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About

Resume

Troy Hall

troy.hall@outlook.com   •   202-779-2861

 

HARDWARE ENGINEER

 

COMPETENCIES

DoD ATO COMPLIANCE & GOVERNANCE

  • Led the development and submission of DoD ATO packages, ensuring adherence to Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements.

  • Conducted security control assessments and implemented mitigations to achieve and maintain ATO status.

  • Collaborated with DoD stakeholders to navigate cybersecurity policies, ensuring systems meet operational security standards.

  • Managed documentation and continuous monitoring processes to maintain compliance with DoD cybersecurity directives.

  • Developed and enforced security controls aligned with NIST 800-53, supporting system accreditation efforts.

  • Provided expert guidance on ATO renewal, risk management strategies, and POA&M (Plan of Action & Milestones) remediation.

 

CYBERSECURITY RISK MANAGEMENT & CONTINUOUS MONITORING

  • Oversaw vulnerability management and remediation to maintain ATO compliance.

  • Implemented continuous monitoring tools and practices to assess and improve security posture.

  • Developed security incident response procedures in accordance with DoD cybersecurity frameworks.

 

CYBER SECURITY ENGINEERING

  • VLSM, OSPF, and EIGRP protocols.  Cybersecurity Fundamentals (SECFND) and Operations (SECOPS).

  • Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) analysis, network device security, configure, manage, and maintain devices.

  • CCNA, CySA+, Certified Ethical Hacker, CCNA Security, CASP and the Cybersecurity First Responder.

  • STIGs, ACAS, SCAP, and continuous

 

NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE TECHNOLOGY

  • Application and System Design & Development.  Network design, testing, analysis, and administration. Internet2.

  • Network security. Firewalls.  Network Access Control Remote Access.  VPN.  VoIP.  Backup systems.  802.1x

  • LAN and WAN Design and Implementation.  TCP/IP, UDP.  VLANs.  DHCP.  Active Directory.  VMware.

  • Switching and Routing.  Firewalls.  Ethernet.  Cat6 termination.  Fiber Optic.  Serial.  OSPF and BGP routing.

  • Business Continuity.  Active Directory and RADIUS Authentication methods.  Performance Monitoring. SEIM.

 

WEB DEVELOPMENT

  • Dreamweaver, HTML5, CSS, Javascript, VBscript, ASP.net, SGML, XML, DTD. JQuery.  NetBeans.

  • Flash Scripting, Fireworks, AfterEffects, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Encore, Premiere. PHPEdit.

  • Design accessible web sites (ADA) in accordance with strict guidelines.  Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP (LAMP).

  • Back-end Web database integration with SQL.  Magento e-commerce platform. DotNetNuke. Other CMS.

  • Web-based training systems (remote and on-site).  Ownership and management of a Desire2Learn (D2L) course.

 

PROGRAMMING, NETWORKING, & IT APPLICATIONS

  • Policy and Technical Writer.  Instructional Design.  Educational Technology. Network Authentication.

  • Software design and development methodologies and practices, including configuration management.

  • OOP programming knowledge including Visual Basic Assembly Language.  API.  C++.  LabVIEW.  Java.

  • Applications developed include diagnostics, training, simulation, and student management. BlackBoard.  EMV.

  • SGML, DTD.  XML. VB.Net for executables.  LINUX and UNIX command-line programming. Ellucian.

  • SQL. Access.  LAMP Server.  ArcGIS.  SPSS.  Chief Architect.  mRemote.  SolarWinds.  QRadar.  Wireshark.

  • Microsoft Project, Visio.  Excel.  SharePoint.  InfoPath.  Access.  Web Apps.  SCCM. Brocade Network Advisor

  • Q1Labs/IBM SEIM. Cisco ASA/PIX.  Palo Alto PAN-OS 5.0 and up.  Cisco and Brocade IOS. Extreme Network

WORKSTATIONS, SERVERS, AND SOFTWARE

  • Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, RHEL), and Mac OS X workstations and servers. Windows Server 2008 R2 and 2012.

