RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-00797
				INDEX CODE:   131.00

				COUNSEL:  None

				HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty be corrected to reflect:

		a.  Item 13 - The Sharpshooter Ribbon (Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR) and the Daedalion Award.

		b.  Item 17 (sic) - High school graduate.

EXAMINER’S NOTE:

On 5 April 2004, HQ AFPC/DPPPR informed the applicant they were unable to add the Daedalion Award to her DD Form 214.  They indicated that Block 13 of the DD Form 214 is only authorized for decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons awarded or authorized by Department of Defense (DoD).  The Daedalion Award is not authorized by the DoD.

On 18 June 2004, HQ AFPC/DPPRSP informed the applicant a DD Form 215 had been issued to correct Item 16 on her DD Form 214 to reflect she is high school graduate.  Therefore, the only issues to be considered by the Board are the applicant's requests regarding the SAEMR and the Daedalion Award.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

It is difficult for her to search for employment because her DD Form 214 reflects she is not a high school graduate.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force (RegAF) on 12 May 1980, as an airman basic (AB) for a period of four years.

The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflects award of the Air Force (AF) Training Ribbon, AF Good Conduct Medical (AFGCM), AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon.

On 5 April 2004, HQ AFPC/DPPPRA informed the applicant her records did not reflect she earned the SAEMR, nor did she provide any documentation to substantiate her claim for the SAEMR.  DPPPRA requested the applicant provide a copy of the order awarding her the SAEMR or the original Air Form (AF) 522, showing she fired as expert with the M-16 or handgun on an Air Force firing range.  The applicant did not respond.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPRA states the SAEMR is awarded to Air Force Personnel who after 1 January 1963 qualified as “Expert” with an M-16 or handgun on the AF qualification course or on the appropriate orientation course.  The servicemember must submit the AF Form 522 or a copy of the order awarding the SAEMR to verify their entitlement to the award.  The applicant did not respond to their request she provide a copy of the order or the AF Form 522 verifying her entitlement to the SAEMR.  The Daedalion Award is not authorized by the Department of Defense and cannot be reflected on the DD Form 214.  DPPPRA recommends denying the applicant's request.

A copy of the Air Force evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 9 July 2004, for review and response.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.  

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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 opinion and the recommendation of the Air Force and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or an injustice.  The applicant was requested to provide a copy of the AF Form 522 verifying she qualified as Expert on the firing range or the order awarding her the SAEMR.  She did not respond.  Therefore, without official documentation to verify she qualified as an expert on the firing range, her entitlement to the SAEMR cannot be verified.  Further, we note the Air Force Daedalion Award is neither awarded or authorized by the Department of Defense; as such, it cannot be reflected on the DD Form 215.  We find no evidence the applicant as been treated differently than other similarly situated individuals.  In view of the foregoing and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2004-00797 in Executive Session on 19 August 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

   Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 19 Feb 04, w/atch.
   Exhibit B.  Master Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 14 Jun 04, w/atchs.
   Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 July 04.