EX-99.(R) 10 b68365a1exv99wxry.txt POWERS OF ATTORNEY Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Power of Attorney James L. Lipscomb Executive Vice President and General Counsel KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, the General Counsel of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby designate Michele H. Abate, John E. Connolly, Jr., Myra L. Saul and Marie C. Swift, and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, as authorized under the attached powers of attorney as signed by the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Board on February 26, 2008 and Chief Financial Officer on March 6, 2008 and Chief Accounting Officer on March 10, 2008, and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 30th day of March, 2008. /s/ James L. Lipscomb ---------------------------------------- James L. Lipscomb METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Power of Attorney C. Robert Henrikson Chairman of Board, President and Chief Executive Officer KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, Chairman of Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby appoint the General Counsel and his designee(s), and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, in connection with: - Metropolitan Life Separate Account UL (Equity Advantage VUL File No. 033-47927, Equity Advantage VUL File No. 333-147508, Equity Options File No. 333-40161, Advantage Equity Options File No. 333-131664, MetFlex File No. 033-57320, Group VUL File No. 033-91226, UL II File No. 033-32813), - Metropolitan Life Separate Account E (Preference Plus and Financial Freedom Account File No. 002-90380, MetLife Settlement Plus File No. 333-80547, MetLife Income Security Plan File No. 333-43970, Preference Plus Select File No. 333-52366, MetLife Asset Builder File No. 333-69320, MetLife Financial Freedom Select File No. 333-83716, Preference Plus Income Advantage File No. 333-122883, MetLife Personal IncomePlus File No. 333-122897 and MLIC Variable Annuity), - The New England Variable Account (Zenith Accumulator File No. 333-11131), - New England Variable Annuity Fund I (File No. 333-11137), - New England Life Retirement Investment Account (Preference File No. 333-11133), - Separate Account No. 13 S (File No. 333-110185), - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Six (File No. 333-110183), and - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Seven (File No. 333-110184), - Paragon Separate Account A (Group American Plus File No. 333-133699 and AFIS File No. 333-133674), - Paragon Separate Account B (DWS Direct, Multi Manager Direct, Multi Manager II File No. 333-133675, DWS Commission, Multi Manager Commission, Morgan Stanley product, Putnam product, MFS product, Multi Manager Aon File No. 333-133671), - Paragon Separate Account C (Fidelity Direct File No. 333-133678 and Fidelity Commission File No. 333-133673), - Paragon Separate Account D (Joint Survivor VUL File No. 333-133698 and Individual Variable Life File No. 333-133672) - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account I (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138114 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138112), and - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account II (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138115 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138113), and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of February, 2008. /s/ C. Robert Henrikson ---------------------------------------- C. Robert Henrikson METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Power of Attorney Sylvia Mathews Burwell Director KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, a director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby appoint the General Counsel and his designee(s), and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, in connection with: - Metropolitan Life Separate Account UL (Equity Advantage VUL File No. 033-47927, Equity Advantage VUL File No. 333-147508, Equity Options File No. 333-40161, Advantage Equity Options File No. 333-131664, MetFlex File No. 033-57320, Group VUL File No. 033-91226, UL II File No. 033-32813), - Metropolitan Life Separate Account E (Preference Plus and Financial Freedom Account File No. 002-90380, MetLife Settlement Plus File No. 333-80547, MetLife Income Security Plan File No. 333-43970, Preference Plus Select File No. 333-52366, MetLife Asset Builder File No. 333-69320, MetLife Financial Freedom Select File No. 333-83716, Preference Plus Income Advantage File No. 333-122883, MetLife Personal IncomePlus File No. 333-122897 and MLIC Variable Annuity), - The New England Variable Account (Zenith Accumulator File No. 333-11131), - New England Variable Annuity Fund I (File No. 333-11137), - New England Life Retirement Investment Account (Preference File No. 333-11133), - Separate Account No. 13 S (File No. 333-110185), - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Six (File No. 333-110183), and - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Seven (File No. 333-110184), - Paragon Separate Account A (Group American Plus File No. 333-133699 and AFIS File No. 333-133674), - Paragon Separate Account B (DWS Direct, Multi Manager Direct, Multi Manager II File No. 333-133675, DWS Commission, Multi Manager Commission, Morgan Stanley product, Putnam product, MFS product, Multi Manager Aon File No. 333-133671), - Paragon