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Defender builds routine to achieve goals

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
Staff Sgt. Jesse Galvan enjoys being in the Air Force and what brings him equal enjoyment is the pursuit of fitness, specifically body building.

Even before he joined the Air Force, he always had an interest in body building and in the new age of social media, he found himself providing fitness tips and routines to fitness enthusiasts.

It wasn't long before Men's Fitness Magazine offered to feature the eight-year Air Force veteran's fitness workout routine in one of their spreads.

"From that point on, I have posted on one of their social media outlets and I'm currently in the process of completing an additional routine along with other small projects," said Galvan. "I'm a huge fan of power lifters and the sport of bodybuilding; it has stuck with me since I was a kid."

Galvan's goal is to compete in figure competitions and he hopes to fulfill this by competing in the Oklahoma's National Physique Committee Fitness Competition in August. To do this requires a tremendous amount of varied workouts on his part.

"Finding new ways to challenge myself to reach my maximum potential is a huge part of the bodybuilding game," said Galvan. "Mixing up routines can be challenging, but is necessary to ensure muscle development and progression. I am in the gym six days a week and ensure that I perform at least ten minutes of cardio each day. Dieting is also important, in that, I have to put the right stuff in my body in order to have a well-rounded figure."

Preparing for the competition challenges and motivates Galvan every day. Exercising also provides an avenue to relieve stress and he looks forward to working out after a 12-hour shift. The relief he speaks of is his job as a military working dog handler for the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.

"Being a dog handler is a rewarding experience that has brought me countless opportunities, such as traveling around the world and the opportunity to protect the president and the vice president of the United States," said Galvan who deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. "The most important and rewarding part of my job is being able to work alongside my military working dog, Ritz. She is a constant reminder of the reason I do what I do."

The easy-talking Dallas-Ft. Worth native operates in tandem with Ritz. They share a bond that can't be broken. Ritz is his partner.

"She provides me with the comfort and motivation to perform my job to the best of my abilities," said the Defender
MWD Ritz is one of the reasons the personnel of this installation can feel safe to come and go as they please. She provides that first line of defense and is a psychological deterrent that ensures the safety of all U.S. and joint coalition forces, he explains.

"Staff Sgt. Galvan is what I would call the ideal NCO. He is technically proficient in his craft and a top notch mentor to his fellow Defenders," said Capt. Kenneth Canty, 386th ESFS operations officer who deployed from MacDill Air Force Base, Florida and is a native of Miami. "He takes charge and leads in every situation and is a true role model."

Galvan, who joined the Air Force for an education and to see the world, feels that the Air Force has given him many chances to succeed above anything he ever imagined, he said.

At 5'11" and 180 pounds, the 27-year-old has worked hard to achieve his fitness goals, but fitness is not his only passion in life as he is an avid learner with a determined mind. Galvan has his Community College of the Air Force degree, a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies and is currently enrolled in Masters in Criminal Intelligence.

Everyone has a way of achieving their goals, something that clicks for them. What works for Galvan is looking at biographies of military leaders. He has strived to be better since one of his goals is to become an officer. He credits his success to the motivation of his family.

"My family has always been the backbone behind what I do," said Galvan who has been married for four years. "They help me get through any stressful times and ensure I stay on track to achieve my ultimate goals."

And for the wild child who joined the Air Force to get an education, see the world and achieve his fitness potential, he's living his dream.