Greetings Eagle Chapter Members and Friends |
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As you can see - two attendees - other than the commanders - had a lot of fun at the Change of Command recently at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling (Bolling Air Force Base) Washington, DC. As the bases start to open up following the Rona lock-downs, Eagle Chapter is celebrating the end of the pandemic and the 25th Anniversary of the US Air Force Security Forces. In the photo at left, I want to thank USAF Security Forces Airmen Sergeant Fabel who joined me as I took photos of the event.
In addition to our upcoming Eagle Chapter AFSFA Bolling Luncheon (please see below), we are planning other luncheons and activities as the Eagle Country returns to normal (or near normal) following pandemic restrictions. Aside from Bolling, the Eagle Chapter Pentagon Luncheon (see below) is the only other luncheon that is firm as of now for this year.
Looking to 2023, please go ahead and put January 31, 2023 on your calendar. We have a firm commitment from the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (owners of the Maisey Building) that they will permit us to have a 'normal' event unlike the Covid-19 limitations we've had since the pandemic which prevented us from inviting guests. We have plans already forming up for the 55th Commemoration of Battle of Bien Hoa Air Base Vietnam/Captain Maisey's death and wreath laying at the Maisey Building plus other activities. If you attended the 50th anniversary that we had with the Maisey family, you're going to enjoy the event where we already have commitments from members of the Maisey family for attending the 2023 event. One of our favorites, Colonel Marty Strones who was one of the Defenders at Bien Hoa will be our special guest speaker at a luncheon at the Pentagon on Jan 31.
Also in 2023, Chief Gallagher has agreed to be a guest speaker at an Eagle Chapter Luncheon at Dover. Thanks to his Deputy, Senior Master Sergeant Tory Wagner for your patience and support.
If you have not been out and especially if you reside in the National Capitol Region, let's show the Defenders at Bolling how much we appreciate seeing SF at the gates again and having Defenders in greater numbers at Bolling.
Thank-you to our Eagle Chapter donors - Our services and programs could not exist without your kind and generous support in providing us the financial support that allows us to operate and serve our SF Airmen, their families, and our military heritage.
Very respectfully,
"Lee"
Elia C. (Lee) Chambers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Eagle Chapter Air Force Security Forces Association
P. O. Box 10501
Burke, Virginia 22009-0501
Email: chairman@afspaeagle.com | C: 571-302-0992
We published our previous newsletter on May 12, 2022.
Eagle Chapter AF Security Forces Association membership is free to all AF Security Forces Association members who work or live in DC, DE, MD, VA, and WV. Contact Chairman for more information.
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Reminder: August 27 Eagle Chapter Vietnam War Veterans Memorial Wall Wash Is On - DC Air National Guard will join us |
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We are so delighted to have Boy Scout Troop 1778 and their family members join us in our next Vietnam War Veterans Memorial Wall Wash. This year, we will have members of the DC Air National Guard join us as well.
And a special thanks to Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Gary Jones who drives up from Charleston South Carolina to provide attendees with a historical overview of the memorial.
Participants should plan to assemble at the flag pole at 0630 where we have invited our scouts to lead us with a pledge of allegiance and prayer. Our vet, Jim Stastny, who usually does this for us has moved to TN and is no longer our chapter chaplain.
Due to the pandemic controls that prevented me from inviting the scouts, this will be our first wash since the pandemic. I'm so looking forward to bringing the family back together again.
No donuts this year. Eagle Chapter will be providing bottled water.
Contact me for more information.
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Air Force Director of Security Forces Highlights
the 34th Annual Candlelight Vigil at the US Capitol
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General Collins advances to the stage at the Capitol as the FBI Director Departs |
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I could not contain my enthusiasm. When I saw the star on the beret, I was so overjoyed (and apparently loud) that a wise guy next to me asked, "Is that your son?" No - but Oh My Goodness - this was a big deal. For the first time, an Air Force Security Forces General Officer has read the names of three Air Force Security Forces Airmen who were killed in action and recognized by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC. The crowd on the US Capitol Mall was overwhelming. The closest that I could get was to one of the jumbotrons for photos.
