RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: 01-03414

	 	COUNSEL:  NONE

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from the Armed Forces, be amended to include the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM).

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THE APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Since he served at Ahmed Al Jaber AB, Kuwait, during the period September 1998 to September 1999, he is entitled to the AFEM.

The applicant states that he was presented the medal; however, he cannot locate the citation.

In support of the appeal, applicant submits copies of his performance reports while assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Group.

Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 22 October 1981, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force and entered active duty.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of senior master sergeant (E-8).

The applicant was assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Ahmed Al Jaber AB, Kuwait, during the period 20 August 1998 through 30 September 1999, as a Security Forces Manager.

Members participating in direct support of Operation DESERT FOX (ODF), during the period 16 through 22 December 1998, in the area of operation (i.e., total land/air space of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Yemen, and Jorgan) are entitled to the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM).

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends the application be denied. AFPC/DPPPR states, in part, that although the applicant was assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron in Kuwait during the period 7 October 1998 through 13 October 1999, and supported Operations DESERT CALM, DESERT FOX and JOINT TASK FORCE-SOUTHWEST ASIA, none of these operations were designated for receipt of the AFEM.

The AFPC/DPPPR evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The applicant states that contrary to AFPC/DPPPR, the AFPC website does list Operation DESERT FOX (16 - 22 December 1998).  In addition, the evaluation does verify and concede that he was stationed in Kuwait and supported Operations DESERT CALM, DESERT FOX and JOINT TASK FORCE-SOUTHWEST ASIA.  Furthermore, members assigned permanent party in Kuwait are not excluded from eligibility for the AFEM.  Furthermore, he would be otherwise eligible for the AFEM for support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, since his permanent assignment to Kuwait for JOINT TASK FORCE - SOUTHERN WATCH was clearly in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH.  However, he understands that he is only entitled to one AFEM.

The applicant’s complete response, with attachment, is at Exhibit E.

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.  The application was timely filed.

3.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice.  In this respect, we note that members participating in direct support of Operation DESERT FOX during the period 16 to 22 December 1998, in the area of operation (i.e., total land/air space of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Yemen, and Jorgan) are entitled to the AFEM.  The applicant was assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Ahmed Al Jaber AB, Kuwait, from 20 August 1998 through 30 September 1999, as a Security Forces Manager and provided direct suppport of Operation DESERT FOX.  In view of this, the applicant should be awarded the AFEM.   Therefore, we recommend the applicant’s records be corrected to the extent indicated below.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show that he was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for participation in Kuwait during the period 20 August 1998 through 30 September 1999 while in a temporary duty status.

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number 01-03414 in Executive Session on 16 April 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 20 Nov 01, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 30 Jan 02, w/atchs.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 8 Feb 02.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, dated 15 Feb 02, w/atch.

                                   

AFBCMR 01-03414

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records and under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat 116), it is directed that:

	The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that he was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for participation in Kuwait during the period 20 August 1998 through 30 September 1999 while in a temporary duty status.