RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-00589
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Operation JUST CAUSE, Panama.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He flew a mission on 20 and 21 December 1989 as an aircrew member (flight engineer) on an AWACS mission from Tinker AFB, OK, supporting Operation JUST CAUSE.  He retired from the Air Force prior to the award of this AFEM for this action, and it was not entered on his DD Form 214.  He just learned of this award last week, and would like to have this award entered in his records and be presented.

In support of the appeal, applicant submits a page from the VFW Magazine discussing the eligibility criteria for the award, a copy of his DD Form 214, a copy of his Special Order, relieving him from active duty, and a copy of his flight records.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant’s last tour of active duty was during the period 9 March 1988 - 28 February 1990.  He was retired in the grade of master sergeant (E-7) due to length of service on 1 March 1990, having served 20 years and 29 days on active duty.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR states that the applicant’s Individual Flight Records provided with his DD Form 149 were checked with combat pilots at AFPC, who informed DPPPR that the records provided were not the ones that would substantiate the applicant’s claims.  In order to determine whether or not he participated in an operation, the records need to reflect the Mission Code ( 01-Combat Sortie; 02-Combat Support Sortie), since the Individual Flight Records do not show the destination of the flights, only the hours flown.  DPPPR informed the applicant that the Individual Flight Records he provided did not contain the necessary information to substantiate his claim.  He was provided the information needed to obtain the necessary forms with the needed information.  He was also informed that it would probably take more than 30 days to obtain the proper forms, and he was asked to withdraw his application until he could obtain the records that would assist him.  He did not respond.  The last TDY information in his records shows South America on  18 January 1989 for 24 days and Iceland on 18 July 1989 for 24 days.  This is no indication in the applicant’s records that he participated in Operation JUST CAUSE; therefore, they can not verify his eligibility for an additional Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.  Therefore, they recommend disapproval of applicant’s request.

A complete copy of the evaluation, with attachment, is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 30 May 2003, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and response 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.  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 and adopt their rationale as the basis for the 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 this application, AFBCMR Docket No. BC-2003-00589, in Executive Session on 9 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 13 Feb 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 27 May 03.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 30 May 03.

					
					Panel Chair