JONESVILLE, La. - Funeral services for Command Sergeant Major Albert E. Pilson, USA (Retired) of Harrisonburg, Louisiana will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. John Scott and Rev. David Carlton officiating. Interment will follow at Northeast Veterans Cemetery near Rayville, LA.
CMS Al Pilson was born July 1, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan and his final permanent change of station to be with his Lord and Savior was May 21, 2016 in Jonesville, Louisiana after a short, tough battle with cancer. He was supported to the end by his loving family.
Al Pilson entered the United States Army in 1953 earning the Combat Infantryman Badge serving in four combat tours - one in South Korea (at the age of 17) and three in South Vietnam – before retiring as a Master Sergeant with over 20 years active duty in 1973 as the U S Army Aviation Advisor, a Lieutenant Colonel position, for Operational Support Command Group, 24th Corps.
As a combat infantryman during the Korean War, he was Missing In Action for 17 days and also earned a Purple Heart. As a combat infantryman during the Vietnam War, he was MIA for 7 days and also earned his second Purple Heart. In March 1972, on his third combat tour in Vietnam, he was shot down during an operational flying mission in Vietnam and was awarded The Air Medal for his actions.
A soldier’s soldier, he was awarded the third highest award for gallantry in combat - The Silver Star – and twice was awarded - the Bronze Star – the fourth highest combat award.
CMS Pilson was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal (2 times), Good Conduct Medal (6 times), National Defense Service Medal (2 times), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Korea, Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Vietnam, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Civic Action Unit Citation with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation with Palm. He also earned the Expert Infantry Badge, Infantry Blue Cord, Infantry Blue Disc, and Aircrew Badge. In addition, he was awarded Republic of Vietnam Parachute Wings and Republic of Vietnam Ranger Badge.
His distinguished military career included assignments in Infantry, Armor, Reconnaissance, Transportation, Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Instructor, and Aviation in 22 different active duty assignments in Alabama, Kansas, Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Germany.
He earned USAF Civil Air Patrol Pilot wings and his private pilot license and had 504 flying hours and 1800 aircrew member hours while on active duty in the Army.
After retiring from the Army, Al Pilson completed college earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Counseling. He then served as a Deputy Chief of Police in Cuthbert, Georgia, a Private Investigator in Michigan and Arizona, a Mediator for the State of Arizona Attorney General’s Law Department, and as a licensed Christian Counselor.
In 1997, CMS Pilson joined the Louisiana State Army Guard as the Command Sergeant Major until 2007 for the 3rd Area Command responsible for mission support of deployed State National Guard units from Vidalia to Leesville, LA, completing a total of 30 years military service to his country.
An organizer and member of the 4 Rivers For All Veterans organization in Jonesville for over 10 years, he served in many capacities, including President, and helped in the building of the Veteran’s Monument in Jonesville. Additionally, he was actively involved in The Boy Scouts of America serving for over 10 years as Scout Master and on the BSA Board in Concordia Parish as a commissioner.
He was an active Master Mason of 52 years. Brother Al Pilson was a member and past Secretary of Keystone Masonic Lodge #213, Sicily Island, LA. He was also a charter member of the Southern Annex, Ouachita Relief Lodge serving masons from Winnsboro to Vidalia, Louisiana.
Active in York Rite Masonry, Companion and Sir Knight Al Pilson served as Scribe, Caldwell Chapter, Columbia, LA; Principal Conductor of the Work, Columbia Council, Columbia, LA; Scribe, Monroe Chapter #18, Monroe, LA, Principal Conductor of the Work, Monroe Council #8, Sentinel, Monroe Commandery #7, Monroe, LA, and as a member of Texarkana Commandery, Texarkana, TX and Rosalie Commandery, Natchez, MS.
He was a member of Tucson Scottish Rite Masons, Tucson, AZ; a Shriner of Sabbar Shrine, Tucson, AZ; and 1st Vice President, National Sojourners, Beauregard-Anderson Chapter #530, Alexandria, LA.
Above all, Al Pilson was a Christian. His witness to his Savior was foremost throughout his life from volunteering for the extra duty as Chaplain in his Army units and as a Christian Counselor for over 40 years after retiring from the Army. He has now retired this Earth and awaits the bright morning of resurrection.
