TVC 2023 Pro Bono Mission Partner Awards Program by The Veterans Consortium

Pro Bono Mission Partner Awards Celebrating excellence in pro bono.

15 NOVEMBER

e believe

that our veterans

~our nation's defenders~ deserve the care,

benefits, and compensation they were promised

and the best legal services, free of charge,

to meet their challenges.

U.S COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is a federal court of record established by Congress through the Veterans' Judicial Review Act (VJRA), which was signed into law on November 18, 1988 (now codified in chapter 72 of title 38, United States Code). Prior to the VJRA, veterans who were denied claims for VA benefits, or who disagreed with findings of the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board), had no right to pursue any review of Board decisions. The Court provides this independent judicial review and is not part of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Court has exclusive jurisdiction to review final Board decisions based on the record before the agency and arguments of the parties, which are presented in a written brief, with oral argument generally held only in cases presenting new legal issues. The Court's principal office is in Washington, D.C., but the Court is authorized to sit anywhere in the United States and does so a limited number of times each year, typically at law schools across the nation as part of an educational outreach program. The Court is authorized seven permanent, active Judges, and two additional Judges as part of a temporary expansion provision. Judges generally are appointed for 15-year terms, and each Judge has the option upon retirement to agree to be available for further service as a recall-eligible Senior Judge. During any period of recall service, a Senior Judge has all of the judicial authority and powers of a Judge in active service.

PRO BONO PROGRAM FOR VETERANS At the request of the Court’s founding Chief Judge, Frank Q. Nebeker, the Federal Pro Bono Program for Veterans was created by the U.S. Congress in Public Law No. 102-229 and marked its 25-year milestone in 2017. The law provides for the “…furnishing of legal and other assistance, without charge, to veterans and other persons who are unable to afford the cost of legal representation in connection with decisions to which section 7252(a) of title 38, United States Code, may apply, or with other proceedings in the Court, through a program that furnishes case screening and referral, training and education for attorney and related personnel, and encouragement and facilitation of pro bono representation by members of the bar and law school clinical and other appropriate programs, such as veterans service organizations, and through defraying expenses incurred in providing representation to such persons. Provided, that such grants or contracts shall be made by the Legal Services Corporation pursuant to a reimbursable payment from the United States Court of Veterans Appeals….” [now the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims].

A Message from TVC's Executive Director Welcome to the 2023 TVC Pro Bono Mission Partner Awards. We gather tonight to honor our volunteers who have gone “above and beyond the call of duty.” This phrase has its roots in the citations of military members who were honored after WWI. It equates to extraordinary performance beyond already high expectations. It equates to extraordinary performance beyond already high expectations. All our TVC volunteers, mentors, and mission partners provide quality pro bono legal services to veterans and their loved ones. But tonight, we have chosen a select few that serve as shining lights and models for other pro bono volunteers and organizations to emulate. We have the distinct privilege of having Medal of Honor Recipient and Author, Kyle Carpenter join us in a “Fireside Chat” moderated by a member of TVC’s Executive Board Director, Mario A. Marquez, US Marine Corps Retired. Mario is Director of The American Legion’s National Security Division. Kyle is a medically retired United States Marine who received our country’s highest military recognition, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2010. Kyle is the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient and a testament to the power of living a courageous life of purpose. Tonight’s sponsors were extremely generous, and we are grateful to each one of you. This generosity directly translates to innovative and quality legal services for our nation’s defenders and their families. I want to especially thank our Hero Sponsor, Quarles & Brady LLP and our Freedom Sponsors, Ballard Spahr LLP and Shook, Hardy, Bacon L.L.P. Thank you for your generous support and unwavering commitment to our program. We are grateful for your partnership and patriotism. On behalf of our nation’s defenders, their families, caregivers, and survivors, we deeply appreciate your pro bono spirit, volunteer service and support for our critical mission. This is a team effort and each of you is key to our success. We honor and salute each one of you.

