Laying the floor work

U.S. Air Force Airmen and U.S. Army Soldiers lay mats on the floor in the new cross function fitness area at the Haeffner Fitness Center on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Dec. 27, 2012. The Airmen and Soldiers volunteered to put the mats in place in response to a request for help from U.S. Air Force Maj. Gregory Stack, 355th Fighter Wing executive officer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Timothy Moore/Released)

Laying the floor work

U.S. Air Force Airmen and U.S. Army Soldiers place the final mats down in the new cross functional fitness area in the Haeffner Fitness Center on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Dec. 27, 2012. Once completed, the area will provide a proper facility and equipment for people new and experienced to cross fitness workouts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Timothy Moore/Released)

Laying the floor work

Published Dec. 28, 2012
By Senior Airman Timothy Moore
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Though Christmas has come and gone, some Airmen are still giving back to the base. Led by U.S. Air Force Maj. Gregory Stack, 355th Fighter Wing executive officer, approximately 30 individuals laid down mats in the newly renovated cross functional fitness area at the Haeffner Fitness Center.

With the recent renovation of the Haeffner, the laying of the mats did not get written into the original contract for the quote.

"We found it would cost a significant amount to have the contractors do it," said Stack. "So to minimize labor costs and maximize funds available to buy equipment, I made the call to take that portion of the project on ourselves."

In order to lay the approximately 200 four-by-six-foot mats, Major Stack sent out an email to solicit aides. That email was spread out to all the unit fitness program managers and sports representatives, and nearly 30 individuals; both Airmen and U.S. Army Soldiers, offered their time.

"This cross functional fitness area is a huge asset to D-M," Stack said. "It provides a safe and effective area to train in a group environment using proper equipment to accomplish high-intensity fitness workouts. This new area will allow people who are already doing these workouts elsewhere a proper facility and equipment to accomplish their workouts as well as offer an introduction to those who are interested in improving their level of fitness."

The volunteers laid the mats and also put the equipment in place to be installed at a later date. There is still no definite date as to when the area will be ready for use, but the work accomplished by the volunteers has brought that date closer.

"I think that the Airmen and Soldiers that helped today will absolutely be motivated to use the new area," Stack said. "I hope they pass the word on to others on base what this new facility will bring to members here at D-M."