RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-01679
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE
				
		HEARING DESIRED:  YES

MANDATORY COMPLETION DATE:  1 NOVEMBER 2008

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to show he was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He participated in Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada) as a Combat Airdrop Loadmaster with the 15th Military Airlift Squadron (63 MAW).  

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

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 6 Aug 87, the applicant was honorably discharged from active duty in the grade of staff sergeant for expiration term of service.  Applicant was credited with 9 years, 7 months and 24 days of active duty service, to include 1 year and 6 months of Foreign Service.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPPPR recommends denial.  DPPPR states the AFEM is awarded to members of the United States armed forces who, after July 1, 1958, have participated in a military operation and encountered foreign armed opposition, or were in danger of hostile action by foreign Armed Forces.  

DPPPR notes after a thorough review of the applicant's military records, they were unable to locate documentation he was deployed in support of Operation URGENT FURY or was sent to Grenada in 1983.  His records were forwarded to the Directorate of Assignments office and they could not verify he was in Grenada in 1983; therefore, he is ineligible for the AFEM.

The complete DPPPR evaluation 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 for review and comment on 13 Jul 07.  As of this date, this office has received no response (Exhibit D). 

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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.  Other than his own assertions, the applicant has provided no documentary evidence that would establish his entitlement to the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; therefore, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  While we appreciate and honor the applicant’s service to his country, in view of the above and in the absence of evidence by the applicant showing his entitlement to the award, we have no basis on which to favorably consider this request.

4.  The applicant's case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issue involved.  Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered.

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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 BC-2007-01679 in Executive Session on 13 Sep 07, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 22 May 07, w/atch.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant’s Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, HQ AFPC/DPPPR dated 27 Jun 07.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 13 Jul 07.