RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-01693
		INDEX CODE:  112.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214 be corrected to give him credit for time spent in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia while he was assigned to Thailand.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Around 1996 it was found that he had developed Type II Diabetes and he was put on medication at that time.  He knows that there are no official records that state that he spent time in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.  He was stationed mainly by orders to bases in Thailand.  He has no paperwork stating that he spent time in areas where Agent Orange was used but made many trips over to Vietnam to help them fix a large piece of equipment that was used at all bases in Thailand and Vietnam to check the bearing wear in aircraft engines.  There is no one in his family that has Type II Diabetes and he feels he got it from being exposed to Agent Orange in these trips back and forth to help keep an important piece of equipment working to save pilots lives.

Without this change the VA Regional office will not give him any disability for Diabetes Type II.

In support of the appeal, applicant submits five copies of his DD Forms 214, and a copy of his retirement orders.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 3 June 1955 in the grade of airman basic for a period of four years.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of technical sergeant on 1 December 1966.  Applicant retired on 30 September 1975 in the grade of technical sergeant (E-6).  He served 20 years 3 months and 28 days on active duty.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPAPP2 states that there are no TDY orders, Travel Vouchers or any other military documents in the applicant’s Master Personnel Records that confirm TDYs to Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia.  In addition, his Airman Performance Reports did not have any comments concerning TDYs during his assignment, to Thailand.  Applicant confirmed their review of his record by stating that “he knew there were no official records stating he was TDY to Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia”.  Unfortunately, letters such as the one submitted by the applicant without official military confirmation cannot be used as a source document for TDY or any other type of duty.  Therefore, they request denial of applicant’s request.

A complete copy of the evaluation is attached at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 11 June 2004, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and response within 30 days.  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 recommendation of the Air Force and adopt their rationale as the basis for the conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  Therefore, 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 this application in Executive Session on 25 August 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 5 Mar 04, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPAPP2, dated 8 Jun 04.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 11 Jun 04.