He was preceded by his father William A. Pilson, mother Garnet P Pilson, brother Willis A Pilson, brother Robert Pilson, sister Susan W Dye, sister Rosemary Pilson, great grandson Jace E Higginbotham and great granddaughter Destiny Higginbotham
Remaining behind are daughter Garnet Thompson and Larry Wallace of Jonesville, five grandchildren William Folds and wife Mechelle of Fitzgerald, GA, Dorothy "Lynn" Thompson of Robeline, LA, Richard Thompson, II of Harrisonburg, LA, Marilyn Thompson of Harrisonburg, LA, Chad McCarthy and wife Shonda of Harrisonburg, LA; ten great grandchildren Christopher Folds, Jennifer Folds, Jessica Folds, Jacob Higginbotham, Zachary Higginbotham, Chase Higginbotham, Chad McCarthy II, Sid McCarthy, Dakota Adams and Brooklyn Adams.
Also remaining are his sister Deborah McCartie and husband David of Mesa, AZ, and his brother William C. Pilson and wife Margie of Newburg, NY.
Pallbearers will be SSgt Calvin Holly Jr., Rossi Ratcliff, Michael Wilson, Bobby Creel, Henry Granger, and Justin Spinks.
Honorary pallbearers will be Chip Hill, John Manning, Rodney Sones, Colonel Allan K. Bean, Glen Tiser, and Justin Granger.
The family will receive friends at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Jonesville, Louisiana from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 30, 2016.
Funeral services are under the direction of Magnolia Funeral Home of Alexandria, Louisiana.
CMS Al Pilson was born July 1, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan and his final permanent change of station to be with his Lord and Savior was May 21, 2016 in Jonesville, Louisiana after a short, tough battle with cancer. He was supported to the end by his loving family.
Al Pilson entered the United States Army in 1953 earning the Combat Infantryman Badge serving in four combat tours - one in South Korea (at the age of 17) and three in South Vietnam – before retiring as a Master Sergeant with over 20 years active duty in 1973 as the U S Army Aviation Advisor, a Lieutenant Colonel position, for Operational Support Command Group, 24th Corps.
As a combat infantryman during the Korean War, he was Missing In Action for 17 days and also earned a Purple Heart. As a combat infantryman during the Vietnam War, he was MIA for 7 days and also earned his second Purple Heart. In March 1972, on his third combat tour in Vietnam, he was shot down during an operational flying mission in Vietnam and was awarded The Air Medal for his actions.
A soldier’s soldier, he was awarded the third highest award for gallantry in combat - The Silver Star – and twice was awarded - the Bronze Star – the fourth highest combat award.
CMS Pilson was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal (2 times), Good Conduct Medal (6 times), National Defense Service Medal (2 times), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Korea, Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Vietnam, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Civic Action Unit Citation with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation with Palm. He also earned the Expert Infantry Badge, Infantry Blue Cord, Infantry Blue Disc, and Aircrew Badge. In addition, he was awarded Republic of Vietnam Parachute Wings and Republic of Vietnam Ranger Badge.
His distinguished military career included assignments in Infantry, Armor, Reconnaissance, Transportation, Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Instructor, and Aviation in 22 different active duty assignments in Alabama, Kansas, Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Germany.
He earned USAF Civil Air Patrol Pilot wings and his private pilot license and had 504 flying hours and 1800 aircrew member hours while on active duty in the Army.
After retiring from the Army, Al Pilson completed college earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Counseling. He then served as a Deputy Chief of Police in Cuthbert, Georgia, a Private Investigator in Michigan and Arizona, a Mediator for the State of Arizona Attorney General’s Law Department, and as a licensed Christian Counselor.
In 1997, CMS Pilson joined the Louisiana State Army Guard as the Command Sergeant Major until 2007 for the 3rd Area Command responsible for mission support of deployed State National Guard units from Vidalia to Leesville, LA, completing a total of 30 years military service to his country.
An organizer and member of the 4 Rivers For All Veterans organization in Jonesville for over 10 years, he served in many capacities, including President, and helped in the building of the Veteran’s Monument in Jonesville. Additionally, he was actively involved in The Boy Scouts of America serving for over 10 years as Scout Master and on the BSA Board in Concordia Parish as a commissioner.
He was an active Master Mason of 52 years. Brother Al Pilson was a member and past Secretary of Keystone Masonic Lodge #213, Sicily Island, LA. He was also a charter member of the Southern Annex, Ouachita Relief Lodge serving masons from Winnsboro to Vidalia, Louisiana.
Active in York Rite Masonry, Companion and Sir Knight Al Pilson served as Scribe, Caldwell Chapter, Columbia, LA; Principal Conductor of the Work, Columbia Council, Columbia, LA; Scribe, Monroe Chapter #18, Monroe, LA, Principal Conductor of the Work, Monroe Council #8, Sentinel, Monroe Commandery #7, Monroe, LA, and as a member of Texarkana Commandery, Texarkana, TX and Rosalie Commandery, Natchez, MS.