Separate Account C (Fidelity Direct File No. 333-133678 and Fidelity Commission File No. 333-133673), - Paragon Separate Account D (Joint Survivor VUL File No. 333-133698 and Individual Variable Life File No. 333-133672) - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account I (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138114 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138112), and - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account II (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138115 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138113), and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of February, 2008. /s/ Sylvia Mathews Burwell ---------------------------------------- Sylvia Mathews Burwell METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Power of Attorney Burton A. Dole, Jr. Director KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, a director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby appoint the General Counsel and his designee(s), and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, in connection with: - Metropolitan Life Separate Account UL (Equity Advantage VUL File No. 033-47927, Equity Advantage VUL File No. 333-147508, Equity Options File No. 333-40161, Advantage Equity Options File No. 333-131664, MetFlex File No. 033-57320, Group VUL File No. 033-91226, UL II File No. 033-32813), - Metropolitan Life Separate Account E (Preference Plus and Financial Freedom Account File No. 002-90380, MetLife Settlement Plus File No. 333-80547, MetLife Income Security Plan File No. 333-43970, Preference Plus Select File No. 333-52366, MetLife Asset Builder File No. 333-69320, MetLife Financial Freedom Select File No. 333-83716, Preference Plus Income Advantage File No. 333-122883, MetLife Personal IncomePlus File No. 333-122897 and MLIC Variable Annuity), - The New England Variable Account (Zenith Accumulator File No. 333-11131), - New England Variable Annuity Fund I (File No. 333-11137), - New England Life Retirement Investment Account (Preference File No. 333-11133), - Separate Account No. 13 S (File No. 333-110185), - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Six (File No. 333-110183), and - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Seven (File No. 333-110184), - Paragon Separate Account A (Group American Plus File No. 333-133699 and AFIS File No. 333-133674), - Paragon Separate Account B (DWS Direct, Multi Manager Direct, Multi Manager II File No. 333-133675, DWS Commission, Multi Manager Commission, Morgan Stanley product, Putnam product, MFS product, Multi Manager Aon File No. 333-133671), - Paragon Separate Account C (Fidelity Direct File No. 333-133678 and Fidelity Commission File No. 333-133673), - Paragon Separate Account D (Joint Survivor VUL File No. 333-133698 and Individual Variable Life File No. 333-133672) - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account I (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138114 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138112), and - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account II (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138115 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138113), and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of February, 2008. /s/ Burton A. Dole, Jr. ---------------------------------------- Burton A. Dole, Jr. METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Power of Attorney Cheryl W. Grise Director KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, a director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby appoint the General Counsel and his designee(s), and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, in connection with: - Metropolitan Life Separate Account UL (Equity Advantage VUL File No. 033-47927, Equity Advantage VUL File No. 333-147508, Equity Options File No. 333-40161, Advantage Equity Options File No. 333-131664, MetFlex File No. 033-57320, Group VUL File No. 033-91226, UL II File No. 033-32813), - Metropolitan Life Separate Account E (Preference Plus and Financial Freedom Account File No. 002-90380, MetLife Settlement Plus File No. 333-80547, MetLife Income Security Plan File No. 333-43970, Preference Plus Select File No. 333-52366, MetLife Asset Builder File No. 333-69320, MetLife Financial Freedom Select File No. 333-83716, Preference Plus Income Advantage File No. 333-122883, MetLife Personal IncomePlus File No. 333-122897 and MLIC Variable Annuity), - The New England Variable Account (Zenith Accumulator File No. 333-11131), - New England Variable Annuity Fund I (File No. 333-11137), - New England Life Retirement Investment Account (Preference File No. 333-11133), - Separate Account No. 13 S (File No. 333-110185), - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Six (File No. 333-110183), and - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Seven (File No. 333-110184), - Paragon Separate Account A (Group American Plus File No. 333-133699 and AFIS File No. 333-133674), - Paragon Separate Account B (DWS Direct, Multi Manager Direct, Multi Manager II File No. 333-133675, DWS Commission, Multi Manager Commission, Morgan Stanley product, Putnam product, MFS product, Multi Manager Aon File No. 333-133671), - Paragon Separate Account C (Fidelity Direct File No. 333-133678 and Fidelity Commission File No. 333-133673), - Paragon Separate Account D (Joint Survivor VUL