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Over $2.2 Billion in Retroactive Agent Orange Benefits Paid to 89,000 Vietnam Vets & Survivors for Presumptive Conditions
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today that more than $2.2 billion in retroactive benefits has already been paid to approximately 89,000 Vietnam Veterans and their survivors who filed claims related to one of three new Agent Orange presumptive conditions.
On August 31, 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amended its regulations to add ischemic heart disease, hairy cell leukemia and other chronic B-cell leukemias, and Parkinson's disease to the list of diseases presumed to be related to exposure to Agent Orange.
“As the President said to the American Legion yesterday, VA is committed to ensuring Veterans and their families receive the care and benefits they have earned,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “I encourage all potentially eligible Veterans to apply as soon as possible to preserve the most favorable effective date for payments.”
For new claims, VA may authorize up to one year of retroactive benefits if a Veteran can show that he or she has experienced one of those conditions since the date of the regulatory change.
VA has reviewed, and continues to review, thousands of previously filed claims that may qualify for retroactive benefits under a long-standing court order of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in Nehmer vs. U.S. Veterans Administration.
“VA encourages survivors of Veterans whose death may be due to one of the three diseases to file a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation,” added Under Secretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey.
Secretary Shinseki’s decision to add these conditions to the list of Agent Orange presumptive conditions was based on a study by the Institute of Medicine, which indicated a positive association between exposure to certain herbicides and the subsequent development of one or more of the three conditions.
Potentially eligible Veterans include those who were exposed based on duty or visitation in Vietnam or on its inland waterways between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975; exposed along the demilitarized zone in Korea between April 1, 1968, and August 31, 1971; or exposed due to herbicide tests and storage at military bases within and outside of the United States.
The Agent Orange Claims Processing System website located at https://www.fasttrack.va.gov/AOFastTrack/ may be used to submit claims related to the three new presumptive conditions.
The website makes it easy to electronically file a claim and allows Veterans and their physicians to upload evidence supporting the claim. It also permits online viewing of claim status.
Beyond the three new presumptive disabilities, Veterans may file online at VA’s My-eBenefits web site at: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal. They can check the status of their claim with a premium account (confirming their identity), and use a growing number of online services.
Servicemembers may enroll in My-eBenefits by using their Common Access Card at anytime during their military service, or before they leave during their Transition Assistance Program briefings.
Veterans may also enroll through their myPay or MyHealtheVet accounts by visiting their local VA regional office or Veteran Service Organization, or by calling 1-800-827-1000.
For more information about Agent Orange presumptives and disability compensation, go to http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/. For questions about Agent Orange, Veterans may call VA’s Special Issues Helpline at 1-800-749-8387 and press 3.
New Online Tools for Veteran Job-Seekers
Veterans now have on-demand access and can download official data about their military training and experience, which can be used to help them find jobs and continue their careers. Their service data can be uploaded to job search and networking sites to help identify employment opportunities. More information.
SACVET's Fifth Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down and the First Female Stand Down:
SACVET will be hosting The Fifth Annual Homeless Veterans and Veterans Stand Down in Columbus, GA, for homeless veterans, veterans in needs, guardsmen and reservists. The event will be held on April 28, 2012, at the Columbus Trade and Convention Center, 801 Front Ave. SACVET is requesting that you or your organization assist in this community effort by providing supportive services or simply volunteering to assist us.
Please forward the attached files to your e-mail contact. If you need more information, please visit our website http://gcvret.org/event.html to see ways that you can assist our national heroes.
If you have any questions, please contact me via e-mail (aharrison@gcvret.org) or call me at 706-593-3393.
For more information, please visit the sites below:
(1) 2012 1st Female Veteran Stand Down Program:
(2) Stand Down Program Grab Bags For Homeless Vetrans and Veterans in Need:
(3) 2012 Stand Down Grab Bags Toiletries Need:
(4) 2012 SACVET Volunteer Application Form:
(5) 2012 Stand Down Flyer:
(6) 2012 SACVET Agency Need List:
Thanks in Advance
A. Harrison
SACVET, Chief Operating Officer
P.O. Box 5051
Columbus, GA 31906
www.gcvret.org
706-593-3393
IRS EIN - 16-1768322
GA CORPORATION ID - 0682020
GA CHARITABLE ID - CH-07203
"Yesterday, they fought for us, today, we fight for them"
VA/DOD Smart Phone App Helps Veterans Manage PTSD
WASHINGTON (April 19, 2011) – Veterans dealing with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can turn to their smart phones for help anytime with the PTSD Coach application created by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense.
