RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-00271
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be corrected to show that he was awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM) and/or the Kuwait Liberation Medal.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He learned on 10 Dec 02, after reviewing the “VetGuide” on an OPM website and through talking to the military personnel flight, that he was eligible for the awards based on his participation in Operation DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM.

In support of his appeal, applicant submitted a copy of his TDY order issued on 6 Sep 91; a copy of his Officer Performance Report (OPR) closing 30 Apr 91, and a copy of his submitted/settled travel voucher dated 8 Oct 91 (TDY period from 6 - 17 Sep 91).

Applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Reserve of the Air Force on 16 Mar 76.  He was integrated into the Regular component on 3 Jul 80, and progressively promoted to the grade of lieutenant colonel with an effective date and date of rank of 1 Dec 92.  He had continuous active duty service until his retirement on 1 Apr 00.

His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, reflects he served 1 year, 11 months, and 20 days of Foreign Service.  He was assigned in Korea from 25 Jul 93 to 14 Jul 95.

Applicant’s records reflect award of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two devices, Air Force Longevity Service Medal with four devices, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon/Pistol, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two devices, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award.  

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial of the applicant’s request.  They state applicant was deployed to Saudi Arabia to provide system support for Low Altitude Navigational and Targeting Infrared System for Night (LANTIRN).  He was in Saudi Arabia for nine days.  On 27 Feb 03, applicant was advised that he was not eligible for the Southwest Asia Service Medal or Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) because he was not in Saudi Arabia for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days.

Applicant did not provide any documentation showing he was deployed to the Persian Gulf for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days in direct support of Operation DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM.  Although the LANTIRN system is considered support to the operation, the applicant was not in Saudi Arabia for the required length of time. His TDY order and travel voucher only reflected a length of tour of nine days.

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 23 May 03 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit D).

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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.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-00271 in Executive Session on 2 July 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 24 Jan 02 (sic), w/atchs. 
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 9 May 03, w/atch.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 23 May 03.

                                   
                                   Panel Chair