2024 Folds of Honor Annual Report

2023/2024 ANNUAL REPORT

WHERE ARE THE Y NOW: CHECK IN WITH LIZ BREES, PAGE 6

HONORED TO SERVE:

FIRST RESPONDER SCHOL ARSHIP S, PAGE 12

THE POWER OF 13: FOLDS OF HONOR, PAGE 20

LT COL DAN ROON EY Founder & CEO, Folds of Honor

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Folds of Honor family, I come to you with a heart overflowing with gratitude for what I’ve witness over the years. The belief that our cause holds the power to bring Americans together has proven true. I hear it time and time again as I travel the country, said many ways, but always at its’ core, “Folds of Honor gives me hope because it unites people and changes lives.”

Adding first responder families to our mission has taken our impact to a whole new level. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians – they feel the solidarity and commitment, just as our military families have felt since 2007.

By expanding our mission, the number of deserving applications pouring in has grown exponentially. For many, the answer was a life-changing “yes.” But for thousands more, funding never came, which is a hard reality we cannot ignore. But there’s no group I’d rather face it with than you. Together we will spread the word, recruiting more grateful Americans who will link arms with us, ensuring every family receives the support they deserve.

We take pride in bringing you more “Where They Are Now” recipient stories. These powerful testimonies inspire action, showing how every dollar changes lives and blesses generations through education. This year, new stories are coming, and are ready to be shared far and wide.

OUR RESOLVE IS UNWAVERING BECAUSE THE NEED IS UNENDING. I salute you for giving your time, money and heart to ensure their educational dreams live on. Please enjoy and share our annual report that highlights a small portion of the sea-to-shining-sea support for Folds of Honor.

Godspeed, Lt Col Dan Rooney

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HONOR

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Folds of Honor Magazine

FEATURES

PAGE

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? An update on scholarship recipient Liz Brees.

CHRISTMAS SURPRISE How the generosity of donors made the holidays extra special for over 900 families.

HONORED TO SERVE Proudly welcoming the dependents of America’s first responders to the Folds family.

THE POWER OF 13 A look at the faithfulness and life-changing impact of our Folds of Honor monthly donors.

NATIONAL ANTHEM OF GOLF Patriot Golf Days, benefiting Folds of Honor, remains the largest grassroots golf

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fundraiser in the U.S.

CHAPTERS Cheers to teamwork full of new chapters bringing fresh energy, and long-standing chapters carrying forward a legacy of impact.

PARTNERS Corporate partners take the Folds of Honor mission to new heights.

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F ROM SCH OL ARSH IP TO SUCCESS:

A JOURNEY OF HOPE Liz Brees was just three years old when her father, Lieutenant Commander Raymond O’Hare died a hero while serving his country. Throughout her life, every milestone has been a reminder of the moments she no longer had with her dad: high school graduation, college graduation, and marriage to her now husband– a U.S. Marine.

YOUR DONATIONS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

During her college studies, she realized she had a deep desire to care for children in a medical capacity. Fulfilling that desire through the military and bringing those two important pieces of her life story together, could only be described as a dream.

When she received her Folds of Honor scholarship, she was able to finish college free of debt and immediately swore into the U.S. Air Force, where she will complete medical school.

Thanks to the generosity of Americans like you, Liz now gets to “pursue my dream of caring for children in the military and caring for our military families through medicine.”

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“The people who I’ve met through Folds of Honor have reminded me how important my dad was, and how he’s still remembered today.”

For Liz, giving back through her service to military families is just one part of the legacy she is proud to continue. She is also passionate about giving back by telling other children and spouses of military service members and first responders that they too can receive what she discovered to be an invaluable gift: not only the funding, but the family of Folds of Honor.

VISIT THE LANDING PAGE FOR MORE STORIES

Lieutenant Commander Raymond O’Hare

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S I N C E

2 007

“PUT MORE TRUST IN NOBILITY OF CHARACTER THAN IN AN OATH.”

RO UG HLY

52 ,000

LIF E- CHAN GIN G

SCHOL AR S H I PS

-Solon

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In 2022, we expanded our commitment to include the families of America’s first responders, and in 2023, we were honored to welcome our first recipient class from that community. It was an important milestone for Folds of Honor and a humbling reminder of the responsibility we carry.