He was a member of Tucson Scottish Rite Masons, Tucson, AZ; a Shriner of Sabbar Shrine, Tucson, AZ; and 1st Vice President, National Sojourners, Beauregard-Anderson Chapter #530, Alexandria, LA.
Above all, Al Pilson was a Christian. His witness to his Savior was foremost throughout his life from volunteering for the extra duty as Chaplain in his Army units and as a Christian Counselor for over 40 years after retiring from the Army. He has now retired this Earth and awaits the bright morning of resurrection.
He was preceded by his father William A. Pilson, mother Garnet P Pilson, brother Willis A Pilson, brother Robert Pilson, sister Susan W Dye, sister Rosemary Pilson, great grandson Jace E Higginbotham and great granddaughter Destiny Higginbotham
Remaining behind are daughter Garnet Thompson and Larry Wallace of Jonesville, five grandchildren William Folds and wife Mechelle of Fitzgerald, GA, Dorothy "Lynn" Thompson of Robeline, LA, Richard Thompson, II of Harrisonburg, LA, Marilyn Thompson of Harrisonburg, LA, Chad McCarthy and wife Shonda of Harrisonburg, LA; ten great grandchildren Christopher Folds, Jennifer Folds, Jessica Folds, Jacob Higginbotham, Zachary Higginbotham, Chase Higginbotham, Chad McCarthy II, Sid McCarthy, Dakota Adams and Brooklyn Adams.
Also remaining are his sister Deborah McCartie and husband David of Mesa, AZ, and his brother William C. Pilson and wife Margie of Newburg, NY.
Pallbearers will be SSgt Calvin Holly Jr., Rossi Ratcliff, Michael Wilson, Bobby Creel, Henry Granger, and Justin Spinks.
Honorary pallbearers will be Chip Hill, John Manning, Rodney Sones, Colonel Allan K. Bean, Glen Tiser, and Justin Granger.
The family will receive friends at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Jonesville, Louisiana from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 30, 2016.
Funeral services are under the direction of Magnolia Funeral Home of Alexandria, Louisiana.
JONESVILLE, La. - Funeral services for Command Sergeant Major Albert E. Pilson, USA (Retired) of Harrisonburg, Louisiana will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. John Scott and Rev. David Carlton officiating. Interment will follow at Northeast Veterans Cemetery near Rayville, LA.
CMS Al Pilson was born July 1, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan and his final permanent change of station to be with his Lord and Savior was May 21, 2016 in Jonesville, Louisiana after a short, tough battle with cancer. He was supported to the end by his loving family.
Al Pilson entered the United States Army in 1953 earning the Combat Infantryman Badge serving in four combat tours - one in South Korea (at the age of 17) and three in South Vietnam – before retiring as a Master Sergeant with over 20 years active duty in 1973 as the U S Army Aviation Advisor, a Lieutenant Colonel position, for Operational Support Command Group, 24th Corps.
As a combat infantryman during the Korean War, he was Missing In Action for 17 days and also earned a Purple Heart. As a combat infantryman during the Vietnam War, he was MIA for 7 days and also earned his second Purple Heart. In March 1972, on his third combat tour in Vietnam, he was shot down during an operational flying mission in Vietnam and was awarded The Air Medal for his actions.
A soldier’s soldier, he was awarded the third highest award for gallantry in combat - The Silver Star – and twice was awarded - the Bronze Star – the fourth highest combat award.
CMS Pilson was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal (2 times), Good Conduct Medal (6 times), National Defense Service Medal (2 times), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Korea, Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Vietnam, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Civic Action Unit Citation with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation with Palm. He also earned the Expert Infantry Badge, Infantry Blue Cord, Infantry Blue Disc, and Aircrew Badge. In addition, he was awarded Republic of Vietnam Parachute Wings and Republic of Vietnam Ranger Badge.
His distinguished military career included assignments in Infantry, Armor, Reconnaissance, Transportation, Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Instructor, and Aviation in 22 different active duty assignments in Alabama, Kansas, Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Germany.
He earned USAF Civil Air Patrol Pilot wings and his private pilot license and had 504 flying hours and 1800 aircrew member hours while on active duty in the Army.
After retiring from the Army, Al Pilson completed college earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Counseling. He then served as a Deputy Chief of Police in Cuthbert, Georgia, a Private Investigator in Michigan and Arizona, a Mediator for the State of Arizona Attorney General’s Law Department, and as a licensed Christian Counselor.
