RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00722
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect award of the Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He served in Operation Desert Storm/Shield when his unit was deployed to Diego Garcia (Indian Ocean).  He spent 5 months and 19 days at that location.  He believes he is eligible for the SWASM because it was in the theatre of operations.

In support of his appeal, the applicant provided copies of his separation and medical documents.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant’s available military personnel records indicate he enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 17 Jun 87 for a period of four years.  He was released from active duty on 16 Jun 91 and transferred to the Air Force Reserve.  He was credited with 4 years of active service, of which 5 months and 19 days were foreign service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommended denial noting the SWASM is awarded to members of the service who served in support of Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield between 2 Aug 90 and 30 Nov 95.  According to AFPC/DPPPR, the documentation provided by the applicant did not reflect his direct support of Desert Storm/Desert Shield.  Without a temporary duty (TDY) order and travel voucher showing inclusive dates, they were unable to verify his entitlement to the SWASM.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to applicant on 18 Jun 04 for review and response.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit D).

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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 recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR) to deny the applicant’s request for award of the SWASM.  No evidence has been presented which has shown to our satisfaction the applicant met the established criteria for award of the SWASM.  In view of the above, and in the absence of clear-cut evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application.  Notwithstanding the above, if the applicant were to provide additional documentation showing he served in support of Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield between 2 Aug 90 and 30 Nov 95, we would be inclined to reconsider his appeal.

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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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-00722 in Executive Session on 19 Aug 04, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 2 Mar 04, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 25 May 04.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 18 Jun 04.