RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBERS:  BC-2003-01583
		INDEX CODE 107.00
	 	COUNSEL:  None

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon (AFOLTR).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He served at Hahn AB, Germany, from 15 Jan 77 to 9 Jan 80. He believes he is entitled to the ribbon.

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A. 

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant entered active duty as a security specialist on 30 Jun 75 to 9 Jan 80. He had an overseas tour from Jan 77 to Jan 80 and was honorably released from active duty in the grade of sergeant on 9 Jan 80 after 4 years, 6 months and 10 days of active service. His DD Form 214 reflects award of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award, and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one bronze service star.

On 11 Jun 03, HQ AFPC/DPPPRA advised the applicant that he was not eligible for the AFOLTR because the award was not established until 12 Oct 80, after his separation from the Air Force on 9 Jan 80.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial because the applicant is not eligible for the AFOLTR, which is awarded only to service members who completed an overseas tour on or after 1 Sep 80. 

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

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A complete copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 1 Aug 03 for review and comment within 30 days.  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 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. After a thorough review of the evidence of record and the applicant’s submission, we are not persuaded he should be awarded the AFOLTR. The applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, we do not find these assertions, in and by themselves, sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale provided by the Air Force. We therefore agree with the recommendations of the Air Force and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden of having suffered either an error or an injustice. In view of the above and absent persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought   

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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 in Executive Session on 23 September 2003 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence relating to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-01583 was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 26 Apr 03, w/atch.
   Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR, dated 30 Jul 03, w/atch.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 1 Aug 03.

                                   Panel Chair