RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2007-03990
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to show his entitlement to the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He earned the SAEMR after qualifying in basic training and is entitled to the award.

In support of his request, the applicant submits Special Order G-410, a copy of the Citation for Award of the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM), a personal statement, a copy of his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, and excerpts from his military personnel records.

Applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Air Force on 18 Jul 69, for a term of four years, and was progressively promoted to the grade of sergeant.  He was discharged on 6 Feb 73, under the provisions of AFM 39-10, Administrative Separation of Airmen (Hardship), and received an honorable discharge service characterization.

His DD 214 reflects award of the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM), the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial and states, in part, that the SAEMR is awarded to all Air Force members who, after 1 Jan 63, qualified as experts in small-arms marksmanship with either the M-16 rifle or issue handgun.  The applicant did not have documentation in his military record to verify an award of the SAEMR, nor did he provide documentation to support his claim.

The AFPC/DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit C.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

He does not agree with the recommendation to disapprove awarding him the SAEMR.  Unfortunately, his records do not contain documentation to verify he was awarded the SAEMR, and he has no additional evidence to prove his entitlement.  He has proudly worn this ribbon since basic training after being notified that he qualified for the award.  He requests the Board approve his entitlement to this award, along with other Foreign Service awards.

The 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.  The applicant has not submitted persuasive evidence to substantiate his request, nor does the evidence of record reflect his eligibility for the requested awards.  Should he provide official documentation to support his entitlement to the SAEMR or additional awards, the Board would be willing to reconsider his request.  The Board notes that on 30 Jan 08, his records were administratively corrected to reflect award of the AFCM, the VSM with one Bronze Service Star, the Korean Service Medal, the RVCM, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor, with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.  In view of the above, we agree with the opinions 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.  Therefore, we find no compelling basis to warrant favorable consideration of 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 Docket Number BC-2007-03990 in Executive Session on 13 Mar 08, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 2 Dec 07, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Applicant’s Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 18 Jan 08.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 8 Feb 08.
	Exhibit E.	Letter, Applicant, dated 13 Feb 08.