Not only was his appearance historic - for the first time - our Air Force Top Cop asked me (through his exec) for the names of the fallen officer's family members so he could call them. I was extremely delighted and again overjoyed to provide that information to him.
I'm sure you all agree - Brig. Gen. Collins is an extraordinary leader of our Security Forces Enterprise. Thank-you sir for your participation and above all - commitment to the families of these heroic Airmen who gave their full measure of devotion to our country.
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Recap - 2022 Roll Call of USAF SF Heroes - Candlelight Vigil |
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General Collins Recognized three USAF Security Forces Airmen at the Annual Candlelight Vigil in Washington DC |
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• Airman First Class Elizabeth Jacobson - End of Watch: 9/28/2005 - NLEOM Link
• Airman First Class Leebernard Chavis - End of Watch:10/14/2006 - NLEOM Link
• Staff Sergeant - Travis Griffin - End of Watch: 4/3/2008 - NLEOM Link
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Major Bruton Accepts Command of the 11th SFS at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Washington DC |
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0900 22 June, 2022, Major David W. Bruton (center holding guidon) accepts the command of the 11th Security Forces Squadron at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling (JBAB) Washington DC from Colonel Mark Betters (left) 11th Mission Support Group Commander. Major Nathan K. Aiken (at right), the first SF Commander of the reestablished 11th SFS, relinquishes command and departs for Barksdale Air Force Base LA.
Major Aiken has been a great friend - thanks for the invitation - and we're looking forward to a great friendship with Major Bruton.
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Eagle Chapter Luncheon - Joint Base Anacostia Bolling - Welcome 11th SFS Thunder Cats Booster Club |
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Back in 2004 when Eagle Chapter was only seven months old, then Colonel Kenneth M. Freeman (at left) the HQ USAF Deputy Director of Security Forces honored us in being our guest speaker at our first ever luncheon at Bolling. Next month, we have another first - our first Eagle Chapter Luncheon at Bolling since the 11th Wing has returned. This time, we have an AFDW Top Cop - that didn't exist back in 2004.
Please join us in our welcome back celebration and a celebration of the 25th Anniversary of AF Security Forces.
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September 13, 2022
Eagle Chapter's First Luncheon at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling
Guest Speaker: Lieutenant Colonel David W. Bullock
Air Force District of Washington (AFDW) Director of Security Forces
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I am extremely honored to announce the first Eagle Chapter Luncheon since Bolling Air Force Base (JBAB) has been re-established under Air Force control and we have Defenders providing primary security for the installation.
Thanks to Major Bruton, 11th SFS Commander, who will provide host base welcome remarks. We so look forward to meeting your troops and presenting our gift ($500.00) to the Thunder Cats Defender Booster Club and Key Spouses. Please click on the link below or the image to RSVP.
Eagle Chapter Luncheons are free to E-6 and below. Starting this year, we will provide free attendance to all spouses of our active duty forces. Please sign up at the link.
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June 17, 2010 - Eagle Chapter held it's 'final' luncheon as the Air Force Relinquished Executive leadership of Joint Base Anacostia Bolling to the Navy. At right, our 2010 luncheon program. Click to download.
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Mr. Mark G. Allen was the first AFDW Top Cop to speak at an Eagle Chapter Luncheon in 2012 at Andrews.
We are now back! Please - again - come out to welcome our SF Defenders back to Bolling!
See you there.
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Eagle Chapter Officers Participate in Military Women's Memorial on Memorial Day |
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Memorial Day 2022 - Our Two Lady Officers Participate at the Military Women's Memorial Wreath Laying |
Great thanks to Eagle Chapter Officers that drove up from Langley to participate in this year's Memorial Day ceremony at the Military Women's Memorial.
Thanks to our awesome officers - Kathy Wojciechowski, Eagle Chapter Vice Chair Tidewater Wing (Langley Area) and Eagle Chapter Secretary, Rachel Vis, who is also an Eagle Chapter Tidewater Wing Vice Chair. Emeritus. Thank you both so much!