File No. 333-133698 and Individual Variable Life File No. 333-133672) - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account I (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138114 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138112), and - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account II (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138115 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138113), and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of February, 2008. /s/ Cheryl W. Grise ---------------------------------------- Cheryl W. Grise METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Power of Attorney James R. Houghton Director KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, a director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby appoint the General Counsel and his designee(s), and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, in connection with: - Metropolitan Life Separate Account UL (Equity Advantage VUL File No. 033-47927, Equity Advantage VUL File No. 333-147508, Equity Options File No. 333-40161, Advantage Equity Options File No. 333-131664, MetFlex File No. 033-57320, Group VUL File No. 033-91226, UL II File No. 033-32813), - Metropolitan Life Separate Account E (Preference Plus and Financial Freedom Account File No. 002-90380, MetLife Settlement Plus File No. 333-80547, MetLife Income Security Plan File No. 333-43970, Preference Plus Select File No. 333-52366, MetLife Asset Builder File No. 333-69320, MetLife Financial Freedom Select File No. 333-83716, Preference Plus Income Advantage File No. 333-122883, MetLife Personal IncomePlus File No. 333-122897 and MLIC Variable Annuity), - The New England Variable Account (Zenith Accumulator File No. 333-11131), - New England Variable Annuity Fund I (File No. 333-11137), - New England Life Retirement Investment Account (Preference File No. 333-11133), - Separate Account No. 13 S (File No. 333-110185), - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Six (File No. 333-110183), and - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Seven (File No. 333-110184), - Paragon Separate Account A (Group American Plus File No. 333-133699 and AFIS File No. 333-133674), - Paragon Separate Account B (DWS Direct, Multi Manager Direct, Multi Manager II File No. 333-133675, DWS Commission, Multi Manager Commission, Morgan Stanley product, Putnam product, MFS product, Multi Manager Aon File No. 333-133671), - Paragon Separate Account C (Fidelity Direct File No. 333-133678 and Fidelity Commission File No. 333-133673), - Paragon Separate Account D (Joint Survivor VUL File No. 333-133698 and Individual Variable Life File No. 333-133672) - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account I (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138114 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138112), and - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account II (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138115 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138113), and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of February, 2008. /s/ James R. Houghton ---------------------------------------- James R. Houghton METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Power of Attorney R. Glenn Hubbard Director KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, a director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby appoint the General Counsel and his designee(s), and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, in connection with: - Metropolitan Life Separate Account UL (Equity Advantage VUL File No. 033-47927, Equity Advantage VUL File No. 333-147508, Equity Options File No. 333-40161, Advantage Equity Options File No. 333-131664, MetFlex File No. 033-57320, Group VUL File No. 033-91226, UL II File No. 033-32813), - Metropolitan Life Separate Account E (Preference Plus and Financial Freedom Account File No. 002-90380, MetLife Settlement Plus File No. 333-80547, MetLife Income Security Plan File No. 333-43970, Preference Plus Select File No. 333-52366, MetLife Asset Builder File No. 333-69320, MetLife Financial Freedom Select File No. 333-83716, Preference Plus Income Advantage File No. 333-122883, MetLife Personal IncomePlus File No. 333-122897 and MLIC Variable Annuity), - The New England Variable Account (Zenith Accumulator File No. 333-11131), - New England Variable Annuity Fund I (File No. 333-11137), - New England Life Retirement Investment Account (Preference File No. 333-11133), - Separate Account No. 13 S (File No. 333-110185), - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Six (File No. 333-110183), and - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Seven (File No. 333-110184), - Paragon Separate Account A (Group American Plus File No. 333-133699 and AFIS File No. 333-133674), - Paragon Separate Account B (DWS Direct, Multi Manager Direct, Multi Manager II File No. 333-133675, DWS Commission, Multi Manager Commission, Morgan Stanley product, Putnam product, MFS product, Multi Manager Aon File No. 333-133671), - Paragon Separate Account C (Fidelity Direct File No. 333-133678 and Fidelity Commission File No. 333-133673), - Paragon Separate Account D (Joint Survivor VUL File No. 333-133698 and Individual Variable Life File No. 333-133672) - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account I (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138114 