RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2002-03357
		INDEX CODE: 107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

She be awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM)

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

She should have been awarded the SWASM after she served in Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield/Desert Storm from February 1992 through July 1992.  She states that she needs the SWASM to become eligible for veteran’s preference points.

In support of her request, the applicant provided a copy of a certificate from Saudi Arabia, a copy of her Certificate of Release from Active Duty, DD Form 214, and a copy of the criteria for awarding the SWASM.  

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force as an airman basic on 25 June 1986.  She was discharged with an Honorable Discharge on 30 September 1992.  She served 6 years, 2 months and 30 days of total active service.  Her DD Form 214 reflects award of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officer Military Education Graduate Ribbon and the Air Force Training Ribbon no foreign service.

The SWASM is awarded to service members who served in support of Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, or Desert Calm from       2 August 1990 through 30 November 1995.  In a TDY capacity, the member must have served 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days in the specified areas. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial.  Applicant did not provide any documentation to support her claim that she was in Saudi Arabia in February or July 1992.  Her enlisted performance reports for that period is an overall “3” and has no mention of the applicant being deployed TDY.  Applicant has not provided any documentation showing that she was deployed in support of operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm or Desert Calm or that she was in Saudi Arabia for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days.  Applicant waited for ten years; until she needed a specific award for veteran’s preference before claiming she was in Saudi Arabia.  However, she has not provided any documentation to substantiate her claim, even when asked to do so.

The applicant’s records do not contain any documents that show she was deployed to Saudi Arabia in direct support of Operation Desert Storm at any time.

The AFPC/DPPPR evaluation, with attachment, 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 24 January 2003 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 probable error or injustice.  After a thorough review of the available evidence and the applicant’s complete submission, the Board is not persuaded that she is entitled to the award of the Southwest Asia Service Medal.  The Board did not find evidence that the applicant performed temporary duty in Saudi Arabia for 30 consecutive or 60 inconsecutive days, or that she flew as a crewmember in one or more aerial flights directly supporting military operations in Southwest Asia.  In regard to the certificate provided, it appears that it is not a valid form.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, the Board finds 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 an 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 no considered with this application.

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The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2002-03357 in Executive Session on 27 March 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 14 Oct 02, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 15 Jan 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 24 Jan 03.