From the beginning, this mission has been about standing with families who have given so much in service to others. Today, that promise continues to extend to even more homes across this country, reaching spouses and children who carry both deep pride and real sacrifice. Growth brings added responsibility, and as we expand to serve more families, we remain grounded in the same principles that built this organization: stewardship, integrity, and trust.

We are honored that families entrust us with their futures, and we are equally grateful that you entrust us with your support. Because of that partnership, we are able to award scholarships, open doors, and provide stability in moments that can otherwise feel uncertain.

Every scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It represents belief from a grateful nation and a community stepping forward to remind these families that they are not alone.

As we look ahead, we do so with humility, knowing this mission is larger than any one of us. Our commitment remains clear: to serve more families, honor legacies, steward every dollar wisely, and remain worthy of the trust placed in us.

Thank you for standing with us. We are grateful for your support and do not take it for granted.

C O L N I C K N I C H O L S , President

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For those who’ve lost a loved one or had their lives turned upside down when a loved one is severely injured or disabled in the line of duty, every single day is a challenge.

But the holidays can be an especially painful reminder of everything that’s been lost.

That’s why it was so incredibly rewarding to be able to deliver an unexpected holiday surprise to 920 additional families of our nation’s heroes during December of 2023. That’s 920 more scholarships than we originally planned to award this year, all made possible by your generosity.

As always, your faithfulness humbles and amazes us. Just like the heroes for whom this mission was founded, you never fail to go above and beyond the call of duty.

When we send out an ask, you always come back with a resounding yes. Yes, we will go the distance. Yes, we will meet sacrifice with hope. Yes, we will be the voice that tells a nation its heroes will not be forgotten.

Thanks to you, the number of unfunded applications was reduced by one-third in 2023. That’s more than $4 million in funds and 920 lives that will forever be changed.

When financial stress is lifted for these deserving families, it makes way for warmer embraces, merrier memories, and lighter spirits all year long. Together, we can continue to make the holiday seasons and thousands of futures so much brighter.

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WATCH THE VIDEO

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EXPANDED

MISSION

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P O L I C E // F I R E // E M T // P A R A M E D I C

HONORED TO SERVE

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OUR FIRST

RESPONDER FAMILIES Guided by our unwavering purpose to meet sacrifice with hope we proudly expanded our mission to include the families of America’s first responders. Sacrifice knows no boundaries, and millions of first responders stand ready each day to protect and serve our communities.

From the frontlines to the home front, Folds of Honor is here to ensure that America’s heroes and their families are never forgotten.

In our first year of serving these incredible families, 71 qualified applicants stepped forward, and we were deeply honored to award scholarships to every single one. By our second year, that number grew to 269, each one a testament to the dedication of spouses and children committed to carrying forward the legacies of their loved ones.

Witnessing their resilience has been profoundly inspiring.

First responders, firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and others selflessly answer the call in moments of crisis, providing safer communities for us all. It is our privilege to stand with you in honoring their commitment by giving back to their families through the transformative gift of education.

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HONORED HONORED TO SERVE

EXPANDED MISSION

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A M E R I CA’S FI R S T

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R E S P ONDERS

C A N

CO U NT

FO L D S

O F

ON

HONOR

MEET A RECIPIENT FROM THE 2023 INAUGURAL CLASS OF THE FIRST RESPONDER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM CA R R IE LA WR E N CE | LEES SUMMIT, MO Carrie’s husband, Andrew, dedicated nine years of his life to law enforcement, a career fueled by his passion for serving others. Tragically, Officer Andrew Lawrence passed away on January 31, 2021.

Carrie is honoring his legacy by pursuing a degree in social work at Missouri State University. Driven by a deep sense of purpose, her goal is to educate local agencies and families on preventing suicide among first responders—a mission rooted in hope and the desire to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

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HONORED TO SERVE “We honor our purpose and remember this immutable truth: we are better together”

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YOUR DONATION BECOMES THEIR FUTURE

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THE

Life-Changing

POWER OF 13 When passion for a cause, love of country, and the power of the human spirit come together, it’s a force for good that can’t be stopped. That’s the power of the Folds of Honor monthly donors: a community of grateful Americans committed to meeting sacrifice with hope. They are the reason we can make a big difference every day in the lives of so many.

With a $13-a-month pledge, these faithful supporters make up the highest-potential, recurring-revenue generator we have.

