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An up close and personal interview with U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:
Col David Couvillon U.S. Marine Corps (Ret) (1974-2014)
PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS?
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| My teeth are still crooked! |
Read a 3 volume set of paperbacks on the Marine Corps in WWII when I was 8-9 years old. I knew then that I wanted to be a Marine. In the meantime, there was a photo of my father (as a coach of our local high school team) in which he was wearing a funny looking cap. When I was around 11, I really looked at that photo and recognized that he was wearing a USMC field cover, it was then I learned he was a Marine.
WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
I enlisted right out of high school in the buddy program with a childhood friend. I had planned on joining the fall after high school, but ran into a recruiter at the post office in June and signed up. I was one of the last people to enlist for a
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| Boot Camp 1974 |
2 year contract (no Reserve requirement!). While on active duty as a Personnel Clerk, I tried to get into the Naval Academy Prep School (NAPS) and then into the Academy. Got screwed around by some prick Major at HQ MCRD, so I dropped to the IRR and went to LSU. Working my way through school, and taking care of a younger brother and sister, I needed a few extra bucks (and I REALLY missed the Marine Corps), so I joined the local Reserve Unit in Baton Rouge as their Admin Chief. Shortly thereafter, I was promoted to SSgt, I really didn't join the Marines to work a typewriter, so I asked to move to one of the platoons. Became the Plt Sgt for the 81mm Plt and changed my MOS. During this time I decided to become an officer, but the only program in the Reserves was for Warrant as a Postal or NBCD Officer. Being hard-headed and a firm believer in the Marine Corps law that 'anything can be waived' I applied to be a Gunner (03xx) - 3 times! There were no Gunners at all in the Corps at the time; so, of course, my applications were denied. Moving to apply again, I went past the MCO (In the Old Corps we had paper!) in the file book and noticed MCO 1040.xx "Marine Corps Reserve Enlisted Commissioning Program".
There were a number of requirements. Most of which I had already accomplished/met. One of which was to have a panel of 7 officers interview and recommend me for commissioning. So, I put together my package; had the panel interview; and submitted the package up the chain of command to Battalion HQ. The XO calls me and tells me there is no such program in the Reserve to commission officers. I refer him to the MCO and I get an, "Oh, SxxT!" After an interview by the 3/23 BnCO, I get his recommendation and the package is forwarded to 23d Marines; then to 4th MARDIV; then HQMC (no MARFORRES at that time), at all stops I had the same the little dance about 'you can't do this'; "well, refer to MCO 1040.xx!"  The Adjutant at HQMC had a little twist, "SSgt, that Order was for the Korean War and as you know all MCOs have a self-cancellation date - no such program exists any longer!" (Refer back to the top of this story and you'll notice that I had been a 'Remington Raider', so I knew my way around MCOs and PUBS). I recommended the G-1 relook at the order - there was no cancellation date on MCO 1040.xx. It was still in effect! He was a bit stunned and said he'd call me back.
About 3 weeks later I get a call from some Colonel at HQMC who says, "SSgt, I have a package for a Marine Corps Officer's Commission here on the Commandant's desk and he want's to know what the hell is going on?" I explain everything, much the same as written here. The Colonel acknowledges that's it's a hell of a story and asks if I could hang on a few minutes. About 15 minutes later he comes back on the line, "Well, I told the Commandant your story and he said, 'If he's got balls enough to apply, I've got balls enough to sign it!'" And that's how I got a direct commission in the Marine Corps! (Never went to OCS, PLC, or The Basic School!). It was, then, just a matter of hanging on long enough to pin on the ole chicken wings!
IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
XO of WpnsCo, 3/23 & FSC during Operations Desert Shield & Desert Storm. First action at Umm Gudair, Kuwait 2 days before D-Day. BnCO 3/23 & Military Provincial Governor in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Most exciting and rewarding time of my life.
OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH ONE WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
My assignment as 3/23 Bn Cmdr and Military Provincial Governor of Wasit Province Iraq was my most satisfying and interesting. I believe I truly made a difference in people's (Marines, Sailors, Soldiers & Iraqis) lives. It was almost like living a movie! Can't say I had a disappointing time in
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| Al Kut 2003 |
any billet in the Marine Corps.
http://www.cracked.com/personal-experiences-1380-8-things-i-learned-as-american-ruling-iraqi-province.html
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines
1st Marine Division, FMF
Al Kut, Iraq
June 8, 2003
DWC
To: Al Sador Group protesters
From: Governor, Wassit Province
Subject: Demands of the Coalition by the protesters
In the name of God.