Steve Jordon, Captain (ret.) U.S. Navy Executive Director

Hero Sponsor

Quarles & Brady LLP

Freedom Sponsor

Ballard Spahr LLP Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.

Patriot Sponsor

Guardian Sponsor

Honor Guard Sponsor

Baker Botts L.L.P. | Fish & Richardson | Just Law

Veteran’s Defender Sponsor

*as of print deadline

Evening Program OPENING REMARKS Stephen Jordon, TVC Executive Director

2023 TVC WARRIOR FOR JUSTICE AWARDS Gregory O. Block, Esq. & Cheryl Naja, Esq.

FIRESIDE CHAT With Medal of Honor Recipient & author, Kyle Carpenter, USMC (Ret.) moderated by Mario Marquez, USMC (Ret.)

2023 TVC CHAIRMAN’S AWARD Christopher J. Tyson, Esq.

2023 TVC LAW FIRM PRO BONO MISSION PARTNER AWARD Baker Botts L.L.P.

2023 TVC DAV CHARITABLE SERVICE TRUST AWARD Alan R. Feigenbaum, Esq.

2023 TVC COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD Duane Morris LLP

2023 TVC LEGAL SCHOLARS AWARD Stetson University College of Law Veterans Advocacy Clinic

CLOSING REMARKS

THANK YOU

Executive Board Directors & Officers William S. Foster, Jr., Esq., Chairman Northrup Grumman Corporation

Aniela Szymanski, Esq., Vice Chairman

Chief Warrant Officers Association of the U.S. Coast Guard

Roy E. Spicer, Director

Disabled American Veterans

Leonard J. Selfon, Esq., CAE, Secretary & Director Paralyzed Veterans of America

John Muckelbauer, Esq., Director Veterans of Foreign Wars

Lanita Morgan, Esq., Director Resnick & Louis, P.C.

Lee Gardner, Esq., Director Google, Inc.

Richard V. Spataro, Esq., Director

National Veterans Legal Services Program

Mario A. Marquez, Director The American Legion

Kari Jolly, Treasurer RSM US LLP

Kyle Carpenter Medal of Honor Recipient & Author

While serving as a Marine rifleman in Afghanistan at age 20, on the morning of November 21st, 2010, Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter’s squad was attacked by Taliban forces. During the attack, a live grenade landed between Kyle and a fellow Marine. In a courageous act to save his fellow Marine, Kyle threw himself on the grenade. Kyle’s injuries were severe – he was unconscious for five weeks and spent over two and a half years recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. He had lost his right eye, most of his lower jaw and teeth, and his right arm was broken in 30 places. He went through roughly 40 surgeries during his recovery. During this grueling recovery process, Kyle’s spirit remained strong. He set several post-recovery goals for himself: run a marathon, earn a college degree, backpack through Europe, and go skydiving. After nearly three years of recovery, Kyle was released from the hospital at age 24 and has since been able to accomplish every post-recovery goal and many more. And on June 19, 2014, Kyle was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Obama for his selfsacrificing act of valor. Kyle is the youngest living recipient of the Medal of Honor, our country’s highest military honor.

In 2019, Kyle published his autobiography, You are Worth It: Building A Life Worth Fighting For. It not only tells the story of the events leading up to November 20, 2010 and the recovery period which followed, but it is also a story of rebirth and overcoming adversity, of how Kyle battled back from the gravest challenge to forge a life of joyful purpose. In the words of General Jim Mattis “Kyle Carpenter’s memoir of gallantry beyond the call of duty provides a vivid reminder that grit and valor remain American hallmarks.” He is also host of “The Kyle Carpenter Podcast” in which he shares the stories of people who inspire him, expanding perspectives through meaningful conversations on leadership, adversity, and finding a joyful purpose in life. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Kyle’s military awards include a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, NATO Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon and a Purple Heart, the award for which he is most proud.

“You Are Worth It.”