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138112), and - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account II (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138115 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138113), and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of February, 2008. /s/ R. Glenn Hubbard ---------------------------------------- R. Glenn Hubbard METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Power of Attorney Helene L. Kaplan Director KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, a director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby appoint the General Counsel and his designee(s), and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, in connection with: - Metropolitan Life Separate Account UL (Equity Advantage VUL File No. 033-47927, Equity Advantage VUL File No. 333-147508, Equity Options File No. 333-40161, Advantage Equity Options File No. 333-131664, MetFlex File No. 033-57320, Group VUL File No. 033-91226, UL II File No. 033-32813), - Metropolitan Life Separate Account E (Preference Plus and Financial Freedom Account File No. 002-90380, MetLife Settlement Plus File No. 333-80547, MetLife Income Security Plan File No. 333-43970, Preference Plus Select File No. 333-52366, MetLife Asset Builder File No. 333-69320, MetLife Financial Freedom Select File No. 333-83716, Preference Plus Income Advantage File No. 333-122883, MetLife Personal IncomePlus File No. 333-122897 and MLIC Variable Annuity), - The New England Variable Account (Zenith Accumulator File No. 333-11131), - New England Variable Annuity Fund I (File No. 333-11137), - New England Life Retirement Investment Account (Preference File No. 333-11133), - Separate Account No. 13 S (File No. 333-110185), - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Six (File No. 333-110183), and - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Seven (File No. 333-110184), - Paragon Separate Account A (Group American Plus File No. 333-133699 and AFIS File No. 333-133674), - Paragon Separate Account B (DWS Direct, Multi Manager Direct, Multi Manager II File No. 333-133675, DWS Commission, Multi Manager Commission, Morgan Stanley product, Putnam product, MFS product, Multi Manager Aon File No. 333-133671), - Paragon Separate Account C (Fidelity Direct File No. 333-133678 and Fidelity Commission File No. 333-133673), - Paragon Separate Account D (Joint Survivor VUL File No. 333-133698 and Individual Variable Life File No. 333-133672) - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account I (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138114 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138112), and - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account II (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138115 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138113), and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of February, 2008. /s/ Helene L. Kaplan ---------------------------------------- Helene L. Kaplan METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Power of Attorney John M. Keane Director KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, a director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby appoint the General Counsel and his designee(s), and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, in connection with: - Metropolitan Life Separate Account UL (Equity Advantage VUL File No. 033-47927, Equity Advantage VUL File No. 333-147508, Equity Options File No. 333-40161, Advantage Equity Options File No. 333-131664, MetFlex File No. 033-57320, Group VUL File No. 033-91226, UL II File No. 033-32813), - Metropolitan Life Separate Account E (Preference Plus and Financial Freedom Account File No. 002-90380, MetLife Settlement Plus File No. 333-80547, MetLife Income Security Plan File No. 333-43970, Preference Plus Select File No. 333-52366, MetLife Asset Builder File No. 333-69320, MetLife Financial Freedom Select File No. 333-83716, Preference Plus Income Advantage File No. 333-122883, MetLife Personal IncomePlus File No. 333-122897 and MLIC Variable Annuity), - The New England Variable Account (Zenith Accumulator File No. 333-11131), - New England Variable Annuity Fund I (File No. 333-11137), - New England Life Retirement Investment Account (Preference File No. 333-11133), - Separate Account No. 13 S (File No. 333-110185), - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Six (File No. 333-110183), and - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Seven (File No. 333-110184), - Paragon Separate Account A (Group American Plus File No. 333-133699 and AFIS File No. 333-133674), - Paragon Separate Account B (DWS Direct, Multi Manager Direct, Multi Manager II File No. 333-133675, DWS Commission, Multi Manager Commission, Morgan Stanley product, Putnam product, MFS product, Multi Manager Aon File No. 333-133671), - Paragon Separate Account C (Fidelity Direct File No. 333-133678 and Fidelity Commission File No. 333-133673), - Paragon Separate Account D (Joint Survivor VUL File No. 333-133698 and Individual Variable Life File No. 333-133672) - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account I (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138114 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138112), and - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account II (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138115 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138113), and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of February, 2008. /s/ John M. Keane ---------------------------------------- John M. Keane METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Power of Attorney James M. Kilts Director KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, a director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby appoint the General Counsel and his designee(s), and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, in connection with: - Metropolitan Life Separate Account UL (Equity Advantage VUL File No. 033-47927, Equity Advantage VUL File No. 333-147508, Equity Options File No. 333-40161, Advantage Equity Options File No. 333-131664, MetFlex File No. 033-57320, Group VUL File No. 033-91226, UL II File No. 033-32813), - Metropolitan Life Separate Account E (Preference Plus and Financial Freedom Account File No. 002-90380, MetLife Settlement Plus File No. 333-80547, MetLife Income Security Plan File No. 333-43970, Preference Plus Select File No. 333-52366, MetLife Asset Builder File No. 333-69320, MetLife Financial Freedom Select File No. 333-83716, Preference Plus Income Advantage File No. 333-122883, MetLife Personal IncomePlus File No. 333-122897 and MLIC Variable Annuity), - The New England Variable Account (Zenith Accumulator File No. 333-11131), - New England Variable Annuity Fund I (File No. 333-11137), - New England Life Retirement Investment Account (Preference File No. 333-11133), - Separate Account No. 13 S (File No. 333-110185), - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Six (File No. 333-110183), and - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Seven (File No. 333-110184), - Paragon Separate Account A (Group American Plus File No. 333-133699 and AFIS File No. 333-133674), - Paragon Separate Account B (DWS Direct, Multi Manager Direct, Multi Manager II File No. 333-133675, DWS Commission, Multi Manager Commission, Morgan Stanley product, Putnam product, MFS product, Multi Manager Aon File No. 333-133671), - Paragon Separate Account C (Fidelity Direct File No. 333-133678 and Fidelity Commission File No. 333-133673), - Paragon Separate Account D (Joint Survivor VUL File No. 333-133698 and Individual Variable Life File No. 333-133672) - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account I (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138114 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138112), and - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account II (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138115 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138113), and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of February, 2008. /s/ James M. Kilts ---------------------------------------- James M. Kilts METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Power of Attorney Charles M. Leighton Director KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, a director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby appoint the General Counsel and his designee(s), and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, in connection with: - Metropolitan Life Separate Account UL (Equity Advantage VUL File No. 033-47927, Equity Advantage VUL File No. 333-147508, Equity Options File No. 333-40161, Advantage Equity Options File No. 333-131664, MetFlex File No. 033-57320, Group VUL File No. 033-91226, UL II File No. 033-32813), - Metropolitan Life Separate Account E (Preference Plus and Financial Freedom Account File No. 002-90380, MetLife Settlement Plus File No. 333-80547, MetLife Income Security Plan File No. 333-43970, Preference Plus Select File No. 333-52366, MetLife Asset Builder File No. 333-69320, MetLife Financial Freedom Select File No. 333-83716, Preference Plus Income Advantage File No. 333-122883, MetLife Personal IncomePlus File No. 333-122897 and MLIC Variable Annuity), - The New England Variable Account (Zenith Accumulator File No. 333-11131), - New England Variable Annuity Fund I (File No. 333-11137), - New England Life Retirement Investment Account (Preference File No. 333-11133), - Separate Account No. 13 S (File No. 333-110185), - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Six (File No. 333-110183), and - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Seven (File No. 333-110184), - Paragon Separate Account A (Group American Plus File No. 333-133699 and AFIS File No. 333-133674), - Paragon Separate Account B (DWS Direct, Multi Manager Direct, Multi Manager II File No. 333-133675, DWS Commission, Multi Manager Commission, Morgan Stanley product, Putnam product, MFS product, Multi Manager Aon File No. 333-133671), - Paragon Separate Account C (Fidelity Direct File No. 333-133678 and Fidelity Commission File No. 333-133673), - Paragon Separate Account D (Joint Survivor VUL File No. 333-133698 and Individual Variable Life File No. 333-133672) - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account I (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138114 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138112), and - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account II (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138115 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138113), and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of February, 2008. /s/ Charles