The Protest of June 6, 2003 is recognized and respected as a peaceable assembly of free citizens of Iraq for the purpose of making their opinions known. However, the written questions and suggestions delivered to me through the protest were presented as demands. I, nor any of the Coalition Forces, will listen to or respond to demands. I believe, though, that a misunderstanding between our languages has caused a miscommunication and I have not taken the letter as demands. I will attempt answer the 5 questions completely and with honesty.
1) Representation, in the government, of the people through organizations, political parties, religious or social groups, and by individuals will be respected and encouraged. However, any organizations, organizations affiliated with, condoned by, or led by Baath or the Baath Party will not be allowed to participate in government or allowed to exist.
 2) A city council is a government for the city. The Government Reformation Council is tasked to create, recreate, or design a government for Al Kut and Wassit. This government will oversee the services to the people of the city and Province. This government will adhere to the principles and guidelines of the national central government that will be established.
3) The Coalition Provisional Authority is moving to assist the Iraqi people in creating a central national government for Iraq. This government will represent all of the peoples of Iraq.
4) Free elections will be conducted when governmental structure is established on the national and provincial level. The Government Reformation Council of Wassit is in the process of determining the structure of the Provincial and City government. The Government Reformation Council will also set rules for registration of voters, determine a date for elections, and oversee free elections.
5) Organizations, political parties, religious or social groups, and individuals will not be guaranteed positions in governments. These organizations, political parties, religious or social groups, and individuals are all encouraged to participate in elections for government positions by presenting candidates for the positions. Candidates elected will be seated in the government to perform their duties. Baath, former Baath and criminals will not be allowed to be a candidate, nor will they be allowed to be elected.
I am happy to have had this opportunity to answer your questions. I look forward to an exchange of ideas for the formation of a free, democratic government of the people of Wassit, Kut and Iraq. May God smile upon you in your endeavors to participate in this new time and government of Iraq.
Your humble servant,
LtCol David Couvillon
FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE, INCLUDING COMBAT, DESCRIBE THE PERSONAL MEMORIES WHICH HAVE IMPACTED YOU MOST?
The day we got home from Desert Storm. We landed at the Baton Rouge airport and there were about 10,000 family/friends/co-workers/people packed on the fence line. My wife somehow wormed her way onto the tarmac, standing there with all the dignitaries (of which, she was the greatest!). Quite a few of
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| Rock Star! Desert Storm Homecoming. |
us were from the Vietnam era and remembered how the military was treated then. This was special.
There was also an incident that affected me and showed the strength of character one man can have. I wrote it up this way a the time:
Night Uday & Qusay were killed. 7/22/03
I had just finished a hurried shower, the showers shut off at 2200, I and my escorts had returned to the COC around 2150. Shortly after 2200, as was my custom, I sat down at my field desk to go over daily reports, answer email, and make plans for the following day. The Battalion Command radio Net crackled to life with several calls at once. A communications Marine, who was monitoring the Blue Force Tracker and Iridium phone, rushed into the COC and announced an urgent call from Lima Company in An Numinaya. He also informed the Watch Staff that the whole sky line had lit up with gunfire over Al Kut.
The calls were from my Company Commanders and the front gate of the airfield exclaiming that the Iraqi population was in the streets and gunfire was everywhere. Some of the gunfire was directed into the compounds that housed the companies. Mixed messages were coming in that we were being attacked, or that the Iraqis were firing on each other, or that celebratory fire was going on. We had a few patrols out, who reported being fired at.
 I stepped outside the COC to look out toward AI Kut and found the skyline ablaze with green and red tracers (AK47 fire), such as I hadn't seen since the liberation of Kuwait City in 1991. Back in the COC, I couldn't discern what was going on, and my intelligence officer, nor staff, had any enlightening thoughts either. I issued orders that all patrols would immediately return to their compounds and for the companies to enact pre-planned defensive measures to repel any attacks.
Fruitless attempts were made to contact Division Headquarters by radio, email and satellite phone. There was no response through any method.