  • Windows 2000, Windows XP Pro, Windows 7. Windows 8.1, Unix.  Linux.  Mac OS 10.4, - 10.9, iOS5-8.

  • Applications supported:  MasterCam CNC machining workstations.  SolidWorks (CAD).  Salesforce & Sugar CRM systems.  ESRI ArcGIS (geographic information system).  Microsoft Office (Windows & Mac), Exchange.  Adobe CS3/CS4/CS5/CS6/CC.  QuickBooks.  Arrival, UPS, & FedEx shipping systems (inc. WiFi). SharePoint.

  • Video and display systems, including multiple-monitor and warped/blended projection solutions (inc. motion).

  • 3D modeling and simulation including Virtual Reality Geospecific Terrain products.  VMware ESX/vSphere.

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

January 2021 – Present  Self Employed—Def-Tek and XTS (major clients)                                                                            

Rapid City, SD

Successfully created and maintained DoD Authority to Operate (ATO) compliance by adhering to the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and collaborating with DoD stakeholders to ensure systems met operational security standards. Developed and submitted ATO packages, conducted security control assessments, and implemented mitigations to achieve and sustain accreditation. Managed documentation and continuous monitoring, ensuring compliance with DoD cybersecurity directives while enforcing security controls aligned with NIST 800-53.Oversaw vulnerability management and remediation efforts, implementing continuous monitoring tools and practices to assess and enhance security posture. Developed security incident response procedures in accordance with DoD cybersecurity frameworks, ensuring rapid and effective threat mitigation. Led ATO renewals, managed risk, and successfully executed POA&M (Plan of Action & Milestones) remediation, securing mission-critical systems and maintaining operational readiness within DoD environments. Deployed, tested, and documented an upgrade to the Joint Theater Air-Ground Simulation System (JTAGSS) simulators, including a VMware ESXi Update, which improved compatibility, security, performance, and stability. Led and conducted training for the newly updated JTAGSS, and improved course material to reflect the updates. Repaired, redesigned, integrated, and tested Emulated Military Equipment (EME) for JTC-TRS Baseline A and B.  Expertly led sustainment and concurrency of simulation devices for USAF and Foreign Military installations. Designed, coordinated, certified, and taught curriculum to ensure the success of training devices delivered to field. Analyzed, advised, and integrated new hardware and software into existing legacy devices foreign and domestic.  Authored, validated and verified technical data, work instructions, checklists, and manuals to document systems.

October 2015 – January 2021  Hardware Engineer—QuantaDyn                                                                                                                          

Ashburn, VA

 

April 2014 – October 2015  Senior Analyst—Network Infrastructure    Spearfish, SD

Resolved network and security related issues as part of a Tier 3 help-desk team that provided 24x7 support at two locations. Expertly administered computer and networking software and hardware systems, web services and related technologies using sound principles of network security, protocols and standards, and general network management best practices.  Designed, installed, maintained, and troubleshot VoIP, LAN, WAN, Switching, Routing, Security, and VPN technologies and standards.  Interfaced with third-party vendors and contractors to resolve problems and ensure high service levels.  Designed, developed, implemented, and followed network, security, and payment card policies, procedures, and applications related to established computer security system procedures and standards.  Leveraged skillful principles and practices of project management.  Demonstrated exemplary practices to manage data privacy and the related local, state, and federal regulations while enforcing the like.  Authored extensive documentation with emphasis on policy and procedures and created knowledge-base articles used by all department hands.  Promoted noteworthy principles of supervision and leadership while providing motivation and guidance to others.  Restored celebrated philosophy and processes for providing customer service including customer needs assessments, consistently exceeding quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction.  Resourced data and circuit testing tools and procedures where none existed previously.  Responded appropriately to constructive criticism and dealt calmly and effectively in high stress situations.  Skillfully applied sound principles of logical and scientific thinking to continuously define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

 

NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE

  • Conducted needs analysis, technology assessments, and cost/benefit studies to design, test, deploy and manage LANs, WANs, and wireless networks, including servers, routers, switches, and other hardware.

  • Researched, recommended, installed and updated software versions of networked operating systems and hardware devices including firewalls, routers, switches, servers, and other network infrastructure devices.

