RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-00696
		INDEX CODE:  110.02
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Item 13, Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized, be corrected to read “Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM).” 
_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Her DD Form 214 is incorrect as written because it states she did not receive any medals.  She received a citation to accompany the award of the AFCM at an award ceremony the month before her discharge from active duty.  She did not realize the importance of updating her DD Form 214 nor did she know that there was a 3-year time-frame in which to correct an error.   

In support of her request, applicant submits a copy of her DD Form 214 and a copy, with a raised seal, of her citation to accompany the award of the AFCM.    

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

_________________________________________________________________

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force effective 29 April 1977 for a period of 4 years in the grade of E-1.  She was progressively promoted to the grade of sergeant (E-4) effective 1 February 1980. 

On 6 October 1978, nonjudicial punishment was imposed on the applicant under Article 15, UCMJ.  She was reduced in grade to airman; and, was ordered to forfeit $100.00 per month for 2 months.  However, the reduction in grade was suspended until 31 March 1979, at which time, unless sooner vacated, it would be remitted without further action.  

The applicant was honorably discharged on 28 April 1981 in the grade of E-4 for completion of required active service.  She had served 4 years of active duty.  A reenlistment eligibility (RE) code of 1J was assigned.

_________________________________________________________________

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends the application be denied.  DPPPR states they advised the applicant that there was no documentation in her records indicating she was recommended for, or awarded the AFCM.  The applicant did not respond.  DPPPR states that without an order awarding the AFCM to the applicant, they cannot verify her eligibility for his decoration.  

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

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force advisory was sent to the applicant on 31 May 2002 for review and comment.  As of this date, this office has not received a response.    

_________________________________________________________________

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

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

2.  The application was not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice.  After reviewing the evidence of record and the applicant’s submission, we are not persuaded that she should be awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal.  Applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, we do not find these uncorroborated assertions, in and by themselves, sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale provided by the Air Force.  While it may be that the applicant was recommended for the requested award, there is no documentation available showing that the award was actually approved.  In view of the above and in the absence of evidence by the applicant substantiating her claim, we agree with the recommendation of the Air Force and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain her burden that she has suffered either an error or an injustice.  Therefore, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought. 

_________________________________________________________________

THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of probable material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application. 

_________________________________________________________________

The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 21 August 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:
Panel Chair
Member
Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

     Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 16 February 2002, w/atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 23 May 2002.
     Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 31 May 2002.