RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-00866
		INDEX CODE:  107.00

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  22 SEP 08

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect he was awarded the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal (ARFMSM), the Air Force Commendation Medals (AFCMs) and the Air Force Achievement Medal (AFAM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He should have been awarded the ARFMSM, AFCM and AFAM for his honorable and dedicated service in the Air Force Reserves (AFRES).

He should receive the AFCM for his honorable service in the Air Force.

He was recently informed that before he was transferred to Bergstrom AFB a recommendation for the AFCM had been submitted.  He was separated in 1983 and never received the award.

In support of his application, applicant provided a copy of his Honorable Discharge certificate, his Air National Guard (ANG)/United States Air Force Reserve (USAFR) Point Credit Summary, character references, certificates of recognition, and documentation extracted from his military records.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The ANG/USAFR Point Credit Summary submitted by the applicant 
reflects he served various assignments in the Reserves from 1979 through 1986.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application, extracted from the applicant's military records, are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force (Exhibit B).

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFRC/A1BB recommends the requested relief be denied.  A1BB states the applicable Air Force Instruction (AFI) states the ARFMSM is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity while serving in an enlisted status in the Air Reserve forces.  The ARFMSM is awarded only on specific recommendation of the servicemember’s unit commander.  If the servicemember’s conduct has been less than exemplary the commander may deny the award.  There is no documentation available or provided by the applicant that indicates his commander approved award of the ARFMSM.  The applicant’s performance report for the period ending 30 Apr 86 reflects that his military bearing and behavior could be improved.  No documentation has been submitted in support of the ARFMSM.

In accordance with AFI 36-2803, recommendations for the AFCM and AFAM must be submitted as soon as possible following the act, achievement, or service.  The recommendations must be entered into official channels within two years and awarded within three years of the act, achievement, or service performed.  A recommendation is considered placed into official channels when the recommending official signs the recommendation and justification and a higher official in the chain of command endorses it.  The commander must recommend approval or disapproval.  There is no documentation available or provided by the applicant that indicates his commander recommended or approved awards for the AFCM or AFAM.

The complete AFRC/A1BB evaluation is attached at Exhibit B.

HQ AFPC/DPPPR recommends the requested relief be denied.  DPPPR states the applicant has not submitted any documentation to substantiate his entitlement to the AFCM.  Furthermore, DPPPR was unable to locate a Special Order awarding him the AFCM.

AFPC/DPPPR provided the applicant the current procedures to submit a recommendation for decoration under the provisions of the 1996 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  The timeline 
for submitting decorations is two years from the date of the act or achievement.  However, this Act waived the timeline.  The submission for the award must be written and meet two criteria:  1) be made by someone other than the servicemember, in the servicemember’s chain of command at the time of the incident, and, who had firsthand knowledge of the acts or achievements; and 2) be submitted through a congressional member who can ask a military service to review a proposal for a decoration based on the merits of the proposal and the award criteria in existence when the event occurred.

The complete AFPC/DPPPR evaluation is at Exhibit D.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 18 May 07 and 8 Jun 07, for review and comment 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 an error or an 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 Offices of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has failed to sustain his burden of proof that he has suffered either an error or an injustice.  Therefore, in view of the foregoing, we find no compelling basis upon which to recommend granting the requested relief.

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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-2007-00866 in Executive Session on 11 Oct 07, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

				XXXXXXXXXX, Panel Chair
				XXXXXXXXXX, Member
				XXXXXXXXXX, Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 15 Mar 06, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	HQ AFRC/A1BB, dated 15 May 2007.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 18 May 07.

			XXXXXXXXXX
			Panel Chair