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Memorial Day Visits at Arlington Increases by one - Lt Gen William E. Brown |
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Before Eagle Chapter places Defensor Fortis Flags on Defender graves at Arlington, the Army's Old Guard with area volunteers place 400,000 US flags at Arlington each Memorial Day. Above Defender Master Sergeant Perez helps at Arlington. If anyone knows Sgt Perez, please let her know to contact me so we can accord her with free attendance at any Eagle Chapter luncheon this year. Thanks to Mike Garcia former SF for the above Flags-In images.
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Twice a year, I go to Arlington National Cemetery to visit the graves of Defenders and Defender family members including Security Forces KIA who are interred at our nation's premier burial grounds for our military. Memorial Day is my first day to visit - on that day, I place a Defensor Fortis Flag alongside Old Glory at each of our graves. Thanks to our donors who make this special event possible.
This year, the number of graves that I visited increased by one to 25 - Lt General Willam E. Brown, who served as the AF Top Cop when he was a Brig Gen on June 1977, is now interred at Arlington in section 75 grave number 991. I always start my visit at our first chapter member that died after our chapter was chartered with Major Luther K. "Luke" Duffield who was one of our World War II and Korean War veterans. Luke is buried with his beloved wife, Effie, whose ashes he had maintained and were buried with him at his internment. Luke served under General Patton in the Army's 3d Infantry Recon Battalion.
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Please Welcome Eagle's Newest Member of the Board - Tech Sgt Ian Caldwell |
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Ian joined twice - once on the overall board and again on Eagle Chapter National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Committee |
On behalf of our Eagle Chapter Board of Officers, I'm excited to announce our new Eagle Chapter Deputy Vice Chair Air Force District of Washington, Ian Collin Caldwell. Ian is currently serving as an Active Duty Security Forces member and is stationed at Joint Base Andrews Maryland. He is a Flight Sergeant for the Protective Services Section at the 816 Security Forces Squadron Joint Base Andrews MD.
Ian’s previous assignments include: Osan Air Base Korea (2018-2019), Wright Patterson AFB OH (2012-2018) and again at (Osan Air Base 2011-2012). Ian earned an Associates in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in Accounting and will start his master's in finance at Penn State University this fall. Ian is married with 4 children, soon to be 5 - in December.
Just recently, Ian joined the Eagle Chapter National Law Enforcement Officers Committee where he provides a vital link to our active duty units. He made an immediate impact on day one with our outreach to one of the affected squadrons.
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Your updated board structure for August shows Ian in two positions. Chris has completed his service to our board on the NLEOM Committee. |
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Brig Gen (Retired) Wilma Vaught - Military Women's Memorial President Emeritus - Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom |
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Above, at right, Brigadier General (Ret) Wilma Vaught at the Military Women's Memorial in a 2015 Memorial Day ceremony with two Eagle Chapter presenters, Captain Jessica Wruck (left), then the Eagle Chapter Program Manager, and then Lieutenant Colonel Jennifer Aquinas (center), Commander 512 Security Forces Squadron (AFRES) Dover AFB DE. |
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After nearly 29 years of exemplary and trailblazing service in the Air Force, Brigadier General (Retired) Wilma Vaught devoted another 29 years to building and operating America’s only major Memorial to honor military women The Military Women's Memorial. She describes as “the most important thing she has ever done.” On July 7, Brig Vaught was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The medal is the nation's highest civilian award. Brig General (Ret) Vaught was the first President of the Military Women's Memorial.
Since 2012, Eagle Chapter participates in ceremonies at the Military Women's Memorial each year at Memorial Day and again at Veterans Day. It is a great honor for me to know Brig Gen Vaught. A strong supporter, Brig Gen (Ret) Vaught has been a guest speaker at an Eagle Chapter Luncheon. Congratulations Ma'am - An honor well deserved - and I look forward to a hug at Veterans Day.
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Defender Nation Strikes Twice
Two Defenders Selected Among the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year 2022
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Brigadier General Roy W. Collins and Chief Master Sergeant Donald. S. Gallagher congratulate two Defenders who were selected among the 12 Outstanding Airman of the Year for 2022.
Please see their message below:
"Congratulations to SMSgt Megan A. Harper, 355 SFS [Davis-Monthan] and TSgt Alexander W. Messinger, 802 SFS [Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland], on their selection as two of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022. Defender Nation joins in on your celebration of this huge accomplishment. We're proud of all you've done to earn this distinguished recognition and look forward to the great things in your future.