2023

TVC Warrior for Justice Award

Gregory O. Block, Esq. The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program congratulates Gregory O. Block on his selection as the recipient of our inaugural Warrior for Justice Award, for his service and leadership as the recently retired Clerk of Court at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and his unwavering support of the TVC mission. Greg’s immeasurable contributions have touched many veterans’ lives through his stewardship of the Court and the support of the judges over the last 13 years. Greg integrated his big picture vision with the goal of evolving the Court’s services to do more for Veterans. Greg conceptualized and developed the establishment of the Rule 33 Pilot Program. He was intentional in bringing together various stakeholders of the private bar, TVC, VA, and Court and focused on the details to ensure a strong, seamless, and successful Program that supports pro se appellants. Though TVC administers the Program, the R33 Pilot Program was born of Greg’s initiative and passion to ensure equal justice for veterans at the Court. Though still a pilot program, it has shown great promise with a 75% success rate. Greg is an educator and easily developed and fostered relationships with the appellant’s bar and VA Secretary’s counsel and was integral in the ongoing development of TVC’s volunteer corps through participation in TVC training. Greg educated attorneys on his role as Clerk of Court and what was expected of them as they practiced before the Court. Greg was always open for collaboration on “what more” TVC could do in support of the Court’s pro se veterans and how he could support us. In short, he always puts his fellow veterans first in his relentless pursuit of excellence. Greg served as a Colonel in the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps for 30 years before continuing his service to our Country at the Court. His service is a matter of the heart. His impact on TVC both professionally and personally is profound. Simply put, TVC is a better and more effective organization because of Greg Block. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of our Nation’s Defenders.

2023

TVC Warrior for Justice Award

Cheryl Naja, Esq.

The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program congratulates Cheryl Naja on her selection as the recipient of our inaugural Warrior for Justice Award, for her extensive work on behalf of our Nations Defenders and her unwavering support of the TVC mission. Cheryl’s sense of duty stems from growing up in a military family so supporting veterans and their families has always come naturally to her. It’s worth noting that her son, Sami, recently retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant. During her 26 years at Alston & Bird, she was instrumental in formalizing the Firm’s Pro Bono Program and ensuring support to Veterans through pro bono legal services. She always looked for ways to make connections, provide support for our veterans, and is a staunch supporter of the Veterans Consortium and its mission. In 2017, we began to build on our partnership with Alston & Bird under the strong leadership of Cheryl, who was the Director of Pro Bono, and Community Service. Cheryl recruited attorneys to attend our trainings and to then volunteer with our U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Pro Bono Program. She also facilitated connections to their corporate partners who were interested in our mission and who are now valuable and committed partners. She has a solid record of promoting pro bono initiatives at Alston & Bird and a strong commitment to the men and women who have served our nation. Cheryl ensured that recognizing veterans and providing support and services to veterans was prioritized in Alston & Bird’s pro bono program and the firm’s culture. Cheryl worked closely with TVC’s Discharge Upgrade Program to serve veterans who received Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharges due to conduct related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Military Sexual Trauma, or other mental health issues. These are some of our most vulnerable veterans who struggle with mental health issues and trauma. We’ve collaborated on many opportunities to reach these veterans and Cheryl was always ready to help and get her firm involved. She has been an invaluable partner and has impacted the lives of many veterans that felt unrecognized and forgotten. Cheryl’s passion for our mission and those who have served our nation is evident to all who have had the privilege of working with her. She not only led Alston & Bird’s pro bono efforts, but she also is an institution in Atlanta, supporting many community efforts. She truly embodies what it means to live a life of service. Cheryl has gone beyond the call of duty on behalf of our Nation’s Defenders and is a model for other volunteers to emulate. In recognition of the invaluable work and tireless effort in support of the legal challenges that veterans face, we are proud to present Cheryl Naja with the 2023 Warrior for Justice Award.

