RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2008-01920
		INDEX CODE:  107.00
		COUNSEL:  NONE

	 	HEARING DESIRED:  NOT INDICATED

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to show his entitlement to the Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM) in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD/STORM.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Prior to his retirement he was not aware that he was eligible for award of the SWASM and upon separation, his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, did not reflect this award.

In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of his DD Form 214, and copies of his AF Form 911, Senior Enlisted Performance Report (EPR).

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

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 28 Feb 73, for a term of four years.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of senior master sergeant and retired in that grade after serving a total of 23 years and 3 days active duty service.

His DD 214 indicates award of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal w/1 OLC, and the National Defense Service Medal w/1 OLC.

The SWASM is awarded to service members who served in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM, or DESERT CALM from 2 Aug 90 through 30 Nov 95 in one or more of the following areas: Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west of 68 degrees East longitude, and the lead  areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates; or individuals serving in Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including territorial airspace and waters) directly supporting combat operations between 17 Jan 91 and 30 Nov 95.  In a TDY capacity, the member must have served 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days in the specified areas. 

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial and states, in part, that after a review of the applicant’s military records and available resources, including the Air Force Personnel Center Directorate of Assignment (AFPC/DOS) Office, they were unable to verify his eligibility for the SWASM.  

He provides an EPR indicating he was stationed at Aviano Air Base, Italy, which is not an area to be awarded the SWASM as specified in the criteria.  

The applicant was asked to provide verification that he served in Saudi Arabia and he did not respond to that request. (Exhibit B)

The AFPC/DPSIDR 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 on 19 Sep 08, for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

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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 an error or injustice.  The evidence of record could not sufficiently establish the applicant meets the established criteria for award of the SWASM.  We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission in judging the merits of the case, however; 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 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.

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(s) 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-2008-01920 in Executive Session on 11 Feb 09, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

			Panel Chair
			Member
			Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 16 May 08, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B. 	Applicant’s Master Personnel Record.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, AFPC/DPSIDR, dated 10 Sep 08.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Sep 08.

	
	Panel Chair