RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  03-00511
		INDEX CODE:  111.02
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) for the period 24 August 1997 through 6 August 1999.
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His supervisor was told by the chain-of-command that the AFCM was approved prior to his (the supervisor’s) TDY departure.  His supervisor’s absence was used by the rater of his now-voided 31 July 1999 Enlisted Evaluation Report (EPR) to undermine his supervisor’s authority and the system.  

In support of his request applicant submits a copy of his previous AFBCMR Application and a reaccomplished AFCM certificate.  Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The Military Personnel Database (MilPDS) indicates applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 6 December 1991.  He has continually served on active duty and has been progressively promoted to the grade of technical sergeant (E-6), effective and with a date of rank 1 July 2003.  The MilPDS reflects an Air Force Commendation Medal awarded for the period ending 15 August 1999 - 28 October 2002.

On 12 July 2002, applicant requested correction of his military records by removing his EPR dated 31 August 1998 - 31 July 1999.  On 24 January 2003, the Board considered and granted the applicant’s request.  A complete copy of his application with the Board’s rationale is at Exhibit F.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR defers to the Board for evaluation of this case on its merits since administrative procedures were followed and exhausted.  The AFPC/DPPPR evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DPPPWB states that in accordance with AFBCMR 02-02239, the applicant’s EPR was declared void and removed from his records.  He was provided supplemental consideration and rendered a select, which increments approximately 1 July 2003.  The first time the decoration would have been considered in the promotion process was cycle 02E6.  Should the Board direct the applicant be awarded the AFCM, it would serve no useful purpose to provide the applicant with supplemental consideration since he became a select for cycle 02E6 during a previous supplemental consideration (See Exhibit D).  

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 23 May 2003, copies of the Air Force evaluations were sent to the applicant for review and comment.  As of this date, this office has received no response.  

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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 timely filed.

3.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of injustice warranting award of the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM).  In the applicant’s previous request for correction of his military records to remove his Enlisted Performance Report (EPR) for the period 31 August 1998 through 31 July 1999, the Board considered and granted the removal of the contested EPR.  After reviewing the evidence of record, we note the statements provided by the applicant’s supervisor and the Deputy Comptroller who unequivocally state that the applicant is most deserving of the AFCM.  We also note that the AFCM covers the period of the voided report and we are persuaded that if not for the events that took place, the AFCM would have been awarded.  In view of the above and the totality of the circumstances of this case, we believe this matter should be resolved in the applicant’s favor.  Accordingly, we recommend that his records be corrected as indicated below.  

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 7 August 1999, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, for meritorious service performed while assigned to the Accounting and Finance Office, 24th Comptroller Squadron, 24th Wing, Howard Air Force Base, Republic of Panama during the period 24 August 1997 to 6 August 1999.   

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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 13 August 2003 under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

		Panel Chair
		Member
	 Member

     Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 3 Feb 03, w/atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
     Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 7 May 03, w/atchs.
     Exhibit D.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPWB, dated 7 May 03.
     Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 23 May 03.
     Exhibit F.  AFBCMR Application dated 24 Jan 03, w/atchs.

                                  
                                  Panel Chair

AFBCMR BC-2003-00511

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records and under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat 116), it is directed that:

	The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to XXXXXX, be corrected to show that on 7 August 1999, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, for meritorious service performed while assigned to the Accounting and Finance Office, 24th Comptroller Squadron, 24th Wing, Howard Air Force Base, Republic of Panama, during the period 24 August 1997 to 6 August 1999.   

                                                                            
                                                                            Director
                                                                            Air Force Review Boards Agency