VA HEALTH CARE REPORT: UTILIZATION BY U.S. VETERANS

FROM:  VETERANS AFFAIRS 

VA Health Care Utilization by Recent Veterans
October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2013.

VA presents a report four times a year containing data on Veterans who have used VA health care and who served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), or Operation New Dawn (OND).
Findings

Approximately 58 percent (998,004) of all separated OEF/OIF/OND Veterans have used VA health care since October 1, 2001.

Between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013, a total of 605,527 of these Veterans accessed VA health care.

The frequency and percent of the three most common diagnoses were: musculoskeletal ailments (590,485 or 59.2 percent); mental disorders (552,169 or 55.3 percent); and symptoms, signs, and ill-defined conditions (conditions that do not have an immediately obvious cause or isolated laboratory test abnormalities) (545,771 or 54.7 percent). A Veteran can have more than one diagnosis.
About the report

The VA health care utilization report is created by comparing a Department of Defense roster of returning Veterans to VA’s electronic inpatient and outpatient health records.

The data used in the report provide valuable information about Veterans who have accessed VA health care. The report does not represent all recent Veterans who have become eligible for VA health care, who have ever served in OEF, OIF, or OND, or who are currently serving in these conflicts.

Carefully designed epidemiology studies are required to answer specific questions about the health of all Veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY

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ARABIAN GULF (June 29, 2013) Sonar Technician 2nd Class Brennan Lukas, from Ventura, Calif., prepares to test fire a surface vessel torpedo tube launcher aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76). Higgins is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin Wray/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (June 27, 2013) The guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) fires a Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) during a live-fire exercise. Monterey is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Billy Ho/Released)

THE MULTI-MISSION B-1B LANCER

Capt. Brandon Packard performs pre-flight checks of a B-1B Lancer June 11, 2013, at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia. Packard is a 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron weapons systems officer deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton)


FROM: U.S. AIR FORCE 
B-1B Lancer: More than meets the eye
by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

6/18/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Carrying the largest payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multi-mission B-1B Lancer is the backbone of America's long-range bomber force, and is flown here by the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron.

"We have a lot of coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan," said Lt. Col. Seth Graham, the 34th EBS commander. "They're able to focus on executing their various missions because of the air support we provide 365, 24/7."

The colonel said it's hard to put into words the importance of what his unit does, but instead explained in a vignette the importance of his units air support to the nation's ground forces.

"On one occasion my crew arrived overhead of U.S. ground forces pinned down in a compound receiving small arms fire from multiple directions," Graham said. "They tell the crew they are running low on ammo and need immediate air support. My crew employed a single 500 pound JDAM in close proximity to the friendly forces which forced the enemy to break contact, and allowed our guys to walk out of that compound and back to their base. On the way out they told my guys 'thanks ... you saved our lives today!' We make life and death decisions every day ... that's the importance of what we do."

This air support wouldn't be possible, however, without all the work going on behind the scenes in the squadron.

"We are tasked by the air tasking order from the Combined Air and Space Operations Center and in turn our mission planning cell (MPC) puts together everything the aircrew will need to be successful," said Maj. Aaron Mate, the 34th EBS assistant director of operations. "The mission planning cell is comprised of a chief of operations, two flyers, intelligence and an Army liaison officer."

The MPC collects and processes data, integrating it into flight plans and mission folders that include all the information necessary for B-1 crews to dynamically support every regional command in Afghanistan on a given sortie. A pre-flight crew is then used to ready the aircraft. They run pre-flight checks to get the jet mission-ready for the crew who will fly the mission. The pre-flight crew also secures a secondary aircraft in the event the primary encounters a malfunction prior to takeoff.

"We want our number of takeoffs to equal our landings," said Capt. Brandon Packard, a 34th EBS weapons systems officer. "So we go through these checks for the mission crew in order to, one, streamline the process and, two, for the safety and security of our crews and jets. We take this job just as seriously as flying a mission."

Once the jet is ready to go and the mission crew has completed their pre-mission briefs, it's time for takeoff.

The roles of pre-flight and mission crews are rotated as directed by their aviation resources managers and policy in order to manage fatigue.

"We can't have all the fun," Mate said jokingly. "Per AFI, we limit our crews to a 16-hour day -- 13 hours in the air and three hours of mission preparation."

The 16-hour rule can be waived by the operations group commander up to 24-hours to accommodate longer missions as directed by higher headquarters.

