RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-01709
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He served in Operation “Eldorado Canyon” and should be entitled to the medal.

In support of his appeal, applicant provided a copy of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) and a letter from the Division of Veteran Affairs (NY).

Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 5 Apr 83, applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force.  He was promoted progressively to the grade of senior airman (E-4/SrA) with an effective date and date of rank of 1 Apr 86.  He was transferred to the US Air Force Reserve on 2 Apr 1987.  He completed 3 years, 11 months and 28 days of active duty service.

Applicant’s records reflect that he was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR reviewed this application and recommended denial.  Applicant served on an overseas tour for 3 years, 7 months and 18 days.  He was assigned to the 40th Security Police Flight at Aviano AB Italy.

The AFEM is awarded to those service members who participated in Eldorado Canyon in Libya during the period of 12 – 17 Apr 86.  There is no indication in applicant’s records that he had participated in the Eldorado Canyon operation in Libya.  He was asked to provide documentation to substantiate his claim, but did not respond.

Without documentation to substantiate his claim, applicant’s eligibility for award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal cannot be verified.

A complete copy of the evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 13 Sep 02 for review and comment within 30 days.  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.  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.  We noted that he was asked to provide supporting documentation to substantiate his deployment to Libya in direct support of the Eldorado Canyon operations; however, he did not respond.  Should the applicant provide documentation to substantiate his claim, we would be willing to reconsider his petition.  Absent such evidence, 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 his burden that he has suffered either an error or an injustice.  Therefore, we find no 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 AFBCMR Docket Number 02-01709 in Executive Session on 4 February 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 11 Feb 02, w/atchs. 
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 9 Sep 02, w/atch.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 13 Sep 02.

                                   
                                   Panel Chair