"This is about giving Veterans and Servicemembers the help they earned when and where they need it," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "We hope they, their families and friends, download this free app. Understanding PTSD and those who live with it is too important to ignore."
PTSD Coach lets users track their PTSD symptoms, links them with local sources of support, provides accurate information about PTSD, and teaches helpful individualized strategies for managing PTSD symptoms at any moment. The free PTSD Coach app is now available for download from the iTunes store and will be available for Android devices by the end of the spring. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE >
NewsLink - Info Provided by VA’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion:
NewsLink
This e-mail is provided as a free, weekly service by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Diversity and Inclusion and contains links to diversity and inclusion information on the Internet. VA is not responsible for the content or privacy policies of these Web sites, and linking to these sites does not constitute endorsement by VA of the sites' sponsors or the information, products, or services they provide. Learn more.
2012 Homeless Veterans "Stand Down":
 The HUD Veterans Affinity Group (VAG) has launched the “2012 Walk-In Their Foot Steps”, Shoe Collection in support of the, 2012, Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) Annual Winter Haven/Stand Down.
This collaborative effort with the VAG, VAMC, and other Federal Partners, seeks donations of new Shoes and/or Boots for Homeless Female and Male Veterans, (all sizes), in the Washington Metropolitan Region. Your support of this Shoe/Boot Collection Program will provide a pair of new shoes to a Homeless Veteran.
We all recognize that the need is great and we continue to struggle in these challenging economic times however we are hoping that you will join us, in this heartfelt desire, to assist those who have given much of themselves in support of our liberty and freedom.
Your support will be more than just a contribution to address a critical need, but will say that you are intricately involved in our Community and dedicated to assisting in the goal to eliminate homelessness.
All New Boots and Shoes will be distributed to Homeless Female and Male Veterans at the VAMC Winter-Haven Stand Down scheduled for Saturday, January 21, 2012, at the Washington, D. C., VAMC, located at; 50 Irving Street, NW, Washington, DC 20422.
The link below will provide you with a visual/narrative history of the “Stand Down”:
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6966795n&tag=contentMain;contentAux
We appreciate your interest in assisting our Homeless Veterans and your desire to assist in the effort to eliminate Homelessness.
If you need further information on how you may contribute a pair of New Boots and/or Shoes to this effort, please do not hesitate to contact me at 202-275-6323 or at walter.a.elmore@hud.gov.
PTSD Monthly Update is provided for your information:
The National Resou rce Directory provides online support and access to over 10,000 services and resources. Please visit: www.NationalResourceDirectory.gov. Also Please be sure to check your particular state for any additional benefits that may be offered. Learn More.
Winterhaven Stand Down for
Homeless/At-Risk Veterans
 Please join us January 21, 2012 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
at the Washington DC VA Medical Center
50 Irving St. NW, Washington, DC 20422. Services Offered to all Eligible Veterans
from over 70 participating federal, state and community agencies.
Learn More.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
 All Access Pass for Veterans:
VA will host its first Veteran Career Fair and Expo on Jan. 18 in Washington, DC. The free event is for Veterans and will provide information on education, benefits, jobs, health care, and small business opportunities. The event is sponsored by VA for Vets.
The National Resource Directory provides online support and access to over 10,000 services and resources.
Please visit: www.NationalResourceDirectory.gov. Also Please be sure to check your particular state for any additional benefits that may be offered.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Veterans Small Business Conference Heads to Detroit:
The National Veterans Small Business Conference, the government's premier event for Veteran-owned small businesses, is coming to Detroit's Cobo Center June 25-29.
Learn more:
Kevin Secor
Veterans Service Organizations Liaison
Office of the Secretary
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
202-461-4836
The National Resource Directory provides online support and access to over 10,000 services and resources. Please visit: www.NationalResourceDirectory.gov. Also Please be sure to check your particular state for any additional benefits that may be offered.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
When Your Child Comes Back from War:
It's not just the troops who go to war, but families as well.