Reports continued to come in that our positions were taking sporadic fire into the compound, but no injuries were reported. The front gate to the airfield seemed to be taking the most fire, but as usual, it came from across the canal about 500 meters away and was ineffectual (effective range, about 400 meters), a deadly nuisance at best. The front gate had received harassment fire ever since we occupied the airfield. This harassment fire was the source of much frustration as we could never seem to capture or destroy the antagonists and directing overwhelming counter-fire at them would endanger innocents living in that neighborhood.
After 20 minutes or so, with gunfire and wild reports still ongoing, a flare was fired from the small neighborhood just outside the main gate to the airfield. This neighborhood contained about 30 families who had previously worked at the airfield when it was a going concern of the Iraqi Air Force. Some of these families were Sunni and feared reprisals from local Shia. Their nominal leader was a retired Iraqi Warrant Officer (or so he claimed) who was obviously a man of opportunity. He had ingratiated himself with my intelligence officer and several non-commissioned officers, providing intelligence (specious and otherwise), contacts, and even throwing a bar-b-que for the Marines. Prior to our arrival, he had befriended members of 2/8 and arranged to fire a flare if his home and neighborhood was attacked to summon assistance.
 Upon seeing this flare, the guards at the front gate initiated the Kilo Company QRF (quick reaction force, platoon size -Kilo Co was assigned to guard the airfield at this time) to repel the assumed attack. The QRF left the front gate on foot toward the workers neighborhood, but almost immediately came under fire from their right flank, from across the canal (Sector H, we called it). They maneuvered right, crossed the canal dam into the neighborhood that bordered the canal. They began working their way through the streets towards the firing. Firing could still be heard throughout the city, and eventually the QRF came under fire from rooftops and the street. One squad was working up one street and another had been paralleling it on another, but then cut over on a cross street in answer to a call for reinforcement. The first squad was pinned down at an intersection. The squad leader called for the Marines to shoot out the street lights (amazingly, the electricity was on at this time). A lone horse was tethered to a light pole halfway down the next block and the squad leader issued another order to kill it. He felt the horse was providing cover to Iraqis crossing the street and firing at the Marines. At this point, a car sped out the gate of a home and hurtled toward the pinned down squad. Marines yelled for the vehicle to stop, "Kif, kif." and made the arab stopping motion (more like our motion to slow down). The vehicle appeared to attempt to hit a Marine at the comer then tried to evade by careening around the corner onto the cross street, right into the 2nd Squad - almost hitting another Marine. The Marines opened fire on the vehicle and it came to a stop against a fence wall. Fire continued to come down from the rooftops and down the street, the Marines returning fire. One of the Marines noticed movement in the vehicle; then realized that there were children in the back seat. A man and woman were dead in the front seat. Exposing himself, he ran to the vehicle gathered an infant in his arms then herded two other terrified young children out of the car. Using his body as a shield, he dashed the kids to a nearby home while Iraqi fire pelted the street. Banging on the door and yelling for the occupants, he continued to shield the children. The woman of the house opened the door and the Marine hustled the children inside, giving the infant to the woman with an admonition to keep them safe. He then shut the door and ran back to his place with the squad.
The 1st squad leader identified a home where most of the fire seemed to be coming from the rooftop. The squad entered the home and compound and made their way to the roof only to find expended 7.62x59 cases and fresh blood. He called in a report to Kilo Company, who relayed the report to me. I ordered the QRF to return to the airfield. Almost at this same time, the firing died down throughout the city. 45 minutes had elapsed since all hell had broken loose.
 One report came in that a Marine was told by an Iraqi that Uday and Qusay had been killed that night. We continued attempted communications with 1st Marine Division, and at one point got hold of someone, but were 'put on hold' with no chance to report our situation. Eventually (maybe 90 minutes after the initial attempt), I contacted the Division Operations Officer. He couldn't confirm the rumor of Uday and Qusay, but acknowledged that there was 'activity' all over Iraq. About 10 minutes later, he called back to confirm the rumor on Uday and Qusay. All the commotion that occurred was due to celebration over the deaths of Saddam's thuggish sons. Never the less, some Iraqis took the opportunity to turn their celebratory fire against the Battalion's compounds and the Marines, Sailors and Soldiers.
