ADDENDUM TO
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:				DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-02087
				INDEX CODE:  128.06

							COUNSEL:  NONE

							HEARING DESIRED: NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His record be changed to allow him to receive the Health Professional cash bonus and student loan repayment that were his incentive to join the Air National Guard (ANG).

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant, a dentist, began the appointment process into the XXXX Air National Guard (CAANG) in November 2000.  At that time, bonus and loan repayment programs were in effect as an incentive for health professionals to join the ANG.  During the appointment process it became known he had underwent Lasik eye surgery in June 2000.  Consequently, his physical paperwork was delayed for approximately a year, the required post-operative waiting period for appointment.  He was eventually appointed in the XXANG effective 6 April 2002.  In 2002 however, the Health Professionals bonus and loan repayment incentives were not applicable to appointments in the field of dentistry.  Therefore, he did not receive either incentive, as he was not appointed in a year in which they were available.

On 6 January 2004, the applicant's request to have his eligibility for bonus/loan repayment entitlements reevaluated was considered and denied by the Board.  For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding the applicant’s request, and, the rationale of the earlier decision by the Board, see the Record of Proceedings at Exhibit E.

On 19 May 2004, applicant submitted a request for reconsideration of his entitlement to Health Professionals cash bonus of $30,000 and the Health Professionals Loan Repayment Program ($50,000) upon his appointment in the XXXX Air National Guard (XXANG).  To support his request, applicant has provided a personal statement, copies of both of his AF Form 24’s, Application for Appointment as Reserve of the Air Force or USAF without Component, from each attempt to join the XXANG, a statement from the company that performed his Lasik surgery, copies of select documents from his appointment package, and letters of support to the Board from the director of personnel of his unit in California.

The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit F. 

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of probable error or injustice warranting award of the noted Health Professionals incentives, $30,000 bonus and $50,000 student loan repayment, to the applicant.  His dilemma appears to have been caused more by a lengthy appointment process and medical waiver procedure than by laxity on his part.  We carefully considered the additional evidence, in particular statements from the unit Director of Personnel who indicated the applicant continued his appointment processing under the reasonable expectation he was and would remain qualified for the incentives.  He has continued to serve and honor his commitment to the Air National Guard despite not receiving the noted incentives.  Since no evidence has been presented to show negligence on his part and to preclude the possibility of an injustice, we recommend his records be corrected to the extent 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:

		a. He was appointed in the XXX Air National Guard on 6 September 2001, rather than on 6 April 2002.

		b.  He be credited with an additional 14 non-paid inactive duty training points for the retirement/retention year 6 September 2001 to 5 September 2002.
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The following members of the Board considered this application in Executive Session on 16 September 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit E.  Record of Proceedings, dated 10 Feb 2004,
			 with exhibits A through D.
    Exhibit F.  Letter, Applicant, dated 19 May 04, w/atchs.

AFBCMR BC-2003-02087

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 APPLICANT, be corrected to show that:

		a. He was appointed in the XXX Air National Guard on 6 September 2001, rather than on 6 April 2002.

		b.  He be credited with an additional 14 non-paid inactive duty training points for the retirement/retention year 6 September 2001 to 5 September 2002.