  • Created, updated, and maintained documentation as it relates to physical and logical network configuration.

  • Planned and managed budgeting for network hardware and software procurement. Established and maintained business relationships with hardware and software vendors; negotiated with vendors, partners, and contractors to secure network products and services while ensuring sound fiscal responsibility.

  • Deployed and managed PacketFence network access control (NAC) across geographically separated networks.  Designed, integrated, and installed an always-on VPN connection to various remote offices.

  • Architected PCI DSS compliant infrastructures to facilitate e-commerce and point-of-sale transactions.

  • Deployed and managed QRadar SIEM, which monitors over 2Gbps of traffic and ~1500 events/second.

  • Replaced the obsolete and failing Cisco ASA 5550 firewalls with the Next Generation Palo Alto 3050, high availability configured firewall.

  • The data administration staff immediately reported performance improvements, overnight batch jobs ran to completion consistently instead of experiencing multiple failures.

  • Eradicated the need for intrusive and untimely firewall system reboots due to the aged hardware being utilized to capacity and locking up.

  • Allowed application-level inspection of network traffic and introduced improved capability to monitor, detect and act upon (block) malicious network activity.

  • Ensured 99.99% connectivity of all servers, workstations, telephony equipment, and network appliances.

  • Facilitated creation and installation of the NOC Portal – a unified, role-based interface to Network Operations Center data, services, and metrics and made it available to Network & Computing Services (NCS) personnel.

 

VOICE OVER IP (VoIP) SUPPORT

  • Replaced the aged Voice over IP system with new hardware and the latest software version.

  • Through the use of virtualized servers was able to reduce the server footprint from 6 servers, down to 2 physical servers running 6 virtual servers.

  • Provided improved administration capabilities through and improved interface and higher performance hardware.

  • Put back in place a backup server solution to provide survivability in the event of a catastrophic hardware failure of the primary server.

  • Recommend changes to project plan in response to unexpected performance levels between sites, directly resulting in a successful outcome.

  • Managed, configured, replaced, and troubleshot VoIP servers and their associated hardware and software.

 

WIRELESS NETWORKING SUPPORT

  • Configured and maintained multiple wireless networks to ensure their smooth and reliable operation.

  • Monitored and analyzed network performance. Investigated and solved problems with network applications, devices and the infrastructure.  Responded to the ever-changing challenges to support new devices and apps.

  • Identified and rectified network performance bottlenecks.  Monitored and tested network performance and provided statistics and reports to stakeholders. 

  • Replaced the antiquated and underperforming Aruba M31 controller with 802.11AC capable Aruba 7210 controllers

  • Improved wireless performance an estimated 3 times when compared to previous performance metrics, much better than that in many instances

  • Improved reliability and coverage with higher performing AP-225 wireless access points

  • Reconfigured the network to make more IP addresses available to our users and used the project to clean up untidy residual configurations

  • Monitored system capacity to determine its affect on performance.  Recommended enhancements to meet new and changing network demands, resulting in a 500% increase in bandwidth for residential students.

 

SECURITY SUPPORT

  • Developed, implemented and maintained policies, procedures, and associated training curricula for network administration, usage, and disaster recovery.  Conducted training for technicians and end-users.

  • Developed, implemented, and enforced policies for network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory, related documentation, and technical specifications information.

  • Planned campus edge upgrade projects and identified project scope and resources; recommend project budget and spending plan. Identified potential risks and design strategies to mitigate or avoid them.

  • Monitored and tracked project progress. Recommend changes to project plan in response to unforeseen changes and unexpected results. Managed project resources and budget. Provided technical direction and leadership to team members and stakeholders.  Provided continued support responding to new challenges.

  • Ensured PCI Compliance utilizing P2PE EMV devices, eliminating the need for additional firewall support.

  • Represented BHSU on a SDBOR task force to provide recommendations to TAC regarding PCI compliance.

  • Selected to represent BHSU on a SDBOR subcommittee for the implementation of a D2L Video tool.

  • Designed a two-factor authentication (2FA) solution, with a goal to integrate into existing business processes.