In 1997, CMS Pilson joined the Louisiana State Army Guard as the Command Sergeant Major until 2007 for the 3rd Area Command responsible for mission support of deployed State National Guard units from Vidalia to Leesville, LA, completing a total of 30 years military service to his country.
An organizer and member of the 4 Rivers For All Veterans organization in Jonesville for over 10 years, he served in many capacities, including President, and helped in the building of the Veteran’s Monument in Jonesville. Additionally, he was actively involved in The Boy Scouts of America serving for over 10 years as Scout Master and on the BSA Board in Concordia Parish as a commissioner.
He was an active Master Mason of 52 years. Brother Al Pilson was a member and past Secretary of Keystone Masonic Lodge #213, Sicily Island, LA. He was also a charter member of the Southern Annex, Ouachita Relief Lodge serving masons from Winnsboro to Vidalia, Louisiana.
Active in York Rite Masonry, Companion and Sir Knight Al Pilson served as Scribe, Caldwell Chapter, Columbia, LA; Principal Conductor of the Work, Columbia Council, Columbia, LA; Scribe, Monroe Chapter #18, Monroe, LA, Principal Conductor of the Work, Monroe Council #8, Sentinel, Monroe Commandery #7, Monroe, LA, and as a member of Texarkana Commandery, Texarkana, TX and Rosalie Commandery, Natchez, MS.
He was a member of Tucson Scottish Rite Masons, Tucson, AZ; a Shriner of Sabbar Shrine, Tucson, AZ; and 1st Vice President, National Sojourners, Beauregard-Anderson Chapter #530, Alexandria, LA.
Above all, Al Pilson was a Christian. His witness to his Savior was foremost throughout his life from volunteering for the extra duty as Chaplain in his Army units and as a Christian Counselor for over 40 years after retiring from the Army. He has now retired this Earth and awaits the bright morning of resurrection.
He was preceded by his father William A. Pilson, mother Garnet P Pilson, brother Willis A Pilson, brother Robert Pilson, sister Susan W Dye, sister Rosemary Pilson, great grandson Jace E Higginbotham and great granddaughter Destiny Higginbotham
Remaining behind are daughter Garnet Thompson and Larry Wallace of Jonesville, five grandchildren William Folds and wife Mechelle of Fitzgerald, GA, Dorothy "Lynn" Thompson of Robeline, LA, Richard Thompson, II of Harrisonburg, LA, Marilyn Thompson of Harrisonburg, LA, Chad McCarthy and wife Shonda of Harrisonburg, LA; ten great grandchildren Christopher Folds, Jennifer Folds, Jessica Folds, Jacob Higginbotham, Zachary Higginbotham, Chase Higginbotham, Chad McCarthy II, Sid McCarthy, Dakota Adams and Brooklyn Adams.
Also remaining are his sister Deborah McCartie and husband David of Mesa, AZ, and his brother William C. Pilson and wife Margie of Newburg, NY.
Pallbearers will be SSgt Calvin Holly Jr., Rossi Ratcliff, Michael Wilson, Bobby Creel, Henry Granger, and Justin Spinks.
Honorary pallbearers will be Chip Hill, John Manning, Rodney Sones, Colonel Allan K. Bean, Glen Tiser, and Justin Granger.
The family will receive friends at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Jonesville, Louisiana from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 30, 2016.
Funeral services are under the direction of Magnolia Funeral Home of Alexandria, Louisiana.
CMS Al Pilson was born July 1, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan and his final permanent change of station to be with his Lord and Savior was May 21, 2016 in Jonesville, Louisiana after a short, tough battle with cancer. He was supported to the end by his loving family.
Al Pilson entered the United States Army in 1953 earning the Combat Infantryman Badge serving in four combat tours - one in South Korea (at the age of 17) and three in South Vietnam – before retiring as a Master Sergeant with over 20 years active duty in 1973 as the U S Army Aviation Advisor, a Lieutenant Colonel position, for Operational Support Command Group, 24th Corps.
As a combat infantryman during the Korean War, he was Missing In Action for 17 days and also earned a Purple Heart. As a combat infantryman during the Vietnam War, he was MIA for 7 days and also earned his second Purple Heart. In March 1972, on his third combat tour in Vietnam, he was shot down during an operational flying mission in Vietnam and was awarded The Air Medal for his actions.
A soldier’s soldier, he was awarded the third highest award for gallantry in combat - The Silver Star – and twice was awarded - the Bronze Star – the fourth highest combat award.