M. Leighton ---------------------------------------- Charles M. Leighton METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Power of Attorney Hugh B. Price Director KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, a director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby appoint the General Counsel and his designee(s), and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, in connection with: - Metropolitan Life Separate Account UL (Equity Advantage VUL File No. 033-47927, Equity Advantage VUL File No. 333-147508, Equity Options File No. 333-40161, Advantage Equity Options File No. 333-131664, MetFlex File No. 033-57320, Group VUL File No. 033-91226, UL II File No. 033-32813), - Metropolitan Life Separate Account E (Preference Plus and Financial Freedom Account File No. 002-90380, MetLife Settlement Plus File No. 333-80547, MetLife Income Security Plan File No. 333-43970, Preference Plus Select File No. 333-52366, MetLife Asset Builder File No. 333-69320, MetLife Financial Freedom Select File No. 333-83716, Preference Plus Income Advantage File No. 333-122883, MetLife Personal IncomePlus File No. 333-122897 and MLIC Variable Annuity), - The New England Variable Account (Zenith Accumulator File No. 333-11131), - New England Variable Annuity Fund I (File No. 333-11137), - New England Life Retirement Investment Account (Preference File No. 333-11133), - Separate Account No. 13 S (File No. 333-110185), - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Six (File No. 333-110183), and - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Seven (File No. 333-110184), - Paragon Separate Account A (Group American Plus File No. 333-133699 and AFIS File No. 333-133674), - Paragon Separate Account B (DWS Direct, Multi Manager Direct, Multi Manager II File No. 333-133675, DWS Commission, Multi Manager Commission, Morgan Stanley product, Putnam product, MFS product, Multi Manager Aon File No. 333-133671), - Paragon Separate Account C (Fidelity Direct File No. 333-133678 and Fidelity Commission File No. 333-133673), - Paragon Separate Account D (Joint Survivor VUL File No. 333-133698 and Individual Variable Life File No. 333-133672) - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account I (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138114 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138112), and - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account II (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138115 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138113), and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of February, 2008. /s/ Hugh B. Price ---------------------------------------- Hugh B. Price METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Power of Attorney David Satcher Director KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, a director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby appoint the General Counsel and his designee(s), and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, in connection with: - Metropolitan Life Separate Account UL (Equity Advantage VUL File No. 033-47927, Equity Advantage VUL File No. 333-147508, Equity Options File No. 333-40161, Advantage Equity Options File No. 333-131664, MetFlex File No. 033-57320, Group VUL File No. 033-91226, UL II File No. 033-32813), - Metropolitan Life Separate Account E (Preference Plus and Financial Freedom Account File No. 002-90380, MetLife Settlement Plus File No. 333-80547, MetLife Income Security Plan File No. 333-43970, Preference Plus Select File No. 333-52366, MetLife Asset Builder File No. 333-69320, MetLife Financial Freedom Select File No. 333-83716, Preference Plus Income Advantage File No. 333-122883, MetLife Personal IncomePlus File No. 333-122897 and MLIC Variable Annuity), - The New England Variable Account (Zenith Accumulator File No. 333-11131), - New England Variable Annuity Fund I (File No. 333-11137), - New England Life Retirement Investment Account (Preference File No. 333-11133), - Separate Account No. 13 S (File No. 333-110185), - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Six (File No. 333-110183), and - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Seven (File No. 333-110184), - Paragon Separate Account A (Group American Plus File No. 333-133699 and AFIS File No. 333-133674), - Paragon Separate Account B (DWS Direct, Multi Manager Direct, Multi Manager II File No. 333-133675, DWS Commission, Multi Manager Commission, Morgan Stanley product, Putnam product, MFS product, Multi Manager Aon File No. 333-133671), - Paragon Separate Account C (Fidelity Direct File No. 333-133678 and Fidelity Commission File No. 333-133673), - Paragon Separate Account D (Joint Survivor VUL File No. 333-133698 and Individual Variable Life File No. 333-133672) - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account I (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138114 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138112), and - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account II (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138115 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138113), and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of February, 2008. /s/ David Satcher ---------------------------------------- David Satcher METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Power of Attorney Kenton J. Sicchitano Director KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, a director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby appoint the General Counsel and his designee(s), and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, in connection with: - Metropolitan Life Separate Account UL (Equity Advantage VUL File No. 033-47927, Equity Advantage VUL File No. 333-147508, Equity Options File No. 333-40161, Advantage Equity Options File No. 333-131664, MetFlex File No. 033-57320, Group VUL File No. 033-91226, UL II File No. 033-32813), - Metropolitan Life Separate Account E (Preference Plus and Financial Freedom Account File No. 002-90380, MetLife Settlement Plus File No. 333-80547, MetLife Income Security Plan File No. 333-43970, Preference Plus Select File No. 333-52366, MetLife Asset Builder File No. 333-69320, MetLife Financial Freedom Select File No. 333-83716, Preference Plus Income Advantage File No. 333-122883, MetLife Personal IncomePlus File No. 333-122897 and MLIC Variable Annuity), - The New England Variable Account (Zenith Accumulator File No. 333-11131), - New England Variable Annuity Fund I (File No. 333-11137), - New England Life Retirement Investment Account (Preference File No. 333-11133), - Separate Account No. 13 S (File No. 333-110185), - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Six (File No. 333-110183), and - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Seven (File No. 333-110184), - Paragon Separate Account A (Group American Plus File No. 333-133699 and AFIS File No. 333-133674), - Paragon Separate Account B (DWS Direct, Multi Manager Direct, Multi Manager II File No. 333-133675, DWS Commission, Multi Manager Commission, Morgan Stanley product, Putnam product, MFS product, Multi Manager Aon File No. 333-133671), - Paragon Separate Account C (Fidelity Direct File No. 333-133678 and Fidelity Commission File No. 333-133673), - Paragon Separate Account D (Joint Survivor VUL File No. 333-133698 and Individual Variable Life File No. 333-133672) - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account I (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138114 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138112), and - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account II (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138115 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138113), and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of February, 2008. /s/ Kenton J. Sicchitano ---------------------------------------- Kenton J. Sicchitano METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Power of Attorney William C. Steere, Jr. Director KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, a director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby appoint the General Counsel and his designee(s), and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, in connection with: - Metropolitan Life Separate Account UL (Equity Advantage VUL File No. 033-47927, Equity Advantage VUL File No. 333-147508, Equity Options File No. 333-40161, Advantage Equity Options File No. 333-131664, MetFlex File No. 033-57320, Group VUL File No. 033-91226, UL II File No. 033-32813), - Metropolitan Life Separate Account E (Preference Plus and Financial Freedom Account File No. 002-90380, MetLife Settlement Plus File No. 333-80547, MetLife Income Security Plan File No. 333-43970, Preference Plus Select File No. 333-52366, MetLife Asset Builder File No. 333-69320, MetLife Financial Freedom Select File No. 333-83716, Preference Plus Income Advantage File No. 333-122883, MetLife Personal IncomePlus File No. 333-122897 and MLIC Variable Annuity), - The New England Variable Account (Zenith Accumulator File No. 333-11131), - New England Variable Annuity Fund I (File No. 333-11137), - New England Life Retirement Investment Account (Preference File No. 333-11133), - Separate Account No. 13 S (File No. 333-110185), - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Six (File No. 333-110183), and - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Seven (File No. 333-110184), - Paragon Separate Account A (Group American Plus File No. 333-133699 and AFIS File No. 333-133674), - Paragon Separate Account B (DWS Direct, Multi Manager Direct, Multi Manager II File No. 333-133675, DWS Commission, Multi Manager Commission, Morgan Stanley product, Putnam product, MFS product, Multi Manager Aon File No. 333-133671), - Paragon Separate Account C (Fidelity Direct File No. 333-133678 and Fidelity Commission File No. 333-133673), - Paragon Separate Account D (Joint Survivor VUL File No. 333-133698 and Individual Variable Life File No. 333-133672) - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account I (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138114 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138112), and - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account II (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138115 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138113), and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of February, 2008. /s/ William C. Steere, Jr. ---------------------------------------- William C. Steere, Jr. METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Power of Attorney William J. Wheeler Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby appoint the General Counsel and his designee(s), and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, in