RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS
IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2008-00797 INDEX CODE:	107.00

COUNSEL:	NONE HEARING DESIRED:	NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His record be corrected to reflect award of the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border (AFESR w/GB), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (AGCM), Air Force Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters (AFAM w/2 OLCs), and the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He earned these awards and decorations and they are not reflected on his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

In support of his request, applicant provided a copy of his DD Form 214, a Certificate of Expeditionary Service in Afghanistan, a copy of an Air Force Achievement Medal Certificate, a recommendation for award of the ARCOM, two Leave and Earnings Statements, an AF Form 77, Supplemental Evaluation Sheet, a CED order, and a NATO travel order.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:
The applicant served on active duty in the Air Force from 27 Jan
92 through 24 Feb 03.  He was honorably discharged after serving
11 years and 28 days, of which 3 years, 3 months, and 10 days was Foreign Service.

By letter, dated 20 Jun 08, the AFPC Awards and Decorations Section, advised the applicant of his entitlement to the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (AGCM) and the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon, Gold Border (AFESR w/GR). His DD Form 214 will be updated to include the aforementioned medals.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
HQ AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial of applicant’s request for award of the AFAM w/2 OLCs and the ARCOM.

DPSIDR states the AFAM is awarded to Air Force personnel for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of the Air Force. DPSIDR was unable to verify a third award of the AFAM (second OLC).

The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States other than General Officers who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after 6 Dec 41, distinguished himself or herself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service. DPSIDR located a DA Form 638, Recommendation for Award, but they were unable to verify a higher headquarters endorsement of the ARCOM.

Additionally, the applicant was asked to provide a copy of the Special Orders awarding the AFAM w/2OLCs and ARCOM. The applicant was unable to provide the documentation to substantiate his claim.

The complete DPSIDR evaluation is at Exhibit B.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:
On 27 Jun 08, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days. To date, a response has not been received.

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.	Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice concerning award of the Air Force Achievement Medal (AFAM). In support of his request, the applicant provided a signed copy of the citation to accompany the award of the AFAM (2/OLC) for outstanding achievement during the period 14 Sep 02 to 14 Dec 02. We believe he has met his burden of proof that an error exists and we recommend that his records be corrected to the extent indicated below.
1.	
4.	Notwithstanding the above however, we found no evidence to support the award of the Army Commendation Medal; therefore, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its rationale that the applicant has not provided sufficient documentation to substantiate his claim for the award of the ARCOM.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 21 April 2003, he was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) for outstanding achievement, for the period 14 September 2002 through 14 December 2002.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2008-00797 in Executive Session on 19 Aug 08, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

Panel Chair 
Member
Member
All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The following documentary evidence pertaining to Docket Number BC-2008-00797 was considered:

Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 26 Feb 08, w/atchs. Exhibit B.	Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 20 Jun 08. Exhibit C.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 27 Jun 08.