Read about the experience of war on the homefront, told by the father of an Iraq Veteran, on
VAntage Point
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Make the Connection:
Make the Connection helps Veterans recognize they are not alone in their experience. Learn how other Vets have overcome challenges, reached positive outcomes for treatment and recovery, and found paths to fulfilling lives. Read more at
VAntage Point
HAVE YOU HEARD?
VA Launches Homeless Vet Outreach Initiative
VA is launching a nation-wide outreach initiative, “Make the Call,” to spread the message about its special programs to help homeless Vets and their families to 28 communities across the nation in October. Learn more.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
POLYTRAUMA/TBI
SYSTEM OF CARE
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Here is your chance to see how VA cares for the some of the most severely wounded and injured Service members and Veterans returning from war. You can see their incredible recovery stories and learn about VA’s unparalleled Polytrauma System of Care by visiting the polytrauma website, http://www.polytrauma.va.gov/. More than 50,000 Veterans have been screened and diagnosed by VA with mild traumatic brain injury, with over 2,000 having multiple severe injuries and wounds, or polytrauma. Learn more about polytrauma and traumatic brain injury at VA’s polytrauma website. The information you learn here just may be what you need to help a Veteran in your community.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
This Year, Stick with Your Resolutions:
VA is here to help you keep your resolutions, maintain your motivation and avoid common pitfalls. Make this the year you make good on your New Year’s resolutions and get on the path to good health in 2012. Read the full story…
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Coaching into Care:
VA launched the telephone service, Coaching into Care, to provide assistance to family members and friends trying to encourage their Veteran to seek health care for possible readjustment and mental health issues. “Those closest to Veterans are often the first to recognize when Veterans are having difficulties,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “Family members and friends may not know what to say to encourage their Veterans to seek much needed readjustment and health care.
The Coaching into Care line will help them find the right words.” To help Veterans address problems and make good decisions about care, the Coaching into Care program offers unlimited, free coaching with family members or friends. This phone line is connected to VA’s Veterans Crisis Line, Caregiver Support Line, and the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans.
This way, if the caller or Veteran is in an immediate crisis, or has concerns regarding care giving for a disabled Veteran, or seeking assistance regarding homelessness, one number covers it all. The toll-free number is 1-888-823-7458, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, and online at http://www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/. The Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, press 1 for Veterans.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
VA Recognizes National Suicide Prevention Week:
It's National Suicide Prevention Week, and VA offers confidential help for Veterans and their families. If you or anyone you know is in crisis, call 1-800-273-8255, or use the 24/7 Veterans online chat.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
VA Chief of Staff Rallies Veteran Business Owners:
As the National Veterans Small Business Conference comes to an end in New Orleans, Chief of Staff John R. Gingrich met with Veteran business owners. In this video, Secretary Eric K. Shinseki and Veterans share highlights from the conference.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
How to Get Better Outside Hospital Walls:
It can be difficult to heal from physical and mental wounds of war, but some Veterans have found activities like rock climbing, kayaking and cycling can help during recovery.
Read more at VAntage Point.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Substance Abuse and PTSD:
A new VA study found that Veterans with PTSD or depression were around four times more likely to have a drug or alcohol problem. Learn more about effective VA treatment and programs to prevent it.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
VA Reaches Out to Rural Veterans:
VA is committed to delivering quality care to Veterans, including those in rural and remote areas. Secretary Shinseki recently traveled to rural areas across America to hear from Veterans about what works–and what can be improved. Read more at the White House Blog.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Calling all Women Veterans:
In June, VA’s Women Veterans Call Center started to contact women Vets to educate them on VA health care and gender-specific services available at VA facilities. In the first month, the Call Center reached over 1,000 female Vets.
Read more at the White House Blog.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
The National Resource Directory is now on Twitter (@NRDgov)!
Please follow the NRD on Twitter and help us spread the word about this valuable website that connects wounded warriors, Veterans, Service Members, their families and caregivers to thousands of resources on benefits, health care, education, employment, volunteer opportunities and much more.