This level of performance is a huge accomplishment and I hope you take the time to enjoy such a huge career milestone.
Thank you for representing Defender Nation with pride!
V/R, Brig Gen Collins and CMSgt Gallagher — celebrating success."
As in previous years, I am honored that the AFSFA Oklahoma Heartland Chapter and the Pete Magwood Chapter (Albuquerque NM) will join Eagle Chapter to provide a free three-year membership in the AF Security Forces Association to these Airmen. Thanks Pete (OK) and Dave (Magwood).
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Your Eagle Chapter National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Committee Report |
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Below is a summary of committee highlights since the May newsletter. We provide a detailed report to the board each month. My thanks to fellow committee members Bryan Merrill and Ian Caldwell for your contributions. |
New appointments:
• 48th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) RAF Lakenheath UK - Major Benjamin Washburn appointed Tech Sgt Stevie Thomas as Project Manager (PM) for SFKIA - Airman Jason D. Nathan / End of Watch (EOW): 6/23/2007
• 36th SFS Andersen Air Base Guam - Major Dayne Foote appointed Master Sgt Kyle Altstaetter as PM for SFKIA Airman Laura A. Lucas / EOW: 8/19/1991.
• 19th SFS Little Rock AFB AR - In the absence of the Commander, Chief Master Sergeant Spence A. Johnson appointed Tech Sgt Shane Miller as PM for SFKIA Staff Sgt John T. Self / EOW: 5/14/2007.
New considerations:
The committee has processed the names of two additional Defenders who died while serving with the following action taken:
• 20th SFS Shaw AFB SC - Major Kevin Collett, Commander, has determined that Staff Sergeant Dennis Melton's cause of death (EOW:2/18/2002) while deployed to Niger was not line of duty related. Closed no further action
• 647 SFS Hickam AFB HI - Major Melissa Hull, Commander, is reviewing the cause of action and death of Airman First Class Jerome C. Ware Jr. EOW: 7/1/2006. CMSgt Robert Simpson is the action officer. Pending.
• Pending Closure:
• 354 SFS Eielson AFB AK - Mr. Gary Olson is the PM. The Commander, Major Samuel Waterman, is reviewing the circumstances of Airman Jacob C. Partridge's death. His death does not appear to be eligible according to Mr. Olson.
We need more volunteers!!!
I would like to have two more members added to our committee primarily to lead and focus on SFKIA family support to interface with Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) at the national and state office levels. Contact me to volunteer.
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Congratulations!!! Newly Selected Security Forces Defender Colonels
Two have a connection to Eagle Country
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Congratulations to Six Defenders for making the grade of full Colonel |
Eagle congratulates six recently selected USAF Colonels - two of which have a connection to Eagle Country
Col (S) Greg Bodenstein - The current HQ A4S Executive Officer - Greg is one of the best to serve in that role.
Col (S) Brian Fitzpatrick
Col (S) Matt Foisy - I saw this name and WoW - what a blast from the past. Matt was an Eagle Chapter Secretary when he was a 2t Lieutenant and serving at Andrews in 2003/2004. See, then 2d Lieutenant, Matt's photo at left.
Col (S) Jake Foley
Col (S) Kevin Lombardo
Col (S) Mike Speck
Again, congratulations all!
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Eagle Chapter Pentagon Luncheon October 17
Our Speaker - Headquarters USAF Director of Security Forces
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In the above photo at the Eagle Chapter 2019 luncheon at the Pentagon when then HQ Air Force Director of Security Forces, Brig General Tullos spoke to us, we had no idea that a virus was cooking up that would disrupt our lives. So this October, our first return to the Pentagon, we will have a coming out party to welcome Brig General Collins, his staff, and all of you back to the Pentagon to celebrate just being Security Forces. See the RSVP link below. |
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October 17, 2022
Celebrate 25th Anniversary USAF Security Forces and for us the End to the Pandemic at Eagle Chapter Luncheon at the Pentagon
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The last time we dined at the Pentagon for an Eagle Chapter Luncheon so much has changed. Aside from General Collins, Ms. Scheppers, SES then Dep Top Cop, will not be in attendance this time. She has moved on. There's been two Chiefs, SF Career Field Managers, that have departed before Chief Gallagher arrived this year. Mr. Timothy Gerald has transitioned from AFDW Top Cop to now the HQ USAF Deputy Top Cop and sadly, Lt Col Brian Copper who attended and had not yet then been selected to be the HQ A4S Exec, will not attend now as his is one of the graves that I visit at Arlington twice a year. We have much catching up to do. Please mark your calendars and join us for the Eagle Chapter Luncheon at the Pentagon.
