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#Innovate DLT: Innovating fitness

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Camille Galang, 355th Fighter Wing Command Post emergency action controller, proposes her request for CrossFit instructors and their training during the first ever Innovate DLT event at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Jan. 29, 2016. Innovate DLT was an opportunity for Airmen to pitch their original ideas to the 355th Fighter Wing commander and a panel of judges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ashley N. Steffen /Released)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Camille Galang, 355th Fighter Wing Command Post emergency action controller, proposes her request for CrossFit instructors and their training during the first ever "Desert Lightening Team" Innovate event at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Jan. 29, 2016. Innovate DLT was an opportunity for Airmen to pitch their original ideas to the 355th Fighter Wing commander and a panel of judges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ashley N. Steffen /Released)

U.S. Air Force  Staff Sgt. Camille Galang, 355th Fighter Wing Command Post emergency action controller, exercises with a rowing machine at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Jan. 29, 2016. Galang felt the CrossFit program needed attention because they were having difficulties retaining coaches. She presented her idea to resolve the issue during the innovate DLT event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Basic Nathan H. Barbour/Released)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Camille Galang, 355th Fighter Wing Command Post emergency action controller, exercises with a rowing machine at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Jan. 29, 2016. Galang felt the CrossFit program needed attention because they were having difficulties retaining coaches. She presented her idea to resolve the issue during the first ever "Desert Lightening Team" Innovate event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Basic Nathan H. Barbour/Released)

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 355th Fighter Wing commander, U.S. Air Force Col. James Meger, reached out to Airmen of Davis-Monthan AFB to get ideas for innovating the base through a new initiative called Innovate DLT, which gives Airmen a direct line to Meger and allows them to define a problem or propose an improvement that will impact members of the base.

An event was held at The Shockwave, Jan. 29, where Meger and a panel of judges, comprised of Airmen of various ranks and units, heard seven innovation proposals, including one by Staff Sgt. Camille Galang, 355th Fighter Wing Command Post emergency action controller.

Galang felt the CrossFit program needed attention because they were having difficulties retaining coaches.

"My idea for innovate DLT, to continue the program, was to get enough funding and sources, in order to be able to send people to get the appropriate credentials that they need to coach classes at the CrossFit affiliate on base," said Galang. "The program really thrives off of coaches. Without coaches we can't run classes."

In order to coach at a military CrossFit affiliate a potential trainer must attain a level one CrossFit certificate.

"It's a two day course where you learn the basic foundational fundamental movements and methodology behind CrossFit, also how to program, how to complete the movements safely and how to teach others to preform those movements effectively," Galang said.

Galang's vision is to have a fully manned CrossFit program ready for when the Haeffner Fitness center finishes renovations and reopens.

"That was really great, to be able to present something regarding fitness, something that I do and love, but also something that can impact the military and our greater community here at D-M," Galang said. "It's very important for people in the military, as we all know, to get your voice out there. I think innovate DLT has been a great platform for that."

This article is the first of a series highlighting #InnovateDLT.