RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-02422 INDEX CODE: 110.02 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: YES _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 1. His under other than honorable conditions (UOTHC) discharge be upgraded to honorable. 2. His narrative reason for separation of “Misconduct-Civilian Conviction” be changed. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He offers his sincerest apologies for the shame and embarrassment he caused to the great reputation of our military by his actions in a civil setting. He states he is truly sorry and repentant for his actions against the individual parties involved in his case and against the State of Georgia. He offers a formal apology to all he has caused an offense and disappointment. He was a young and foolish man who has been forever changed for the better through self-help and educational programs; all of which have become the foundation of his successful employment career, as well as the rest of his decision making processes. He regrets his actions; however, he does not regret the consequences. He humbly asks for forgiveness, mercy, and clemency. He has received a pardon from the State of Georgia and desires restoration of his firearms rights. He wants to leave his children and grandchildren a legacy. In support of his request, the applicant provides copies of pardon documents, character letters, identification cards, newsletter extracts, a poem, and personal statements. The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant entered the Regular Air Force on 2 Aug 78 and served for a period of 3 years, 11 months, and 10 days. Records reveal that on 16 Jul 82, the applicant used a handgun to steal $29 from a 7-Eleven store in Macon, Georgia. On 27 Dec 82, he pled guilty and received a sentence of confinement to labor for a period of 20 years, ten of which was probated. On 20 Jan 83, the applicant’s commander notified him of pending discharge action based on his civilian conviction. The applicant acknowledged receipt, consulted counsel, and waived his rights to a hearing before a n administrative discharge board. On 4 Feb 83, the staff judge advocate found the case legally sufficient and recommended discharge. The discharge authority concurred and the applicant was discharged on 10 Feb 83 with a UOTHC discharge. On 8 Sep 10, a request for post-service information was forwarded to the applicant for a response within 30 days (Exhibit C). In response to the Board’s request, he states he was incarcerated directly from his term of service and the two-year gap between 1982 and 1984 was inactive time awaiting trial, diagnostics, and placement. He was able to use the available programs for education and rehabilitation. Any unaccounted time was spent working and enjoying time with his wife and family. He is still involved in ministry with his wife at their church and in three positions within prison, and is soon to be a certified chaplain. The applicant's complete response, with attachments, is at Exhibit D. _________________________________________________________________ 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. After a thorough review of the evidence of record we see no evidence to show that the applicant’s discharge was erroneous or unjust. It appears that responsible officials applied appropriate standards in effecting the separation and we do not find persuasive evidence that pertinent regulations were violated or that the applicant was not afforded all the rights to which he was entitled at the time of discharge. Nevertheless, in view of the applicant's apparent successful transition to civilian life, as evidenced by his pardon, the Board is of the opinion that upgrading his discharge to general (under honorable conditions) and his narrative reason for separation to Secretarial Authority, on the basis of clemency, is appropriate relief. Therefore, we recommend the records be corrected to the extent indicated below. 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 issues involved. Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered. _________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that on 10 February 1983, he was discharged with service characterized as general (under honorable conditions), with the narrative reason for separation of Secretarial Authority. _________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2010-02422 in Executive Session on 4 November 2010, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: All members voted to correct the records, as recommended. The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 9 Jun 10, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFBCMR, dated 8 Sep 10. Exhibit D. Letter, Applicant, dated 21 Sep 10, w/atchs.