Every crew is composed of an aircraft commander, copilot and two weapons systems officers. With an intercontinental range and the ability to carry up to 48,000 pounds of munitions at 900-plus mph, the B-1 can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time.

"We are one of the most flexible close-air support airframes in the Air Force," said Capt. Nikki Jansen, a 34th EBS pilot. "The B-1's speed and superior handling characteristics allow it to seamlessly integrate in mixed force packages. These capabilities, when combined with its substantial payload, diverse targeting system, long loiter time and survivability, make the B-1B a key element of any joint or coalition strike force."

The aircrews and B-1s are deployed here from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., and Dyess AFB, Texas.

"We get the greatest sense of satisfaction when the ground crew's joint terminal attack controller radios in thanking us for keeping them safe," Graham said.

During the first six months of Operation Enduring Freedom, eight B-1s dropped nearly 40 percent of the total tonnage delivered by coalition air forces. This included nearly 3,900 Joint Direct Attack Munitions. The B-1 continues to be deployed today, flying missions daily in support of continuing operations.

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

 

FROM: U.S. NAVY

130608-N-KG407-073 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 8, 2013) An E2-C Hawkeye assigned to the Bluetails of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 launches off of the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Kameren Guy Hodnett/Released)

130608-N-KG407-424 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 8, 2013) An E2-C Hawkeye assigned to the Bluetails of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 conducts an arrested recovery on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Kameren Guy Hodnett/Released)

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY
130522-N-OV434-142 CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan (May 22, 2013) Seabees assigned to the Convoy Security Element of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 15 construct a bunker project in support of the Afghan National Army. NMCB-15 is deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and is an expeditionary element of U.S. Naval Forces that supports various units worldwide through national force readiness, civil engineering, humanitarian assistance, and building and maintaining infrastructure. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Garas/Released)

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY
Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) watch as a Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) leaves the launcher during a live-fire exercise as part of Multi-Sail 13. Multi-Sail 13 is a training exercise designed to test ships operating ability across a wide range of disciplines including anti-submarine warfare, live fire exercises, and high value unit escort scenarios. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Kelly (Released) 130411-N-TX154-070

Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Beaty pilots an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Rampagers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 while conducting aerial refueling with an Air Force KC-135R during combat missions with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Greg Linderman (Released) 130409-N-DO750-001

 

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY
130402-N-XQ474-080 NORTH ARABIAN SEA (April 2, 2013) Sailors use an aircraft elevator to transport mail from the flight deck to the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew Schneider/Released)

130403-N-IC228-012 FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. (April 3, 2013) The Navy's only MZ-3A manned airship launches from the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport for a flight demonstration for U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, from Florida. The airship is visiting U.S. 4th Fleet headquarters for a capabilities demonstration as a potential search and detect platform for counter transnational organized crime operations in South and Central America and the Caribbean Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt Cmdr. Corey Barker/Released)

 

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

 

FROM: U.S NAVY

The amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) enters dry dock at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company. The ship is undergoing an 18-month maintenance and upgrade period and expects to return to the fleet in 2014. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Joe Kane (Released) 130324-N-ZC343-097

An F/A-18C Hornet from the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) on the ship's first day of combat air sorties of 2013 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Dwight D. Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin R. Wesley (Released) 130324-N-RC063-033

 

NAVIGATING THE SUEZ CANAL

FROM: U.S. NAVY

The guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) transits north in the Suez Canal as part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. Jason Dunham is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew Schneider (Released) 130316-N-XQ474-223

The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Suez Canal. Dwight D. Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Kameren Guy Hodnett (Released) 130316-N-KG407-025

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY
The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and the French navy destroyer FS Chevalier Paul (D621) transit the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate (Released) 130209-N-OY799-296

130211-N-MO201-012 SOUDA BAY, Greece (Feb. 11, 2013) The guided-missile frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47) departs Souda harbor following a port visit. Nicholas is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk and deployed conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley/Released)

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY
The U.S. Navy Band marches on Pennsylvania Ave. during military support for the 57th Presidential Inauguration. More than 2,100 service members from each of the five branches are marching in the Inaugural Parade, with approximately 5,000 supporting the inauguration. U.S. Navy photo by EJ Hersom (Released) 130121-D-DB155-008

The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) conducts flight operations during a deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. John C. Stennis is conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate (Released) 130115-N-OY799-361

 

