RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2003-01779

	 	COUNSEL:  NONE

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be reimbursed the premiums deducted from his pay for Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) coverage.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The applicant makes no contentions and his complete submission is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is currently serving in the grade of technical sergeant.
 
On 5 June 2001, Public Law 107-14, established the FSGLI program that was implemented on 1 November 2001, making it possible for servicemembers to provide up to $100,000 coverage for their spouse and $10,000 coverage for their dependent children through the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance.  The coverage, by law, was automatic unless the member declined the coverage.

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AIR STAFF EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPW recommends the application be denied due to a lack of sufficient evidence to support the claim.  On 18 June 2003, AFPC/DPW sent a letter to the applicant requesting additional information; however, he did not respond.

The AFPC/DPW evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit B.

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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 19 August 2003 for review and response within 30 days.  However, 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.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice.  Public Law 107-14 established the FSGLI program that was implemented on 1 November 2001, making it possible for servicemembers to provide up to $100,000 coverage for their spouse and $10,000 coverage for their dependent children through the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance.  The coverage, by law, was automatic for all members of the Armed Forces who had a spouse and/or children, unless the member declined coverage.  Members who did not desire coverage had to complete an election declining coverage during the month of November 2001.  No evidence has been submitted showing that he declined coverage during the month of November 2001.  The Air Force aggressively campaigned to make members aware of the FSGLI program and their benefits, and he has not provided any documentation to indicate that he was not aware of the change and his responsibility to make an election decision.  We therefore 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 no basis exists to reimburse the premiums withheld.  Therefore, we find no 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 Docket Number BC-2003-01779 in Executive Session on 2 December 2003, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 19 May 03.
  	Exhibit B.  Letter, ARPC/DPS dated 14 May 03, w/atchs.
  	Exhibit C.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 30 May 03.
   	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 2 Jul 03.

		Panel Chair