Note the names and numbers you need to call to be escorted in. I have no escort privileges at the Pentagon. The details of escort are on the RSVP. Pls jot these down. Contact Lt Sobecke or Sgt Smith at the numbers shown for building access and escorts. Arrive early to clear Pentagon security protocols and await your escorts. Please - leave your knives and LEOSA/CCW weapons behind!
Thank-you Brig Gen Collins for your support.
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Affordable Housing Initiative for Vets
A Message to Commanders in Virginia
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Carol Rusaw, the better half of former Eagle Chapter Board member Mike (now at Guardmount Everlasting) has asked me to inform you of a group that she is working for called VOICE - Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement (VOICE). VOICE advocates for various community and social justice issues and seek to press policy makers locally and state-wide to commit funds and other types of support. One of the major initiatives VOICE has this year is seeking affordable housing in Northern Virginia for low-income families. She would like for them to tell their stories about their needs for affordable housing. We know that teachers, nurses, first responders, and law enforcement personnel cannot afford decent homes in the area. Please contact Carol for more information.
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September Monthly Board Meeting |
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Your Eagle Chapter Board of Officers meets the first Thursday via conference call. Contact Rachel, our Chapter Secretary if you want to attend. She will provide the meeting information and meeting minutes. Our board meetings are open to all members and significant others. But be aware - if you attend, the pesky old Chairman might ask you to help out. :-)
The board will meet at 2000/8:00 PM Eastern Thursday August 1.
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In conclusion, this is the year that we are celebrating reconnecting with you following the pandemic plus let's celebrate being Security Forces. I look forward to seeing (and hugging you - if you're OK with that) at an Eagle Chapter event. Events so far are:
• August 27 - Vietnam War Veterans Memorial Wall Wash Washington DC
• January 31 - Wreath Laying/Taps 55th Anniversary Battle of Bien Hoa and Captain Maisey's heroic death, Pentagon Tour, Other events plus Eagle Chapter Luncheon back
There is also an Air Force Security Forces Association 35th National Meeting being held at Dayton Ohio September 21 through September 25. See the latest copy of the SF Magazine for important dates that are fast approaching.
Eagle Chapter Donor Challenge! By now, I had hoped that we could provide free attendance to all active-duty members for Eagle Chapter Luncheons. We're not there yet - but - I'm asking all supporters to dig deep so we can provide free attendance. If you've never given, please start with any amount. Each of the RSVPs show a price. We will adjust or remove that price based upon Eagle Chapter response. CAN WE DO THIS? - Provide free attendance for Active-Duty members? I will dig deep to get the ball rolling. Free categories today:
• All active duty (includes AFRES/Air National Guard) E-6/Tech Sgts and below;
• Any spouse of currently serving active duty (incudes AFRES/Air National Guard) of any rank;
• Any widow/widower of an AFSFA member;
• Family member of our active duty fallen while serving (send us a note when you RSVP); and
• Unique SF heroes - Recipients Air Force Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart (send us a note when you RSVP)
I'm eager to see you at an upcoming Eagle Chapter event. Write us a note or call to let us know how we're doing. See you soon.
Weapon Safety - For our LEOSA members - Now that you're not using Department of the Air Force ammo, are you carrying ammo that meets FBI standards? If not, what is your criteria when you decide which ammo to use? Here is my source - Lucky Gunner - Click here.
Very respectfully,
Elia C. (Lee) Chambers
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
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P.O. Box 10501,
Burke, VA 22009-0501
(571) 302-0992
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