My tale doesn't quite end here. At the AI Kut Hotel, where I had an informal policy to meet with people away from the Government Building or the airfield (to avoid any intimidation factor these locals could have), was an Iraqi who had been a soldier in the Iran-Iraq war. He had been captured by the Iranians and spent 18 years in an Iranian prison. He had been released back to Iraq in 2001 as a frail and broken man. He made his way in life now as a laborer/janitor/steward in the hotel. He didn't speak English, and I didn't remember his name. Someone had told me his story and one day I made a point to greet him and inquire as to his health and situation. We shared some old soldier stories and I questioned him on his imprisonment and how he felt about our (US) presence in Iraq. After that initial meeting, he and I always shared a nod and a grin or greetings. He was always overjoyed to see me and bustled about in any way to help those serving me at the hotel. However, on this occasion, I was meeting with some Iraqi town leaders and several other people who showed up at the hotel to gain a few moments of my time and possibly gain some support for something or other. I noticed my friend fidgeting in the background. He looked harried; pre-occupied, and wouldn't meet my eyes when I tried to acknowledge him. This was totally out of character for our relationship. Finishing my business with the people who had come to see me, I motioned for my friend to join me. As he approached he burst into tears.
He inquired if knew of the family that had two people killed the night before. I told him yes, in fact I had sent emissaries to the neighborhood and local Sheik to try and contact the family with my condolences, but that we weren't able to find anyone (in fact, as we spoke my chaplain and Kilo Co's lstSgt, with the help of the local Sheik had located the family and were talking to them,  I had already initiated an investigation into the incident). My friend informed me that the dead man and woman were his nephew and niece. I was stunned, my heart sank and my knees grew weak. I expressed my deep sorrow and asked if he knew what had happened. He said yes, and explained that his niece was visiting his nephew when the city erupted in gunfire. She was afraid and wanted to get her children back home for the neighborhood (sector H) had an unsavory reputation, even in Al Kut. The family tried to get her to stay, but she insisted feeling that she was unsafe. Her cousin volunteered to drive her and the children home. Witnesses told the family, that as the car pulled out of the driveway, Iraqis fired at the vehicle, and then as it tried to turn the corner an Iraqi had run into the street behind the vehicle and fired into it. My friend was sorry to disturb me, but could I help the family recover the vehicle, the children were fine thanks to the Marines and the family would take care of them. However, if they could recover the vehicle it would be repaired and help with the family livelihood.
This was a second blow to me. Here was an out for me. I could blame the situation and deaths on the Iraqi mufsidoon and my Marines would not have to shoulder any blame in the Province. I looked my friend in the eye and told him, La (No). It was American bullets that killed your nephew and niece." Now it was his tum to appear stunned. I knelt with him on the floor and, using the tiles, drew the situation out for him and explained what I knew. He looked up at me, again filled with grief, and told me that I had included some facts in my story that he had not spoken of and by this knew I spoke the truth. I again expressed my sorrow at his loss and explained that I could not bring his niece and nephew back, insha'allah, but according to Arab custom wanted to arranged a meeting with my representative and his family to make reparations.
Several radical Sheiks and other rabble rousers wanted to use this incident to incite the people of Wasit against the Coalition forces. Much was made of the killings, so that I called a council of those involved as well as clerics and leaders in the Province and AI Kut. We were threatened with mass riots unless we turned over control of the city to the Sheiks and Islamic Parties. I explained what had happened that night and was accused of fementing the actions of my Marines against the people for their celebrations. I noted that we did not know what was going on and that some mufsidoon had taken the opportunity to fire upon Coaliton Forces, and as I had explained many times before I would not tolerate any actions against my Marines, Soldiers or Sailors. Several were incredulous, I had to have known the fate of Uday and Qusay and thus the reason for the celebration-after all the CIA would have communicated that information to me by the secret radio implanted in my head! You have lost the right to control this Province! My friend and his family, however, stood before the people, held my Marines blameless and stated, under Arab custom, they had been compensated fairly for their loss. The matter was closed.
WHAT ACHIEVEMENT(S) ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
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| XO Maj Scott Garris; BnCO; Chaplain LT Jose Lavasida; S3 Maj Dan Reber |
As an officer leading men into combat, concern for their welfare contends with accomplishing the mission as the thought that keeps you awake at night. As a Reserve Officer, I know most of my unit way more personally, and many of their families. Though we met up with TF Tarawa deep in Iraq, where they were in the earlier stages of the transition, 3/23 saw its share of combat and dangerous situations. We had some wounded, but I brought all of my Marines, Sailors, & Soldiers back home alive. I've always thought it was something to be proud of.
OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR ANY OTHER MEMORABILIA, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH ARE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
One of the things my dad did was run the Junior Deputy Program for the Sheriff's office in West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. Integral to the Junior Deputies was a rifle program. My dad taught thousands of youth hunter safety, respect for law, and marksmanship. Of course, I always went
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| Couvillon Marines |
along with my dad every Saturday morning to the rifle range. At 6 years old, I learned to shoot. I also shot on the small-bore and high-power rifle teams. The most anticipated time I looked forward to was the rifle range. The M16A1 couldn't take a lot of pressure on the strap because it would bend the barrel, but I learned to control it. On pre-qual day I shot 249! My (heavy) drill instructor, Sgt Leydig, was making bets around the Series Drill Instructors that I'd be high man on Qual Day. Ooops, 236 - wrong frigging dope on the 500 yd line. My fault, I screwed up. Cost Sgt Leydig a few bucks and a case of beer. Cost me about 600 mountain climbers. Still, I was damned proud of that Expert Badge. I still am. (Photo is of me with my Dad, Cpl Henry Couvillon; and, my youngest brother, Cpl Edward Couvillon. PS, my other younger brother is LtCmdr Michael Couvillon, USNR NC, and has always been in 'green units' with Marine Regs).
WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
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| 3/23 pre-deployment 2003 - 29 Palms, CA |
From my Drill Instructors through SNCOs, NCOs, Officers, peers, friends, and Marines I commanded, in each and every one I learned something about leadership, people, humor, compassion, and decision making. I stay in touch with many of them. But all had an impact, for which I am eternally grateful.
CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
In Iraq I was assigned a vetted contractor (naturalized American citizen from Egypt) as an Arabic interpreter. "Mel" was eager, loud, and utterly devoted to me and the US. However, he was 'concerned' and wanted me to issue him a weapon. I refused when I found out he had no weapons training of any type. While conducting a meeting with local politicians, businessmen and tribal leaders in the city of Suwayrah, there was a coordinated assassination attempt against me. The incident started when a grenade was thrown at a window I was sitting next to during the meeting. Luckily the grenade landed next to the wall and not through the window, protecting me from the blast. As gunfire and other explosions were going off, Mel leaped to a nearby Iraqi policeman and took his pistol from his holster. As I and my security team reacted to the the assault I catch Mel waiving the pistol around with a wild look in his eye. With all the other stuff going on I was more afraid of Mel accidentally shooting someone than I was of all the other action. Giving quick direction to my team, I then ran over to Mel and wrestled the pistol from him. Throughout the next few minutes while my team is chasing away the attackers, Mel is begging me to let him have the pistol back. After everything quieted down, I gave the policeman back his pistol with admonishment never to let anyone else get near his weapon! I then reconvened the meeting (no one was seriously injured. A few scratches here and there from shrapnel), much to the discomfort of my Iraqi hosts. I still have to laugh a the picture in my head of Mel wildly waiving that pistol around.
WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?
As a Reservist, I worked a regular job most of my Marine career. At the beginning, I work for the Credit Card Division of a local bank, then spent 24+ years with Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield as a manager in a Medicare contract with CMS. Currently, I'm the Director of Office of Group Benefits with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana.
WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
American Legion, VFW, Marine Corps League, Reserve Officers Assoc, Military Officers Assoc of America, Military Officers of the World Wars. In all cases, I find the opportunity to support (and receive support from) veterans with their needs.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER?
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| Still the 'Couv |
Without a doubt it has allowed me to become a leader at work and in my community. I'm proud of my service and always encourage others to do the same. Certainly after combat experiences my outlook on life and what is important has changed. I've become more tolerant and understanding of others who endure travails in life. Really have learned to see the bright side of the street and not to sweat the small stuff (by the way, it's all small stuff!).
BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE MARINE CORPS?
Remember that anywhere you go in life there will be those who are evil, who are lazy, who lie, who cheat, who will try to turn you to their low path because they don't have the courage to be ethical, brave, or truthful. Even in the Marine Corps there are those people. All of the strengths you've learned about yourself and the Corps in Boot Camp or OCS/TBS can be corrupted during your tenure in the Corps by those who are weak. Don't be weak and don't let the weak influence you. Guard yourself and your Corps by demanding all to live up to the standards of the Corps.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
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| TWS and the US MARINES |
TogetherWeServed and other social media have allowed me to maintain relationships with shipmates, peers, friends, and acquaintances from around the world and across services. There have been very few people that I've met in my life that I don't consider a friend. TWS continues to maintain those ties.
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