In fact, data shows 42% more revenue is generated per year with recurring donors, with up to 800% more lifetime revenue from an individual recurring donor.

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1200 300 TOURNAMENTS

MARATHONS

In American Dunes’ infancy, Rooney and Nicklaus dreamed of holding a college event at the site. The Folds of Honor Collegiate debuted in 2022 and remains a mainstay televised event on The Golf Channel.

Last year, we reported one of our biggest years of golf participation yet.

In 2023 - 2024 the trend continued with courses and individual golfers uniting around our cause, funding thousands of scholarships through the game we love.

Patriot Golf Days, celebrated over Memorial Day weekend, remains the largest grassroots golf fundraiser in the U.S. Along with benefitting Folds of Honor, the nationwide event assisted PGA HOPE. In 2023 an idea, Folds of Honor Friday took shape with the goal of bringing the National Anthem to professional golf. Adopted by 24 tour events in year 1, Folds of Honor Friday brings players and patrons together to honor our service men and women and celebrate this great country.

AMERICAN INTERIORS AT INVERNESS GOLF CLUB

THE ACCESS OPEN

AMERICAN DUNES

TREVISO BAY GOLF CLUB

WINGMAN OPEN PA

LA CUMBRE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

SUNTRUP AUTOMOTIVE GROUP GOLF CLASSIC

EUGENE COUNTRY CLUB

THE GOLF CLUB OF GEORGIA

BEAR CREEK GOLF CLUB

FRIENDS OF THE FOLDS OPEN

SOUTHERN ILLIANA PATRIOTS

MINNESOTA WINGMAN OPEN

JT LOGISTICS CHARITY GOLF OUTING

CHALLENGE FOR CHARITY

THE MYRTLE BEACH PATRIOTS

PATRIOT SHOOTOUT – BATON ROUGE

STEVE WHITE MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING

SEWICKLEY HEIGHTS GOLF CLUB

SAVANNAH COUNTRY CLUB

OLD TABBY LINKS AT SPRING ISLAND

NASHUA COUNTRY CLUB

OCEAN COURSE AT HOKUALA

CHERRY VALLEY GOLF CLUB

THE CLUBS AT ST. JAMES

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The Collegiate, an NCAA golf tournament sponsored by American Dunes, Folds of Honor, Michigan State, and the Golf Coaches Association of America, was also formed in 2022 with the mission of raising money and support for Folds of Honor and the GCAA Presidential Scholarship Fund. The tournament is broadcasted nationally – taking public awareness of the tournament and both organizations to an incredible new level.

We may be nearly 20 years down the road, but we feel we’re just getting started. With the expansion of our efforts to include our first responder brothers and sisters, the call to duty is larger than ever now. But so is the hope. When we reflect on the number of Americans who have stepped forward and said “yes”, it reminds us all that while we may never meet face to face, we are united in a cause that connects us over thousands of miles and across generations. We have only just begun.

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WEAR T HE MIS SIO N 2023/2024 ANNUAL REPORT

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Folds of Honor Chapters are made up of grateful, like-minded patriots committed to growing a cause that connects the hearts of every American. This mission isn’t owned by those of us in the corporate office, it belongs to all of us. Together, we honor the men and women who have sacrificed to protect the very freedoms that allow us to participate in this work.

Each year, the Folds of Honor chapters work together locally to contribute to making a difference nationally. And in 2023, new chapters in Nevada and California joined the momentum – each with their own unique journey to launching.

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BOSTON Established in 2024, the Boston chapter has quickly made a lasting impact, gaining support from notable celebrity donors including Drake May (Patriots Quarterback) and Dani Holmqvist (LPGA).

NE W IN 2024 WISCONSIN After raising over $1 million through golf outings at The Club at Lac La Belle, Wisconsin officially launched its Folds of Honor Chapter led by Matt Neumann. In 2025, the Chapter will expand to three major events with strong support from sponsors and donors across the state.

IOWA The Iowa Chapter, led by Captain Jeramie Eginoire, had a strong first year with impactful events like the Ruck of Remembrance, Patriot Prom, and Courage Cup. In year two, they aim to grow their reach and support more families across the state.

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OUR SINCERE THANKS GO OUT TO Your investment of time, energy and dollars is inspiring.

