RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2008-02310
				INDEX CODE:  107.00
				COUNSEL:  NONE
				HEARING DESIRED:  NOT INDICATED

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect award of the Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM) and the Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM).

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He should be awarded the SWASM and the AFSM for his assignments at bases that directly supported Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm (ODS/DS), Operation Uphold Democracy (OUD) and Operation Just Cause (OJC).

In support of his request, the applicant provided documents extracted from his military records.

His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 15 Oct 75, the applicant contracted his initial enlistment in the Regular Air Force.  He was progressively promoted to the grade of senior master sergeant having assumed that grade effective and with a date of rank of 1 Jul 94.  He had 1 year, 11 months and 1 day of Foreign Service.  He was honorably retired on 1 Nov 99.  He served 24 years and 16 days on active duty.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSIDR recommends denial.  DPSIDR states the SWASM is awarded to service members who served in support of ODS or DS between 2 Aug 90 and 30 Nov 95 in one or more of the following areas:  Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, the portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude, and the land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates; or having served in Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Syria and Jordan (including territorial space and waters) directly supporting combat operations between 17 Jan 91 and 30 Nov 95.  DPSIDR was unable to verify the applicant was deployed to the Area of Eligibility (AOE) during ODS/DS for award of the SWASM.  He must have served on land in one of the qualifying geographical areas.

The AFSM is awarded to service members who after 1 Jun 92 participated in a military operation that was deemed to be a significant activity by the Joint Chief of Staff (JCS) and encountered no foreign armed opposition or imminent threat of hostile action.  DPSIDR verified the applicant was deployed from his home station but was unable to verify where he was deployed during the time.

AFPC/DPSIDR’s complete evaluation is attached 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 25 Jul 08, for review and response 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.	Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or an injustice to warrant partial relief.  In this respect, the applicant's records contain the citation for award of the Meritorious Service Medal which states "While deployed in support of Operation Just Cause..."  Understanding that this comment does not specifically state that he was deployed to an area eligible for award of the AFSM, we believe it does establish reasonable doubt in this matter and we believe the benefit of any doubt should be resolved in his favor.  Regarding his request for award of the SWASM and for the AFSM for service in support of Operation Uphold Democracy, we find no substantive evidence supporting those claims.  Therefore, we recommend his records be corrected only to the extent indicated below.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that he was awarded the Armed Forces Service Medal for his service in support of Operation Just Cause.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2008-02310 in Executive Session on 16 Sep 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 was considered:

	Exhibit A.	 DD Forms 149, dated 17 Jun 08, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	 Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.	 Letter, HQ AFPC/DPSIDR, 11 Jul 08.
	Exhibit D.	 Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 25 Jul 08.

					
					Panel Chair 

AFBCMR BC-2008-02310

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF

	Having received and considered the recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records and under the authority of Section 1552, Title 10, United States Code (70A Stat 116), it is directed that:

	The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that he was awarded the Armed Forces Service Medal for his service in support of Operation Just Cause.

                                                                             Director
                                                                            Air Force Review Boards Agency