  • Implemented change management system for all network device configurations, especially for firewall.

 

END-USER SUPPORT

  • Collaborated with management and faculty to assess and meet near and long-term network capacity needs.

  • Conducted research on network products, services, protocols, and standards to remain abreast of developments within Information Technology (IT) in general and how it applies to Higher Education (HE).

  • Planned and implemented network and infrastructure component improvements, modifications, and replacements and monitored the outcome with continuous customer-centric analysis and remediation.

  • Oversaw the installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of end-user workstation hardware, software, and peripheral devices. Authorized and assigned network permissions to enable faculty, staff, students, and guests to access the network remotely and on-campus using various protocols.

  • Provided Windows, Linux and Apple desktop, iOS, and server support for the department and end-users. 

  • Effectively communicated with non-technical users about technology and how it can be used in HE.

  • Experienced leader.  Handily negotiated agreements between stakeholders with varying interests.

 

8/2012 – 4/2014          Analyst—Computing Support                          Spearfish, SD

 

Provided all aspects of computing support, with focus on educational goals for technology.  Responsible for Faculty PC Computing Support, and any technology relating to Apple computing and devices.  Developed and improved documentation for policies and procedures.  Responsible for Windows Update Server, keeping campus operating systems running securely and efficiently.  Built and maintained department web pages.  Assisted with instructional design, providing guidance and solutions for faculty members utilizing educational technology.  Ensured Desktop Security, supporting outside audit of campus network.  Responsible for antivirus server and client software.

 

WEB DEVELOPMENT

  • Web design, development, and maintenance for Information & Instructional Technology Services (IITS).

  • Implemented an elegant pre-logon marquee to inform library patrons about campus information services.

 

NETWORK & SYSTEMS SUPPORT

  • Provided Apple training, local and remote troubleshooting, wireless and networking integration with AD.

  • Performed Data Recovery—recovered critical deleted files and data from formatted or failing hard drives.

 

WORKSTATION & END-USER SUPPORT

  • Provided workstation hardware and software support for users and applications in all college departments.

  • Expert on HP, Dell, and Mac workstations; Windows XP Pro. Mac OS 10.4 to 10.9. Mac iOS 5-7, Linux.

  • Helped develop and deliver a user support “brown bag” lunch to ensure desktop security policies are used.

  • Designed and Delivered campus wide security training to support faculty, staff, and student computing.

 

PROCESS IMPROVEMENT & TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

  • Worked closely with process owners, writing new policies and procedures, implemented processes.

  • Initiated and improved processes to ensure best practices and compliance with procedures.

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

  • Provided desktop security and support for 1000+ workstations running Windows, Apple, Linux.

  • Implemented a Linux-based scanning appliance to find and report security vulnerabilities.

  • Supported and assisted with required Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance audit, lauded for results.

 

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

  • Provided extensive assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative data and devices for students with disabilities.

  • Ensured compliance with state, local, and federal laws and regulations for technology, including HIPAA.

 

TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR

  • Responsible for applying Tier 2 troubleshooting procedures for failures that eluded other technicians. 

  • Implemented After-Action reviews of elevated support to ensure repeat occurrence is handled at lowest level.

 

LEADERSHIP AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

  • Expertly lead team of technicians responsible for performing PC support and core help desk functions.

  • Ensured efficient use of labor and monetary resources, maximizing effectiveness while remaining in budget.

  • Responsible for oversight of South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) campus visit, ensured IT delivered.

  • Provided review and analysis of workflows and processes, ensured compliance and customer satisfaction.

  • Expertly designed and implemented a classroom for iMac supported art instruction from the ground up.

  • Selected to represent BHSU on a SDBOR subcommittee for the implementation of a D2L Video tool.

  • Performed a campus-wide Mac OS X update to support Adobe Creative Cloud and other advancements.

  • Selected to attend Cyberinfrastructure for Non-Research-Intensive and EPSCoR Institutions workshop.

  • Implemented a cloud-based backup service for Faculty and Staff users, ensuring high availability for data.