Thanks to your tireless commitment to standing in the gap and adding more grateful Americans to our ranks, the future for the heroic families we champion looks immensely brighter.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEVADA COLORADO PATRIOTS

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ARIZONA CALIFORNIA

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NEW MEXICO

EVERY CHAPTER IN THE COUNTRY.

MINNESOTA WISCONSIN

NEW YORK

MICHIGAN

BOSTON

MOTOR CITY SOUTH DAKOTA

CHICAGO

NORTHERN OHIO

AMERICAN INTERIORS

IOWA

EASTERN PA-NJ

WESTERN PA ST. LOUIS KANSAS CITY

INDIANA

CENTRAL OHIO WESTERN CAROLINA

TENNESSEE

OKLAHOMA GEORGIA

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA

PALMETTO STATE

NORTH TEXAS ALABAMA CENTRAL TEXAS NORTH FLORIDA SOUTH TEXAS SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

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ANHEUSER-BUSCH PARTNERSHIP

$33 MILLION 6,600 SCHOLARSHIPS

PR/CLYDESDALES EVENTS • 2 7 C I T IE S • 45 EVENTS • 4 3 R E P R E S E N TAT I V E S A ND C U R R E N T R E C IP IE N T S AT T E ND E D E V E N T S Thank you to Anheuser-Busch for their unwavering partnership in carrying the Folds of Honor mission across the country.

This year, their support helped us honor and remember the sacrifice of 6,600 military service members and first responders by providing life-changing scholarships to their dependents.

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See the commercial

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2023/2024 T OP CORPOR ATE PAR TNERS

INSPIRING IMPACT We are forever humbled by and grateful for the ongoing support of some of the most recognized brands in the world.

These lifetime, loyal partners proudly carry our message forward and make a generational difference for the families of American heroes. It’s our honor to recognize them for their faithful generosity and exemplary commitment.

JOHNNY MAC

420 SOLDIERS FUND

SCHOLARSHIPS

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QUIKTRIP

426 SCHOLARSHIPS

264 SCHOLARSHIPS

2023/2024 T OP CORPOR ATE PAR TNERS

DELTA

ARBY’S

299 SCHOLARSHIPS

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A BUSINESS BUILT ON SERVICE:

THE LEGACY CONTINUES AT FREDDY’S The passion at Freddy’s Frozen Custard runs much deeper than the delicious treats featured on menus across America.

What many people may not know is the founder of Freddy’s, Frederick “Freddy” Louis Simon, was a devoted patriot, proud American, and decorated veteran of the United States Army. A recipient of many awards, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, Freddy remained committed to passionate patriotism long after he was honorably discharged from the military in 1945 - frequently speaking to schools and organizations about his time in the service and the price of freedom

LIFETIME IMPACT

OVER 970K $

In 2021, shortly after Freddy’s death, Freddy’s Frozen Custard became a Folds of Honor partner. When his family requested that donations be made to Folds of Honor in lieu of flowers, it created the foundation for a partnership built on like-minded values and love of country. By 2022, the company contributed $160,000 through a November roundup effort in their stores nationwide, and in 2023 that total jumped to more than $430,000!

We are grateful for the growing partnership with Freddy’s that has enabled us to award scholarships to thousands of deserving Americans. It all began with one man’s faithful commitment to serving his country, and we’re proud to help continue his legacy.

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Rinnai U.S. Cpl. Scott A. McIntosh Mem. Tourn.

Wings of Freedom Foundation Albertsons Bill and Connie Schey Tractor Supply Company Foundation American Golf Corp.

Arcis Golf David and Teryl Schawk Family Found.

Jim Glover Auto Family Monster Energy Company Stronghold, Ltd. Robert and Kelly Douglass Circle K

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Capital One Sallie Mae Dave North John and Chris Sapiente Stan and Janice Pajerski Paul and Barbara Shelton Dick and Mimi Lappin Craig and Mary Hudson Century Golf Partners ClubCorp Doug and Kasia Mastrangeli Blue Waters Foundation Family Owned Community Coffee Truemark Investments

FOLDSOFHONOR.ORG

CORT WW Grainger Inc. Great Lakes Division | Circle K AAA-The Auto Club Group Fore Golf Partners Foresight Golf Management GreatLIFE Golf and Fitness KemperSports Landscapes Unlimited Co. McConnell Golf Group OB Sports Neil and Lyndsay Shelton American Interiors ONEOK

FO LDS OF HON OR IS A L E ADING NO N- PR O FIT O R G ANIZATIO N THAT PR OV I D E S ED U C A T ION A L S CHOL A R S H IPS FO R C HILDR EN AND SPO USES O F FALL E N OR D ISA B L E D A ME R ICA N MIL ITAR Y SER VIC E MEMBER S AND FIR ST R ESPO ND E R S .