connection with: - Metropolitan Life Separate Account UL (Equity Advantage VUL File No. 033-47927, Equity Advantage VUL File No. 333-147508, Equity Options File No. 333-40161, Advantage Equity Options File No. 333-131664, MetFlex File No. 033-57320, Group VUL File No. 033-91226, UL II File No. 033-32813), - Metropolitan Life Separate Account E (Preference Plus and Financial Freedom Account File No. 002-90380, MetLife Settlement Plus File No. 333-80547, MetLife Income Security Plan File No. 333-43970, Preference Plus Select File No. 333-52366, MetLife Asset Builder File No. 333-69320, MetLife Financial Freedom Select File No. 333-83716, Preference Plus Income Advantage File No. 333-122883, MetLife Personal IncomePlus File No. 333-122897 and MLIC Variable Annuity), - The New England Variable Account (Zenith Accumulator File No. 333-11131), - New England Variable Annuity Fund I (File No. 333-11137), - New England Life Retirement Investment Account (Preference File No. 333-11133), - Separate Account No. 13 S (File No. 333-110185), - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Six (File No. 333-110183), and - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Seven (File No. 333-110184), - Paragon Separate Account A (Group American Plus File No. 333-133699 and AFIS File No. 333-133674), - Paragon Separate Account B (DWS Direct, Multi Manager Direct, Multi Manager II File No. 333-133675, DWS Commission, Multi Manager Commission, Morgan Stanley product, Putnam product, MFS product, Multi Manager Aon File No. 333-133671), - Paragon Separate Account C (Fidelity Direct File No. 333-133678 and Fidelity Commission File No. 333-133673), - Paragon Separate Account D (Joint Survivor VUL File No. 333-133698 and Individual Variable Life File No. 333-133672) - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account I (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138114 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138112), and - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account II (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138115 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138113), and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 6th day of March, 2008. /s/ William J. Wheeler ---------------------------------------- William J. Wheeler METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Power of Attorney Joseph J. Prochaska, Jr. Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York company, do hereby appoint the General Counsel and his designee(s), and each of them severally, my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for me and in my name, place and stead to execute and file any instrument or document to be filed as part of or in connection with or in any way related to the Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, filed by said Company under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, in connection with: - Metropolitan Life Separate Account UL (Equity Advantage VUL File No. 033-47927, Equity Advantage VUL File No. 333-147508, Equity Options File No. 333-40161, Advantage Equity Options File No. 333-131664, MetFlex File No. 033-57320, Group VUL File No. 033-91226, UL II File No. 033-32813), - Metropolitan Life Separate Account E (Preference Plus and Financial Freedom Account File No. 002-90380, MetLife Settlement Plus File No. 333-80547, MetLife Income Security Plan File No. 333-43970, Preference Plus Select File No. 333-52366, MetLife Asset Builder File No. 333-69320, MetLife Financial Freedom Select File No. 333-83716, Preference Plus Income Advantage File No. 333-122883, MetLife Personal IncomePlus File No. 333-122897 and MLIC Variable Annuity), - The New England Variable Account (Zenith Accumulator File No. 333-11131), - New England Variable Annuity Fund I (File No. 333-11137), - New England Life Retirement Investment Account (Preference File No. 333-11133), - Separate Account No. 13 S (File No. 333-110185), - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Six (File No. 333-110183), and - Security Equity Separate Account Twenty-Seven (File No. 333-110184), - Paragon Separate Account A (Group American Plus File No. 333-133699 and AFIS File No. 333-133674), - Paragon Separate Account B (DWS Direct, Multi Manager Direct, Multi Manager II File No. 333-133675, DWS Commission, Multi Manager Commission, Morgan Stanley product, Putnam product, MFS product, Multi Manager Aon File No. 333-133671), - Paragon Separate Account C (Fidelity Direct File No. 333-133678 and Fidelity Commission File No. 333-133673), - Paragon Separate Account D (Joint Survivor VUL File No. 333-133698 and Individual Variable Life File No. 333-133672) - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account I (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138114 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138112), and - Metropolitan Life Variable Annuity Separate Account II (Flexible Premium Variable Deferred Annuity File No. 333-138115 and Flexible Premium Variable Annuity File No. 333-138113), and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in my name, place and stead each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Each said attorney-in-fact shall have power to act hereunder with or without the others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 10th day of March, 2008. /s/ Joseph J. Prochaska, Jr. ---------------------------------------- Joseph J. Prochaska, Jr.