RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2007-03674
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		
		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  YES

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect award of the Humanitarian 
Service Medal (HSM).
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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He helped in the cleanup after hurricane Camille in 1968.  He 
served and is asking for consideration for award of the HSM.  

In support of his request, applicant provided a personal 
statement, his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge 
from Active Duty, an SF 180, Request Pertaining to Military 
Records, two medical documents showing a hand injury in Oct 69, 
and letters from the National Personnel Records Center.

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

Applicant served on active duty in the Air Force from 21 Nov 68 
to 10 Nov 69, as a personnel helper.  His AF Form 7, Airman 
Military Record indicates he was with the XXX Student 
Squadron, Keesler AFB, Mississippi.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial.  They were unable to find 
documentation in the applicant’s military record to indicate he 
helped in the cleanup after hurricane Camille.  Also applicant 
was not clear as to how he helped after hurricane Camille and 
did not provide any documents to support his claim.

The HSM was established to honor personnel of the Armed Forces 
of the United States who distinguished themselves by meritorious 
direct participation (hands on) in a significant military act or 
operation of a humanitarian nature, or have rendered a service 
to mankind.  Specifically excluded from eligibility are service 
members or elements that did not make a direct contribution to 
influence the action.  

DPSIDR’s complete evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The fact that they were unable to find documentation to indicate 
he helped in the cleanup after hurricane Camille is beyond his 
control, however, considering the circumstances some 
consideration or solution is requested.

Applicant's complete response is at Exhibit E.

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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.  After 
thoroughly reviewing the evidence of record, we are not 
persuaded the requested relief should be granted.  Applicant’s 
contentions are duly noted; however, we do not find his 
assertions, in and of themselves, sufficiently persuasive to 
override the rationale provided by the Air Force office of 
primary responsibility.  The applicant has not provided any 
evidence to show that he met the criteria for award of the HSM.  
Should he provide evidence of his direct participation however, 
we may be willing to reconsider his request with the new 
evidence.  While we appreciate and honor the applicant’s service 
to his country, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we 
find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought 
in this application.

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 Docket Number    
BC-2007-03674 in Executive Session on 20 Feb 08, under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603:



The following documentary evidence pertaining to Docket Number 
BC-2007-03674 was considered:

    Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 29 Oct 07, w/atchs.
    Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
    Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 3 Jan 08.
    Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 11 Jan 08.
    Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, dated 23 Jan 08.