 

MOBILE DEVICE SUPPORT

  • Implemented sync and charge stations for iPads w/AppleTV for a technology immersive classroom.

  • Completed Request for Proposal effort for an MDM solution for Midwestern Higher Education Compact.

2003–2012           Project Officer—Maintenance Training / IT  United States Air Force--Various Locations

Provided management and technical responsibilities in multiple areas relating to modeling and simulation.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

  • Managed Air Force staff and contractors for projects that produced trainers and simulators for various systems. Major contractors included Boeing, Rockwell Collins. Sourced contractors, developed project requirements and performance specifications, tested products delivered. Coordinated all communications between government and contractors. Monitored contractor performance.

  •     Supervised 2–3 USAF staff (specialties varying with projects), 24 contractor staff (managers; software, hardware, mechanical, & electrical engineers; systems analysts; maintenance technicians; artists; librarians).

  •     Member of source-selection team for $190M contract to upgrade and maintain all B-1 training devices. In-depth analysis of proposals for sustainability, concurrency, coding efficiency, and risks.

  •     Oversight for Maintenance Training Equipment portion of contract valued at $63M: hundreds of Engineering Service Memorandum (ESM) and Level of Effort (LOE) projects maintaining 100% concurrency.

INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEMS, WEB DEVELOPMENT

  •     Web-based instruction development. Dreamweaver, HTML, SGML (including technical publications in SGML), DTD, XML, XHTML, Flash, Fireworks, AfterEffects, Photoshop.

  •     Back-end Web database integration with SQL.

  •     Trained thousands of technicians, using systems developed by my unit, to ensure classroom performance.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

  •     OOP programming, Assembly Language, API, C++. Training applications in VB. VB.Net for executables.

  •     Developed a weapons-system analysis tool in VB, resulting in more-reliable and speedier data analysis.

  •     Re-designed trainer CITS architecture to enable actual aircraft flight data to be downloaded, stored, and displayed for training purposes. Saved coding of this data by engineers, reducing development costs.

  •     Used and maintained Field Training Management, a database-driven application for tracking and managing student progress. Eventually wrote new student management software using Access Database.

  •     Established framework for enabling trainer applications to run on a desktop computer.

  •     Managed IT aspects of security for nearly 200 network objects and 20 users. Trained in security compliance.

  •     Workstation setup, maintenance, and support. Windows 2000, Windows XP.

TRAINING MANAGEMENT

  •     Coordination and planning to ensure that training met current needs and kept up with technology upgrades.

  •     Provided formal testing & evaluation of training hardware, software, and support equipment.

  •     Acquired and implemented wireless digital systems and services for training and document access. Systems saved millions of dollars and thousands of man-hours in document acquisition and upkeep.

  •     Completed the Remote Connectivity project, enabling remote software distribution by contractor.

  •     Managed over $53M in training equipment at 4 operating locations around the U.S., including maintenance.

  •     Prioritized training requests and requirements utilizing more than 60 instructors at three locations to meet needs of approximately 5000 students annually. Developed a process to streamline trainer change requests.

  •  

7/2008–3/2010     IT Manager                                                                                                                                          Independent Cycle, Inc. Rapid City, SD

Provided IT for two locations, including Web development. (Independent Cycle manufactures suspension systems.)

WEB DEVELOPMENT

  • Web design, development, and maintenance for multiple web pages, and for e-commerce solutions on Magento platform, including portals for consumers, dealers, and representatives. E-mail campaigns.

  •     Dreamweaver, HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, XML, FLASH ActionScript, VBscript for ASP. Fireworks, AfterEffects, Encore, Premiere, Photoshop, Illustrator. Excel. Access. Back-end website database integration

  •     IT, Web development, and video production for firm’s entry into direct-to-consumer sales.

WORKSTATION & USER SUPPORT

  • Workstation hardware and software support of user applications in all departments: management, sales, marketing, accounting, art, engineering, machining, mechanics, shipping. Purchased workstation hardware.

  •     HP, Dell, and Mac workstations. Windows XP Pro. Mac OS 10.4, 10.5, 10.6.

