seemed like the smart option for gaining the qualification and not being shackled with student debt.

“It also meant an opportunity to work in different environments and a way to test my resilience. It was a unique challenge that I thought would push me to grow.”

LAC Cooper’s decision proved rewarding because she found herself making a difference to people in a vulnerable state, whether that be in physical or mental health.

“Building that human connection with people and being able to provide care for them is fulfilling, especially when I get feedback from patients telling me how I’ve helped them through a certain situation – it’s why I’ve stayed in the job.”

One of the most consequential jobs LAC Cooper has been part of was the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination to Base Auckland personnel in 2021.

“That was such an incredibly important piece of work. I was still a student at the time but it was satisfying knowing I was contributing towards the overall health of my colleagues and helping to protect them.”

Part of LAC Cooper’s role is to cover medical situations for units on exercise, which has covered a number of different activities.

“I’ve worked with the New Zealand Army as well, which was a great experience. We cover a wide range of exercises, providing medical support to all different military units,” she said.

Being part of the military was the perfect choice for her and she tells others looking to join it’s a great option for having job security, a good income and they will be well looked after.