RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:				DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-01073
INDEX CODE:  107.00
	XXXXXXXXXXXXXX				COUNSEL: NO
								HEARING DESIRED:  NO

MANDATORY CASE COMPLETION DATE:  8 October 2007

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 

He be awarded the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster (AM w/1OLC) and Aerial Achievement Medal (AAM).  
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was awarded the requested medals during his active military service.  He lost everything because of Hurricane Katrina.  Since these awards are not shown on his DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, he feels it would be a dishonor not to be able to show that he received these medals.  

In support of his application, the applicant provides a copy of his DD Form 214.  

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 13 September 1985, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force at the age of 19 for a period of four years.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of sergeant (E-4) effective 13 March 1988.  

On 12 August 1991, the applicant was honorably released from active duty for expiration term of active obligated service and transferred to the Air Force Reserve (AFRES).  He served 5 years and 11 months on active duty of which 3 years, 1 month and 7 days were foreign service.  

The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflects his awards as the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation.  

On 10 May 2007, AFPC issued a DD Form 215, Correction to DD Form 214, adding the basic AM, Southwest Asia Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star (SWASM w/1BSS), and the Kuwait Liberation Medal-Kuwait (KLM-K) to the applicant’s record.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPPPR recommends disapproval of the applicant’s request for award of the AAM and second award of the AM.  DPPPR states after a complete review of the applicant’s official military record and provided documentation, they were unable to verify his entitlement to either award.  

DPPPR was able to verify the applicant’s entitlement to the basic AM in addition to the SWASM w/1BSS and the KLM-K for his participation in OPERATION DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM for the period of 17 January 1991 to 28 February 1991.  

The DPPPR evaluation, with attachments, 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 the applicant on 24 May 2007, for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, this office has received no response.

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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 note AFPC has administratively corrected the applicant’s records to reflect his award of the basic AM in addition to the SWASM w/1BSS and KLM-K; therefore, we will only address his request for award of the AAM and second award of the AM.  After reviewing the evidence of record and the applicant’s submission, we find that other than the applicant’s assertions, we have no evidence to indicate his entitlement to either of the requested decorations.  Therefore, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt their rationale as the basis for our 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 19 July 2007, under the provisions of AFI 36‑2603:

			XXXXXXXXXX, Chair
			XXXXXXXXXX, Member
			XXXXXXXXXX, Member

The following documentary evidence for AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2007-01073 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 2 Apr 07, with atch.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPPPR, dated 3 May 07, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 24 May 07.

						XXXXXXXXXX
									Panel Chair