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY
130112-N-XQ375-201 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 12, 2013) The guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) fires a MK 45 5-inch, 62-caliber lightweight deck gun during a live-fire exercise. Jason Dunham is deployed with the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Deven B. King/Released)

130111-N-BE353-042 SAIPAN (Jan. 11, 2013) The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS La Jolla (SSN 701) moors alongside the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40). La Jolla is in Saipan for a scheduled port visit during its deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ricardo Danan/Released)

 

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY
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U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 28, 2012) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) approaches the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Joshua Humphreys (T-AO 188) for a replenishment-at-sea. Mobile Bay is deployed with the John C. Stennis Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales/Released)

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NORFOLK (Dec. 28, 2012) The guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) prepares to depart Naval Station Norfolk for a ballistic missile defense deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. This is Mahan's first deployment after receiving the ballistic missile defense upgrade last year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Lolita Lewis/Released)

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY, USS MOBILE BAY

121218-N-LV331-132 ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 18, 2012) Sailors hold a fuel line during a helicopter-in-flight refueling exercise aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53). Mobile Bay is deployed with the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales/Released)

121218-N-DC018-561 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Dec. 18, 2012) Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, returns to Naval Air Station Oceana after a six-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater of security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Antonio P. Turretto Ramos/Released)

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY

121219-N-TB177-875 NORFOLK (Dec. 19, 2012) The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), right, returns to Naval Station Norfolk after a six-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin J. Steinberg/Released)

121219-N-RI884-004 PEARL HARBOR (Dec 19, 2012) The guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) is moored at its homeport at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The new destroyer is named in honor of Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in combat as leader of a four-man reconnaissance team in Afghanistan. Murphy was the first Medal of Honorrecipient for actions in Afghanistan, and the first member of the U.S. Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) arrives at Naval Station Norfolk after a six-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin J. Steinberg (Released) 121912-N-TB177-760

Seaman Darrell Spencer, from Cloverfield, N.J., stands aft lookout watch on the fantail of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as an aircraft prepares to land. John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate (Released) 121216-N-OY799-024

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY
The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Atlantic Ocean en route to homeport at Naval Station Norfolk after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jermaine M. Ralliford/Released)

The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Greeneville (SSN 772) moors to the pier at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after a six-month deployment to the western Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Khor Released)

SOME U.S. NAVY PHOTO HISTORY OF "OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM"

FROM: U.S. NAVY
011017-N-2383B-506 Aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (Oct. 17, 2001) -- An Aviation Ordnanceman pushes a 2000-pound GBU-10 laser guided bomb through the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt and its carrier air wing are conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Johnny Bivera. (RELEASED)

011031-N-3405L-007 In the skies over Afghanistan (Oct. 31, 2001) – Two 500-pound Laser Guided Bomb Units (GBU-12) (left) and an AIM-9 "Sidewinder" short-range air-to-air missile are visible on the wing of an F/A-18 "Hornet" from the "Mighty Shrikes" of Strike Fighter Squadron Nine Four (VFA-94). VFA-94 is assigned to Carrier Air wing Eleven (CVW 11) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Steve Lightstone. (RELEASED)

011207-N-2383B-504 At sea aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) Dec. 7, 2001-- U.S. Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) conduct a small arms live-fire exercise on the flight deck aboard USS Bataan. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Johnny Bivera (RELEASED).


 

RECENT PHOTOS FROM THE U.S. NAVY

FROM: U.S. NAVY
The Aircraft carrier John C. Stennis (CVN 74) operates in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility during sunset. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of Responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Chase (Released) 121118-N-YF306-158

Family members wave to Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) as it arrives at hits homeport, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for the first time. The new destroyer honors the late Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy, a New York native who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in combat as leader of a four-man reconnaissance team in Afghanistan. Murphy was the first person to be awarded the medal for actions in Afghanistan, and the first member of the U.S. Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jon Dasbach (Released) 121121-N-KT462-091

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY, MH-60S SEA HAWK HELICOPER
An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), circles around a flare during a casting and recovery exercise. John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. The U.S. Navy is constantly deployed to preserve peace, protect commerce, and deter aggression through forward presence. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate (Released) 121112-N-OY799-139

121113-N-XQ375-034 ARABIAN SEA (Nov. 13, 2012) Sailors assigned to a visit, board, search and seizure team from the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) approach the Comoros-flagged cargo vessel Al Dahab for a flag verification. Jason Dunham is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Deven B. King/Released)