RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-00257 COUNSEL: HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His general (under honorable conditions) discharge be upgraded to honorable. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He was physically and sexually attacked while in the Air Force. The Air Force secretly gathered untrue information about him and forced him to sign documents under duress, and then discharged him at midnight on 14 Oct 66. After 30 years, he finally discovered what the Air Force had logged into his military records. He has never been involved in any type of sexual deviation as suggested in his records. In 1996, with the help of a social worker and a Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) mental health doctor, he realized what had happened, but was too embarrassed to say anything to anyone. He finally got help and began therapy and a regiment of strong medications. He has diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of being beaten and sexually attacked while in the Air Force. He wants his records to show that he was a good administrative clerk and had potential to go far in the military. In support of his request, the applicant provides a personal statement, copies of his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge, and various documents pertaining to his VA claim. The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 15 Apr 66, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force, for a period of four years. On 12 Aug 66, the applicant was notified by his squadron commander that he was recommending his discharge from the Air Force based on a voluntary statement he gave to an Office of Special Investigations (OSI) special agent, where he admitted to participating in a homosexual act in May 66. The commander recommended a general discharge as opposed to the “undesirable” discharge the regulation specified, because he had purportedly engaged in only one homosexual act since entering the Air Force, had not participated in homosexual activity with any other Air Force member, and he turned himself in. On 16 Aug 66, the applicant acknowledged receipt of the notification of discharge and after consulting with counsel, waived his right to a hearing before a board of officers, and submitted a statement in his own behalf. He also stated that he understood if his discharge was approved, his separation from the Air Force could be under conditions other than honorable and he could receive an undesirable discharge. The staff judge advocate found the case file legally sufficient to warrant discharge and recommended a general discharge. On 6 Oct 66, the discharge authority approved the separation and directed a general discharge. On 14 Oct 66, the applicant was discharged under the provisions of AFR 39-17, Discharge of Airmen Because of Unfitness, and received a general discharge. He served six months on active duty. Pursuant to the Board’s request, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provided a copy of an Investigative Report, which is at Exhibit C. On 2 Mar 11, a copy of the FBI report was forwarded to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days. At the same time, the applicant was offered an opportunity to provide information pertaining to his activities since leaving the service (Exhibit D). His post-service activities will show a pattern of instability in his effort to move forward in his life. He has not been able to hold a job for more than two years with the exception of his tenure with the VA Medical Center. He has been married four times and is in the process of a divorce. His personal problems have been attributed to the horrible physical and sexual attack while in the military. He still has nightmares, flashbacks, and anxiety issues. An upgrade of his discharge will have an impact on the VA’s decision on his pending claim. He states his DD Form 214 was not properly signed and there are other inconsistencies with his discharge. The applicant provides two character reference letters. The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit E. ________________________________________________________________ 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. We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we find no evidence that an error or injustice occurred in the discharge process. Based on the available evidence of record, it appears the discharge was consistent with the substantive requirements of the discharge regulation and within the commander's discretionary authority. The applicant has provided no evidence which would lead us to believe the characterization of the service was contrary to the provisions of the governing regulation, unduly harsh, or disproportionate to the offenses committed. We note the information provided by the applicant related to his post service activities; however, we do not find this evidence sufficient to recommend granting his request based on clemency. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis upon which to recommend granting the relief sought. _________________________________________________________________ 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. _________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2011-00257 in Executive Session on 9 Jun 11, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence pertaining to Docket Number BC-2011-00257 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 11 Jan 11, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. FBI Report of Investigation, dated 14 Feb 11. Exhibit D. Letter, AFBCMR, dated 2 Mar 11. Exhibit E. Letter, Applicant, dated 14 Mar 11, w/atchs. Panel Chair