52,000

S INCE 20 0 7 , FOL D S OF H ONOR HAS

$244M

A WA R DE D OV E R 5 2 ,0 0 0 E D U C A TIO NAL

SC HO LARSHIPS T O T AL ARO U N D $ 2 4 4

S CHO L A R S H I P S .

MILLIO N IN EDUC AT IO NAL IM P AC T .

91%

9 1 % O F EV E R Y D OL L A R WE S P E ND

45%

S U PPO RT S OU R S C HOL A R S H I P

AWARDED REPRESENT

PRO GR A M .

MINO RIT Y REC IPIENT S.

O V ER 5 2 , 000 EDUCAT IO NAL

O F ALL SCHO LARSHIPS

4-STAR

F O L DS OF HONOR I S P R OU D T O B E R A TE D 4 OU T OF 4 S T A R S BY CHARIT Y NA VIGA TOR A ND HA V E A P L A T I NUM R A TING O N C A ND I D .

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HE M ISS IO N W EAR THE M IS S IO N W E A R T H E MISS ION HE M ISS IO N W EAR THE M IS S IO N W E A R T H E MISS ION

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS O U R BO A RD O F DI R E C T O R S FU N DR A I S E , P A R T I C I P A T E I N O U R EV ENT S, A N D S T A N D W I T H U S E V E R Y S T E P O F T H E W A Y .

DAV E NOR T H

Executive Chairman, Sedgwick Memphis, TN

TERRY WILLIAMS VP of Sales, QuikTrip Tulsa, OK

JOHNNY POWERS

Founding Principal, CEO, Suntex Marinas Dallas, TX

MICHAEL ARBOUR CEO, Sedgwick Inverness, IL

GAV IN HADDEN I V Senior Vice President, Fox Nation Glen Head, NY

LARRY PFEIFFER

Area Executive VP & Senior Director Transportation Practice, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Mission Hills, KS

CHRIS WILLIAMS

Executive Vice President, National Accounts and Customer Development, Southern Glazer’s

BRIAN WHITCOMB

Member & Past President, PGA of America Bend, OR

R YA N L E W E L LY N President, Tall Oak Midstream Oklahoma City, OK

LT COLONEL DAN ROONE Y

Founder & CEO, Folds of Honor Owasso, OK

SCOTT MUELLER

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs & Co. Dallas, TX

JACQUELINE ROONEY

Co-Founder, Folds of Honor| Owasso, OK

NANCY LOPEZ

Co-Founder, Nancy Lopez Golf, Nancy Lopez Golf Adventures. World Golf & LPGA Hall of Fame Palm City, FL

STEPHEN HAWORTH

Managing Director & CFO, Flexpoint Ford Chicago, IL

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WHY $13?

13 ISN’T JUST A NUMBER. IT’S A SYMBOL OF PROFOUND MEANING. Wh e n a f l a g i s f o l de d a nd pr e s e nt ed t o a gr ieving fami l y, i t i s d o ne wi th de e p r e ver ence. Tha t fla g

“ W E R E M E M B ER . fol d re p r e s e nts va l ue s l i k e l i f e , lib er t y , sa cr ifice, WE HONOR. an d re m e m br a nce . I t’ s o ne o f the m o st so lem n a nd WE WILL NOT p ow e rf ul g e s tur e s a na ti o n ca n o ffer t o t ho se who h av e l os t a l o ve d o ne i n s e r vi ce .

L E T Y O U R S ACR I FI CE Y ou r mo nthl y g i f t o f $ 13 ca r r i e s t ha t sa m e sp ir it . It BE FORGOTTEN.” t ran s for m s a s y m bo l o f l o s s i nto a co m m it m ent t o i s f ol d ed 13 ti m e s . E a ch f o l d ho ld s m ea ning. Ea ch

h op e . E a ch f o l d r e p r e s e nts va l ues like life, lib er t y , s ac ri f i ce , a nd r e m e m b r a nce .

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