  •     Implemented Salesforce, Sugar CRM systems.

NETWORK & SYSTEMS

  • Network design, planning, testing, analysis, and administration. LAN, WAN, WiFi, Internet, intranet, other data communications systems. Windows Small Business Server 2003. Active Directory. Backups.

  •     Designed and configured a completely new network from the ground up.

  •     Managed IT aspects of move to new premises.

2000–2003           Loading Standardization / Academics Instructor                                       28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth AFB, SD

Supervised team of three in development and improvement of weapons loading procedures. Ensured proficiency of all load crews through training and performance evaluation. Produced classroom material in PowerPoint.

PROCESS DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

  •     Worked closely with Boeing on B-1 technical data, writing many technical publications, including manuals.

  •     Initiated and developed new munitions transfer and loading procedures; wrote, tested, and standardized the procedures for implementation by B-1 maintenance worldwide.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

  •     C++ programming for training applications, on LabVIEW platform.

  •     IT responsibility for ten workstations. Windows 2000, Windows XP. Unix.

  •  

1997–2000           B-1B Load Team Chief                                                                                                                                                  

37th Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth AFB, SD

  • Responsible for a four-man weapons load crew. Planned, organized, and directed maintenance.

  •     Wrote many technical manuals and publications, coordinating with Boeing staff.

 

1995–1997           B-1B Armament Systems Team Chief                                                          

28th Munitions Squadron, Ellsworth AFB, SD

  • Supervised two team members in maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. Quick-response troubleshooting and repair of malfunctions. Initiated and implemented equipment improvements. Implemented a comprehensive training program. Assisted in writing plans for on-the-job training.

 

1994–1995           A-10 Weapons Load Team Chief                                               

25th Fighter Squadron, Osan AB, Rep. of Korea

  • Led a three-man crew loading, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing A-10 aircraft.

1993–1994           Helicopter Weapons Team Chief           16th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL

  • Led three-man crew loading, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing helicopters.

  •     Participated in comprehensive review and verification of aircraft armament technical data; developed loading and troubleshooting procedures that would become accepted methods for USAF technicians worldwide.

1988–1993    H-53 Weapons Team Member                                834th Equipment Maintenance Squadron,  Hurlburt Field, FL

  • Weapons system installations, functional checks, and troubleshooting.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, & TRAINING

 

MyComputerCareer (MyCC).

Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration and Cyber Security degree awarded (180 hours 97 GPA)

Cyber Security Specialist program graduate (703 hours, 97.8 GPA)

Cyber Security Engineer program graduate (360 hours, 95.55 GPA)

Information Technology Security and Administration Program graduate (356 hours, 99.08 GPA)

 

National American University (NAU).

Bachelor of Science degree: Applied Information Technology from National American University

Air University—Community College of the Air Force (CCAF).

Associate of Applied Science degree:  Aircraft Armament Systems Technology
Associate of Applied Science degree:  Instructor of Technology and Military Science

CompTIA Training.

              Network+ (pending recertification)

              Security+ Certification

              A+ Certification

Cisco Training.

              CCNA/CCNP Training completed, re-certification test pending:

Entry Level

Entry Certifications

Training

Both the CCENT and the CCT certifications serve as starting points for individuals interested in starting a career as a networking professional.

CCENT

-

CCT

-

Associate Level

Associate Certifications

Training

The Associate level of Cisco Certifications can begin directly with CCNA for network installation, operations and troubleshooting or CCDA for network design. Think of the Associate Level as the foundation level of networking certification.

CCNA Routing and Switching

2014

CCDA

2016

CCNA Data Center

2015

CCNA Security

2015

CCNA Service Provider

-

CCNA Service Provider Operations

-

CCNA Video

2017

CCNA Wireless

2014

Professional Level

Professional Certifications

Training

The Professional level is an advanced level of certification that shows more expertise with networking skills. Each certification covers a different technology to meet the needs of varying job roles.

CCDP

2018

CCNP Routing and Switching

2014

CCNP Data Center

2017

CCNP Security

2017

CCNP Voice

2014

CCNP Wireless

2016

Fitness
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