We ask that you let others know that the NRD is now on Twitter by telling your family, friends and colleagues. You can also connect with the NRD through its Facebook page (facebook.com/nationalresourcedirectory) and LinkedIn group.
Please visit NRD at www.NRD.gov or email us at info@nrd.gov if you have any questions.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Foreclosure Avoidance Guide:
Although the default rate for VA–backed mortgages is well below the national rate for prime loans, Vets might find themselves behind in payments. VA has prepared a quick reference guide to avoid foreclosure and guide Vets to available resources. Learn more.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Dispelling Stereotypes About PTSD:
Unfortunately, many Veterans must deal with stereotypes that surround wartime service. Learn more about how these stereotypes persist, and what can be done to stop them, at VAntage Point.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Women Veterans - A Legacy of Service:
The origins of honorable female service dates back to the birth of the nation.
See how women from past conflicts have paved the way for women serving in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan today.
View video.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Health Care for Women Veterans Expands:
As the number of female service members increases,
so do women Veterans.
VA has recognized the importance of female–centric services and has been taking steps to improve
health care.
Read more from USA Today.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Are Photo Collection: Women in Uniform, WWII – Present:
In honor of Women’s History Month, VA is celebrating the accomplishments of female service
members. In doing so, we used Facebook, Twitter, and the VA blog to collect 170 photos of women
in uniform.
View the photos
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Below is a link to VBA’s Benefits News Letter for January 2012:
To access this please click the link or go to http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/.
The National Resource Directory provides online support and access to over 10,000 services and resources. Please visit: www.NationalResourceDirectory.gov. Also Please be sure to check your particular state for any additional benefits that may be offered.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
VA recently automated the online Health Benefits Renewal (10-10EZR) process for Veterans in an ongoing effort to streamline access to benefits. “This action dramatically reduces the time it will take for enrolled Veterans to submit updates to their demographic information and further reduces access barriers to needed care for Veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. Previously, Veterans filling out the online 10-10EZR were required to print a copy, sign it and send it to their local medical center before updates to their personal, insurance or financial information could occur. Veterans may now submit these updates online. For additional information, go to www.va.gov/healtheligibility or call VA’s toll-free number at 1-877-222-VETS (8387). The online form is available at https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/Form/1010ezr.pdf.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced last week that more than $2.2 billion in retroactive benefits have been paid to approximately 89,000 Vietnam Veterans and their survivors who filed claims related to one of three new Agent Orange presumptive conditions.
On Aug. 31, 2010, VA amended its regulations to add ischemic heart disease, hairy cell leukemia and other chronic B-cell leukemias, and Parkinson's disease to the list of diseases presumed to be related to exposure to Agent Orange.
Secretary Shinseki’s decision to add these conditions to the list of Agent Orange presumptive conditions was based on a study by theInstituteofMedicine, which indicated a positive association between exposure to certain herbicides and the subsequent development of one or more of the three conditions.
Potentially eligible Veterans include those who were exposed based on duty or visitation in Vietnam or on its inland waterways between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975; exposed along the demilitarized zone in Korea between April 1, 1968, and August 31, 1971; or exposed due to herbicide tests and storage at military bases within and outside of the United States.
The Agent Orange Claims Processing System website located at https://www.fasttrack.va.gov/AOFastTrack/ may be used to submit claims related to the three new presumptive conditions.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
VA's YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/DeptVetAffairs has a new look and the built-in functionality deserving of VA's primary video distribution channel. The channel now mirrors the look and feel of the VA.gov website. The four tabs at the top of the YouTube Web page provide homes for segments from VA's premier video outreach product "The American Veteran" and each VA administration – VBA, VHA and NCA. Each tab has its own unique URL. Click on the "Health" tab to see all the videos produced by VHA as well as other videos focused on Veterans' health. Now, when an administration produces a video on a benefit or program, there is a dedicated place to house it alongside its other videos. All other VA videos still appear as they always have—chronologically in the right-hand playlist.
Vet Centers: Here to Help
Special counseling services are available to combat Veterans from every era. Watch this informative video about Vet Centers, then CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE >>
about how to receive individual, group and family counseling, medical referrals and more in your community.