2023

TVC Chairman's Award

Christopher J. Tyson, Esq. The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program congratulates Christopher Tyson of Duane Morris for his selection as the recipient of the 2023 TVC Chairman’s Award. The Chairman’s Award recognizes an individual who has significantly impacted the mission of TVC through advocacy and selfless dedication to our Nation’s Defenders and their families. It is a challenge to convey the impact Chris has had on our program and on the lives of countless veterans. Chris is not just a TVC volunteer but part of the TVC home-team. He has been at the forefront of many of our major outreach initiatives since 2016 -beginning with our partnership with Duane Morris to create the Pro Bono Legal Advice & Referral clinic at the DC VA Medical Center. Chris helped negotiate the MOU with the VA and several other entities to create a model medical legal partnership that has since benefited countless veterans. He has led by example and recruited countless Duane Morris attorneys to participate in specialized legal clinics, our U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Pro Bono Program (CAVC) cases, Discharge Upgrade cases, and our Veterans Naturalization Program. Chris was part of the team that established the groundbreaking Women Veterans Legal Advice & Referral Clinic in 2019 which led to the establishment of TVC’s Women Veterans Legal Assistance Program, now a permanent line of service and the only one of its kind in the nation. Chris is a valued volunteer and mentor on our CAVC cases, remaining with his clients on remand on many occasions and securing life altering awards and benefits. He is noted for forming a close relationship with the veterans he’s represented and keeps in touch with many of them on a regular basis. He is admired and respected by his pro bono clients and his colleagues and is held in the highest regard by the TVC staff. Chris is a credit to his firm and to his country, having served in the Navy as a surface warfare officer. We are a better organization because of his selfless devotion to his fellow veterans and the TVC mission. Chris has gone beyond the call of duty on behalf of our Nation’s Defenders and is a model for other volunteers to emulate. It is with great admiration and respect that we recognize Chris with the 2023 Chairman’s Award.

2023

TVC DAV Charitable Service Trust Award

Alan R. Feigenbaum, Esq. The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program congratulates Alan Feigenbaum of Blank Rome on his selection as the inaugural TVC DAV Charitable Service Trust Awardee for his extensive work on behalf of veterans supported by our Discharge Upgrade Program. TVC’s Discharge Upgrade Program is generously sponsored by the DAV Charitable Service Trust and provides legal support for some of our most vulnerable veterans, who struggle with mental health issues and trauma. Alan often takes our Military Sexual Trauma or MST cases, which are notoriously difficult not only because of the trauma veterans have suffered, but also due to the lack of military records regarding MST. Most servicemembers do not report MST and instead, they suffer in silence, which can lead to uncharacteristic behavior and misconduct leading to a less than honorable discharge. To pursue a discharge upgrade based on MST, veterans must not only grapple with the shame and stigma of a bad discharge, but they must reveal extremely personal and emotional information in that process. Alan is patient and professional and his responsiveness and professionalism helps build rapport with these vulnerable veterans. Alan is an experienced matrimonial and family law attorney at Blank Rome and assists a diverse range of clients with a focus on evaluating the optimal strategies to manage and resolve complex financial and custody disputes. He brings his experience and forwardlooking approach to his discharge upgrade cases with very successful outcomes. He has the skills and empathy to handle these cases, and a special ability to empower veterans to share their stories, spreading hope that there can be some form of justice many years after their trauma. Alan Feigenbaum has gone beyond the call of duty on behalf of our Nation’s Defenders and is a model for other volunteers to emulate. In recognition of the invaluable work, sustained superior performance, and tireless effort in support of the legal challenges that veterans face, we are proud to present Alan Feigenbaum with the 2023 TVC DAV Charitable Service Trust Award.

2023

TVC Law Firm Pro Bono Mission Partner

Baker Botts L.L.P.

