ADDENDUM TO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  02-02179
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

In his request for reconsideration, the applicant requests that:

1.  His Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM), third oak leaf cluster (3OLC), awarded for the period 4 Aug 98 through 10 Aug 99, be upgraded to a Meritorious Service Medal (MSM).  

2.  If upgrade of his AFCM is approved, applicant requests that he be considered for supplemental promotion consideration to the grade of senior master sergeant for the 03E8 promotion cycle.  

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 1 Apr 03, the Board considered and denied the applicant's request that his AFCM be upgraded to an MSM.  An accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding his appeal and the Board's decision are contained in the Record of Proceedings, with attachments, at Exhibit F.

On 9 Jun 03, the applicant provided additional information and requests reconsideration of is application.  He reiterates that his chain of command promised him and his supervisor that he would be awarded an MSM and because he exceeded the established standards.  He believes that he was the number one technical sergeant assigned and his supervisors had the obligation to award him as such.  He provides letters of support from two of his subordinates which the applicant states support his contention that even though he performed exceptionally he was treated unfairly by his supervisors which culminated in the denial of his award of an MSM.  

In support of his request, applicant provided a personal statement, statements of support, copies of email communications, an extract from AFI-36-2803, an MSM citation, and copies of documentation associated with his request for supplemental promotion consideration.  His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit G. 

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

After again reviewing this application and the evidence provided in support of the appeal, we remain unpersuaded that the applicant's AFCM (3OLC) should be upgraded to an MSM.  The applicant believes that he was treated unfairly and was denied award of an MSM because of personal bias.  After thorough review of the additional evidence provided in support of his appeal, we remain unpersuaded that upgrade of his AFCM to an MSM is warranted.  In this respect, we do not find the statements from his peers and subordinates persuasive enough to warrant reversal of our previous decision.  While the comments regarding the applicant's accomplishments are commendable, we do not believe that those individuals are in a position to make the determination whether or not award of a particular medal is warranted; or the type and level of such award.  In accordance with established policy, that authority rests upon the shoulders of field commanders.  In spite of his assertions, we see no plausible evidence, which would lead us to believe that the decision to award him an AFCM instead of an MSM was based upon anything other than the commander's exercising of his discretionary authority.  Accordingly in the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to favorably consider this application.

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THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of 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 BC-2002-02179 in Executive Session on 15 Aug 03, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit F.  Record of Proceedings, dated 1 Apr 03,
                w/Exhibits A through E.
	Exhibit G.  Applicant’s Letter, dated 9 Jun 03, w/atchs.