CMS Pilson was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal (2 times), Good Conduct Medal (6 times), National Defense Service Medal (2 times), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Korea, Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Vietnam, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Civic Action Unit Citation with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation with Palm. He also earned the Expert Infantry Badge, Infantry Blue Cord, Infantry Blue Disc, and Aircrew Badge. In addition, he was awarded Republic of Vietnam Parachute Wings and Republic of Vietnam Ranger Badge.
His distinguished military career included assignments in Infantry, Armor, Reconnaissance, Transportation, Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Instructor, and Aviation in 22 different active duty assignments in Alabama, Kansas, Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Germany.
He earned USAF Civil Air Patrol Pilot wings and his private pilot license and had 504 flying hours and 1800 aircrew member hours while on active duty in the Army.
After retiring from the Army, Al Pilson completed college earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Counseling. He then served as a Deputy Chief of Police in Cuthbert, Georgia, a Private Investigator in Michigan and Arizona, a Mediator for the State of Arizona Attorney General’s Law Department, and as a licensed Christian Counselor.
In 1997, CMS Pilson joined the Louisiana State Army Guard as the Command Sergeant Major until 2007 for the 3rd Area Command responsible for mission support of deployed State National Guard units from Vidalia to Leesville, LA, completing a total of 30 years military service to his country.
An organizer and member of the 4 Rivers For All Veterans organization in Jonesville for over 10 years, he served in many capacities, including President, and helped in the building of the Veteran’s Monument in Jonesville. Additionally, he was actively involved in The Boy Scouts of America serving for over 10 years as Scout Master and on the BSA Board in Concordia Parish as a commissioner.
He was an active Master Mason of 52 years. Brother Al Pilson was a member and past Secretary of Keystone Masonic Lodge #213, Sicily Island, LA. He was also a charter member of the Southern Annex, Ouachita Relief Lodge serving masons from Winnsboro to Vidalia, Louisiana.
Active in York Rite Masonry, Companion and Sir Knight Al Pilson served as Scribe, Caldwell Chapter, Columbia, LA; Principal Conductor of the Work, Columbia Council, Columbia, LA; Scribe, Monroe Chapter #18, Monroe, LA, Principal Conductor of the Work, Monroe Council #8, Sentinel, Monroe Commandery #7, Monroe, LA, and as a member of Texarkana Commandery, Texarkana, TX and Rosalie Commandery, Natchez, MS.
He was a member of Tucson Scottish Rite Masons, Tucson, AZ; a Shriner of Sabbar Shrine, Tucson, AZ; and 1st Vice President, National Sojourners, Beauregard-Anderson Chapter #530, Alexandria, LA.
Above all, Al Pilson was a Christian. His witness to his Savior was foremost throughout his life from volunteering for the extra duty as Chaplain in his Army units and as a Christian Counselor for over 40 years after retiring from the Army. He has now retired this Earth and awaits the bright morning of resurrection.
He was preceded by his father William A. Pilson, mother Garnet P Pilson, brother Willis A Pilson, brother Robert Pilson, sister Susan W Dye, sister Rosemary Pilson, great grandson Jace E Higginbotham and great granddaughter Destiny Higginbotham
Remaining behind are daughter Garnet Thompson and Larry Wallace of Jonesville, five grandchildren William Folds and wife Mechelle of Fitzgerald, GA, Dorothy "Lynn" Thompson of Robeline, LA, Richard Thompson, II of Harrisonburg, LA, Marilyn Thompson of Harrisonburg, LA, Chad McCarthy and wife Shonda of Harrisonburg, LA; ten great grandchildren Christopher Folds, Jennifer Folds, Jessica Folds, Jacob Higginbotham, Zachary Higginbotham, Chase Higginbotham, Chad McCarthy II, Sid McCarthy, Dakota Adams and Brooklyn Adams.
Also remaining are his sister Deborah McCartie and husband David of Mesa, AZ, and his brother William C. Pilson and wife Margie of Newburg, NY.
Pallbearers will be SSgt Calvin Holly Jr., Rossi Ratcliff, Michael Wilson, Bobby Creel, Henry Granger, and Justin Spinks.
Honorary pallbearers will be Chip Hill, John Manning, Rodney Sones, Colonel Allan K. Bean, Glen Tiser, and Justin Granger.
The family will receive friends at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Jonesville, Louisiana from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 30, 2016.
Funeral services are under the direction of Magnolia Funeral Home of Alexandria, Louisiana.
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MSG US ARMY
KOREA VIETNAM
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LOVING DAD
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MSG US ARMY; KOREA; VIETNAM; SILVER STAR
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