RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-01117
		INDEX CODE: 107.00

	APPLICANT	COUNSEL:  None

	SSN	HEARING DESIRED: No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect he served in Korea and Vietnam during his Air Force career. 

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The reasons the applicant believes the records to be in error or unjust and the evidence submitted in support of the appeal are at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted from the applicant's military records, are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPAPP2 states there are no documents in the applicant's record indicating that he was assigned or TDY in Korea or Vietnam.  The applicant was requested to provide any documents from his personal files in support of his application and he has not responded to the request.  DPAPP2 further states there are no source documents available in the applicant's records to support his claim and therefore, they recommend denying the requested relief.

A complete copy of the evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

HQ AFPC/DPPPR states the applicant was informed that there is no information in his records indicating he served or was TDY in Korea or Vietnam while on active duty.  The applicant was requested to provide documentation to support his claim.  The applicant has not provided any documentation to substantiate his request.  DPPPR further states that without any documentation to support his request, they cannot verify his eligibility for any additional awards.  However, the applicant was awarded the National Defense Service Medal for being on active duty during the Korean Conflict and the National Defense Service Medal with First Bronze Service Star for being on active duty during the Vietnam Conflict.  They recommend the requested relief be denied (Exhibit D).

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 19 July 2002, for review and response.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

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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 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.  The applicant's contentions are duly noted; however, we do not find his contentions in and by themselves, sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale provided by the Air Force.  There was no evidence in the applicant's records to support he served in Korea or Vietnam.  We note the applicant did not respond to the requests to provide documentation to substantiate his claim.  Therefore, we agree with the recommendations of the Air Force and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden of having suffered either an error or an injustice.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of 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.

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The following  members of the  Board considered  Docket Number 02-01117 in Executive Session on September 4, 2002, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 27 Mar 02.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPAPP2, dated 5 Jun 02.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 19 Jun 02.
   Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Jul 02.