VA Adds Chat Feature: Online Application for Health Benetits
Veterans applying for VA health care now have an easier and faster way to complete their paperwork. A live chat feature has been added to assist Veterans with the online application, which is designed to answer questions about the process. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE >>
Veterans New as of January 31, 2012
The Augusta Chronicle - 47 minutes ago
I just need to find new ways to do things,” he said. Lauren O'Farrell trains Snyder and other blind and visually impaired military veterans to walk with a cane. As an orientation mobility specialist at the blind rehabilitation center, ...
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Stillwater Gazette - 6 hours ago
That's the goal of the new Washington County Attorney's Office Veterans Program. County Attorney Pete Orput unveiled the county's new veterans program Monday morning. The program's mission is to promote public safety while supporting veterans and their ...
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TheNewsTribune.com - 11 hours ago
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Now Porter wants to help other veterans get the public recognition they deserve for their wartime accomplishments. He's behind an effort in the Legislature to craft new license plate decals for veterans that would let them display their military honors ...
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The Star-Ledger - NJ.com - 11 hours ago
Chris Christie today nominated the acting head of the state's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the New Jersey National Guard to permanently lead the agencies. Brig. Gen. Michael Cunniff took over the duties of the cabinet-level post on ...
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iHealthBeat - 9 hours ago
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The Department of Veterans Affairs is preparing to launch an electronic claim processing system, the Washington Post reports.
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Mt. Carmel Daily Republican Register - 8 hours ago
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The new location will continue to be staffed by Veterans Service Officer (VSO) Ken Ferguson, who can be reached at (618) 943-6189.
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msnbc.com - 9 hours ago
Knowing first-hand the horrors of war, the 89-year-old is now on a new mission -- helping wounded soldiers. Tune in Monday, Jan. 30, for Chelsea Clinton's report on Vets Helping Heroes, tonight on NBC “Nightly News." After learning that the federal ...
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mobihealthnews - 7 hours ago
For the past 12 years, DSHI has provided the VA with a triage call center solution that is used by call center nurses across the country.
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Chicago Sun-Times - Jan 29, 2012
“We would be part of a veteran's cultural center in Chicago.” Moore wants to partner with a number of social service groups in a new space in Uptown, Chinatown, River North or near the Northwest Side's Six Corners intersection.
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What we want is a positive economic impact by creating new jobs and getting anything else good we can bring in,” Millington City Engineer, Darek Baskin, said.
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WKBT La Crosse - 14 hours ago
Saturday, the post held its 85th annual veteran outreach reception, not only to honor current members, but to also recruit and celebrate the new veterans of today. More than 850 veterans are members of the American legion in La Crosse.
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The Saratogian - 10 hours ago
SARATOGA SPRINGS - Several Saratoga County attorneys are making their services available under a new Veterans' Rights Pro Bono project.
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MyFox Houston - 4 hours ago
There's now a new effort in the Houston area to help treat the troops. "Most of our people are veterans or the spouses of veterans," retired Army Major General Jerry Icenhower said. Icenhower knows a thing or two about military veterans and PTSD.
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Rapid City Journal - 15 hours ago
The VA review found mismarkings at Dayton National Cemetery in Ohio, Santa Fe National Cemetery in New Mexico, Beverly National Cemetery in New Jersey, Loudon Park National Cemetery in Baltimore, Philadelphia National Cemetery, Houston National ...
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The Chattanoogan - 3 hours ago
His budget includes planning funds for new buildings on the UTC campus and $23 million for a new veterans home in Bradley County.
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Military.com - 15 hours ago
With 91000 troops still fighting in Afghanistan, many Iraq veterans could be redeployed -- suggesting to some that it's premature to celebrate their homecoming.
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Bleacher Report - 9 hours ago
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Every season, a group of veteran players exceed expectations and return to a dominant form experienced earlier in their careers.
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Patch.com - 10 hours ago
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Connors remains on Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee, and Assemblywoman Gove joins Higher Education and Tourism and Arts committees.
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National Journal - 7 hours ago
"You see, these new rules now also include veterans. If you've served in the past five years and you're still dealing with a serious injury, a qualifying member of your family can now take time off from work to care for you.
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Los Angeles Times - 4 hours ago
'MADtv' veterans Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele play it for almost genteel laughs in this new Comedy Central sketch series. |
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