RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2004-02010
				INDEX CODE:  107.00
				COUNSEL:  None

				HEARING DESIRED:  No

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214 be corrected to reflect award of the Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was awarded the SWASM and it does not appear on his DD Form 214.  He would like the medal added to his DD Form 214 to receive combat campaign credit.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force (RegAF) on 12 August 1993, as an airman basic (AB) for a period of six years.

His DD Form 214 reflects he was awarded the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Noncommissioned Office (NCO) Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) with one Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC) and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM).

On 14 July 2004, HQ AFPC/DPPRA verified the applicant was on temporary duty (TDY) in Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Southern Watch from 9 November 1995 through 4 December 1995.  His records were administratively corrected to reflect 26 days of Foreign Service.

The applicant was honorably released from active duty on 11 August 1999.  He served 6 years of active service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR states the Department of Defense (DoD) Manual 1348.33 dated September 1996, states eligibility requirements for the SWASM are the servicemember must have served in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM from 2 August 1990 through 30 November 1995, in one or more of the following areas:  the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 100 N. latitude and west 680 E. longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.  Also, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria and Jordan (including the airspace and territorial waters) directly supporting combat operations from 17 January 1991 to 30 November 1995.  In addition, the servicemember must be attached to or regularly serving for one or more days with an organization participating in ground and/or shore (military) operations; attached to or regularly serving for one or more days abroad a naval vessel directly supporting military operations; actually participating as a crew member in one or more aerial flights directly supporting military operations in the areas designated above; serving on temporary duty for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days.  Those time limitations may be waived for people participating in actual combat operations.

AFPC/DPPPR recommends the requested relief be denied based.  The applicant was TDY in Saudi Arabia for 26 days and did not meet the time limitation required for award of the SWASM.

A complete copy of the 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 1 October 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, there is no proof contained therein that applicant qualified for the Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM).  In order for a servicemember to receive the Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM), they must have served in an Area of Eligibility for a period of 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days in one of three campaigns: Defense of Saudi Arabia (August 2, 1990 - January 16, 1991), Liberation and Defense of Kuwait (January 17, 1991 - April 11, 1991), or Southwest Asia Cease Fire (April 12, 1991 - November 30, 1995).  The Board notes the time period 14 Sep -22 Dec 95 on applicant’s SWASM citation from the 4409th Operations Group, but there is an apparent conflict with a DFAS record that shows temporary duty by applicant from only 9 Nov 95 to 4 Dec 95. If applicant supported Operation SOUTHERN WATCH for the full period on the citation, he would be entitled to the SWASM, since 78 days of that period would qualify.  On the other hand, if the DFAS record is correct, applicant would have only 22 days of qualifying service, which is insufficient to award him the SWASM.  The Board notes eligibility for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal began 1 Dec 95, but both pieces of evidence show applicant lacks qualifying service for that medal. Telephonic contact with the applicant failed to produce additional documentation.  The Board notes the applicant’s records will be administratively corrected to show 26 days of foreign service.  While at present we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application, we would be willing to reconsider this denial upon receipt of additional proof (e.g., travel orders, travel claims, letters home) that applicant was in theater for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days.
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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-2004-02010 in Executive Session on 4 November 2004 and 2 December 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 18 Jun 04, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 21 Sep 04.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 1 Oct 04.