The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program congratulates Baker Botts, L.L.P. on their selection as the recipient of the 2023 Law Firm Pro Bono Mission Partner for their steadfast commitment to TVC and its mission. Pro Bono legal work is an integral part of the culture at Baker Botts and lawyers are strongly encouraged to devote their time to this endeavor. This work is valued on an equal basis as legal services provided to fee-paying clients, with pro bono clients receiving the full resources of the firm and the same level of client engagement and service. As part of its commitment to pro bono, Baker Botts has worked very closely with TVC for many years with firm lawyers committing over 3,000 pro bono hours. The firm has an astounding 100% success rate representing veterans and their families before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Baker Botts has also generously donated more than $100,000 to TVC which directly assisted in expanding our legal services to veterans. These donations have funded our legal assistance programs and independent medical opinions that serve as crucial evidence to establish service connection and disability ratings, often leading to substantial and life-altering retroactive payouts that truly transform the lives of veterans who have long struggled to make ends meet. Baker Botts has long been committed to veteran causes and supporting veteran employees within their own ranks. “BB Vets” is part of Baker Botts’ Veterans Affinity Group, which is comprised of over 40 firm lawyers and staff who are military veterans, military spouses, and family members. Their strong commitment to veterans and TVC’s mission has made them an invaluable mission partner that has clearly gone beyond the call of duty on behalf of our Nation’s Defenders and shines as a model for other firms to emulate.

2023

TVC Community Impact Award

Duane Morris LLP

The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program congratulates Duane Morris LLP, under the leadership of Chairman and CEO, Matthew Taylor, on their selection as the recipient of our inaugural Community Impact Award for their steadfast commitment to our Legal Assistance Programs. In 2016, TVC partnered with Duane Morris to assess the need for pro bono legal services for low-income Veterans in the DC area. The process began by holding “pop-up legal clinics” throughout the city to assess interest and impact. It quickly became clear that the need was significant and that the best location to reach our targeted community was the DC VA Medical Center. In May of 2017, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by TVC, the Neighborhood Legal Services Program, and the DC VA Medical Center to establish TVC’s Veterans Pro Bono Legal Clinic in the Transition & Care Management Center at the Medical Center. Valentine Brown, Katharyn Voit, Chris Tyson, and the team at Duane Morris were critical key partners throughout the process of negotiations and drafting of the MOU that created the Clinic, which has now served thousands of veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Veterans served at the Clinics often have underlying non-legal issues that impact their lives as well as legal issues. Each team of attorneys is provided with a resource guide for legal and non-legal services which Heidi Lunasin, from Duane Morris, created. These potentially life-changing resources are critical to getting Veterans the help and services they need. Duane Morris also generously donated laptops to the Clinic to better manage referrals and resources. In March of 2020, we partnered again with Duane Morris to open our Women Veterans Legal Advice and Referral Clinic. This clinic is staffed solely by women attorneys and law students and is in the Women’s Health Clinic at the hospital, which is a place where women veterans feel safe and comfortable. This is the only clinic of its kind in the country and Duane Morris attorneys consistently staff it each month. In 2020, TVC piloted the Veterans Naturalization Assistance Program (VNAP) to assist non-citizen veterans with their application for citizenship through military service. Duane Morris attorneys volunteer on these cases and Valentine Brown, who serves in the immigration practice group at Duane Morris, has assisted TVC as a mentor and taken many cases. The attorneys at Duane Morris LLP have been a part of our TVC National Volunteer Corps for over 25 years, volunteering with TVC’s U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Program and remain deeply immersed in this effort. The attorneys at Duane Morris at are always ready to assist at “pop-up clinics”, homeless stand-downs, pro bono clinics, and new initiatives. They are true partners in every sense of the word and have gone beyond the call of duty on behalf of our Nation’s Defenders and serve as a model for other firms and organizations to emulate.

