RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-02153
		INDEX CODE:  128.02
		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be reimbursed for personally procured transportation in the amount of $2,039.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The comptroller at Grand Forks briefed him that the Air Force would reimburse him the cost not to exceed what it would cost the Government to fly him and his family from Grand Forks to Baltimore not to exceed $2,212.  He went on leave to California before reporting to Baltimore and was told to procure his own tickets.  He was briefed that he could not use his Government travel card since he was to procure his own transportation while on leave.

In support of his request, applicant provided copies of email communications and an extract from the Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR).  His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Data extracted from the personnel data system reflects that applicant contracted his initial enlistment in the Regular Air Force on 4 Mar 82.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of chief master sergeant having assumed that grade effective and with a date of rank of 1 Aug 01.  He departed on a permanent change-of-station (PCS) move from his previous duty station on 21 May 01 and arrived at Ramstein AB, GE on 7 Jun 01.  As part of his travel the applicant drove to Atlanta, GA to deliver his automobile for shipment and then drove to Los Angeles to his leave location.  He then flew from Los Angeles to Baltimore.  In accordance with JFTR U5105e, since he used mixed transportation mode he is authorized reimbursement of actual his costs, not to exceed MALT PLUS. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AF/DPPC recommends partial relief.  DPPC states that uniformed service members are required to utilize the Contract Ticket Office (CTO) for official travel.  The applicant acted in good faith to plan his travel due to erroneous information provided.  He is not entitled to full reimbursement of his airline tickets purchased for travel from Los Angeles to Baltimore, because it exceeds the MALT PLUS between Atlanta and Baltimore.  However, he is entitled to an additional $155.80 for his PCS move.

The DPPC evaluation is at Exhibit B.
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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 5 Sep 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 timely filed.

3.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice that would warrant some relief.  We note that the applicant performed a permanent change-of-station move from Grand Forks AFB, ND to Ramstein AB, GE.  He was briefed that he could not be issued government travel tickets for his leave travel.  He was told to self procure his tickets and that he would be reimbursed for his travel expenses up to the government's constructive costs.  In view of the Air Force office of primary responsibilities indication that he had been incorrectly counseled, we believe that some relief is warranted.  The applicant is requesting relief in the amount of $2,039.  However, based on the limited information available for our review, it appears that his maximum allowable expenses, in accordance with the JFTR, is a total of $3,250.76.  The applicant has already received payment of $3,094.96, which leaves a total of $155.80 owed to the applicant.  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:

	a.  Competent authority determined that a Contract Ticket Office was not available in conjunction with his permanent change-of-station (PCS) move from Grand Forks AFB, ND to Ramstein AB, GE.

	b.  He is authorized reimbursement of an additional $155.80 for PCS travel expenses.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2003-02153 in Executive Session on 14 Oct 03, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

All members voted to correct the records as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 18 Jun 03, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Letter, AF/DPPC, dated 2 Sep 03.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 5 Sep 03.

AFBCMR BC-2003-02153

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.  Competent authority determined that a Contract Ticket Office was not available in conjunction with his permanent change-of-station (PCS) move from Grand Forks AFB, ND to Ramstein AB, GE.

		b.  He is authorized reimbursement of an additional $155.80 for PCS travel expenses.