2023

TVC Legal Scholars Award

Stetson University College of Law Veterans Advocacy Clinic The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program congratulates Stetson University College of Law Veterans Advocacy Clinic for their selection as the recipient of the inaugural TVC Legal Scholars Award, for their extensive and impactful work on behalf of veterans under the leadership of Law Professor and Veterans Law Institute Director, Stacey-Rae Simcox and Adjunct Professor and VLI Associate Director, Morgan MacIsaac-Bykowski. Stetson has been a TVC mission partner in Florida for nearly a decade. Over the years, the faculty and students have taken 36 federal appellate cases from TVC and provided quality pro bono representation for veterans and their loved ones before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims with a 97% success rate and securing over $2.8 million in retroactive benefits. This pro bono effort has directly restored both benefits and dignity that these veterans rightfully earned during their military service and brought valuable federal disability compensation to citizens of Florida. In addition to helping veterans, the Clinic gives students the opportunity to gain critical hands-on experience on U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) cases with potentially transformative outcomes. Many have gone on to clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and notably, two former students currently work at TVC: Deputy Director, Chesley Roberts and Staff Attorney, Emmanual Bonilla. The Stetson team has gone above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of our Nation’s Defenders and is a model for others to emulate. In recognition of the invaluable work, sustained superior performance, longstanding leadership, and tireless effort in support of the legal challenges that veterans continually face, we are proud to present the Stetson University College of Law Veterans Advocacy Clinic with the TVC Legal Scholars Award.

How We Help TVC Federal Veterans Pro Bono Program (Nationwide) This pro bono program provides representation for veterans and their families appealing the unjust denial of their VA benefits from the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). TVC trains & mentors volunteers to represent them to regain eligibility for benefits.

Contact: volunteer@vetsprobono.org

TVC Discharge Upgrade Program (Nationwide) This pro bono program serves veterans who have received a less than honorable Discharge due to conduct related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), anti-LGBTQ+ policies and/or other mitigating factors.

Contact: upgrades@vetsprobono.org

TVC Women Veterans Legal Assistance Program (Nationwide) In addition to managing the Pro Bono Legal Clinic for Women Veterans (one of only 3 in the nation), WVLAP focuses on outreach and education to women veterans and informs them of their rights and the legal avenues available for their unique legal needs. This pro bono program provides representation for women veterans who are filing for VA disability compensation or appealing claims for conditions related to military sexual trauma (MST).

Contact: wvlap@vetsprobono.org

Veterans Naturalization Assistance Program (Nationwide) VNAP assists veterans applying for naturalization through military service. TVC volunteers are trained to assist veterans with their naturalization applications which involve gathering evidence, writing defenses when needed, and ensuring applications are properly completed. Practicing Immigration attorneys serve as Mentors to volunteers when needed.

Contact: vnap@vetsprobono.org

TVC Client Services (Nationwide) Our TVC Client Services team liaises with the Court, our veterans and VSOs to ensure appeals are filed in a timely manner. We operate a national helpline for pro se appellants at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to help veterans understand the Court’s processes. Client Services also provides forms and other documents for representation, as well as resources and referrals as needed.

Contact: mail@vetsprobono.org

TVC Legal Advice & Referral Clinics (DMV Area) TVC manages two regular pro bono legal clinics for veterans at the DC VA Medical Center. One clinic is available exclusively to women veterans and staffed by female attorneys; the other clinic is for all veterans. In addition to these regular clinics, TVC also hosts pop-up specialized pro bono legal clinics to meet the increase need for legal assistance across various areas of law such as family law, employment law, and wills/estates law.

Contact: clinics@vetsprobono.org

OUR REPORT CARD SINCE 1992 83% Success Rate >77,000 Handled Requests >7,800 Cases Placed 6,480 Attorneys Trained Value of Donated Services $143M

Your gift helps ensure veterans and their loved ones receive the benefits and compensation they earned by our country.

All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. If you would like to make a donation in memory of a veteran that has served our country, or a volunteer attorney that has given their time and expertise in service to veterans, please contact outreach@vetsprobono.org.

CFC#: 95004

@vetsprobono #theyfoughtforus www.vetsprobono.org

The Veterans Consortium would like to thank our veterans for their service to our country and the TVC Volunteers who tirelessly support them. We would also like to express our gratitude to our Sponsors and Mission Partners for their generous support of our mission.

CFC#: 95004 The Veterans Consortium 2101 L Street NW, Suite 225 Washington, DC 20037 888-838-7727

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#theyfoughtforus

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