RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2012-04457 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His retirement pay be considered for a 10 percent increase due to the award of the Airman’s Medal. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: His records do not indicate that his retirement pay was considered for a 10 percent increase at the time he was awarded the Airman’s Medal. In support of his appeal, the applicant provides his Airman’s Medal, the special order and citation. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant is a former member of the Air Force who served from 20 September 1990 through 28 February 2013. The applicant was awarded the Airman’s Medal on 8 September 1998 for distinguishing himself by voluntarily risking his life on 14 April 1997 in Brazzaville, Congo. While serving as a surgical services craftsman, he was one of the first responders on the scene after a cargo airplane crashed at the end of a runway. The applicant helped pull a trapped crew member from the wreckage and returned to the burning aircraft to rescue another crew member from the smoke filled fuselage. ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID defers to the Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council (SAFPC) for a recommendation. AFPC/DPSID was unable to verify the applicant was ever considered for the additional 10 percent retirement pay. The complete DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C. SAF/MRBP recommends denial. The Airman’s Medal is awarded for voluntary risk of life under conditions other than those of conflict with an armed enemy of the United States. The saving of a life or the success of the voluntary heroic act is not essential. Do not award for normal performance of duties. Per AFI 26-3203, Service Retirements, “Since 1979, enlisted members who have been awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in a noncombat action, or the Airman’s Medal have been automatically considered for the additional 10 percent pay increase. If they were approved for the additional 10 percent increase in retirement pay, the special order approving the decoration will include a statement to that fact. The absence of a statement on the special order authorizing the additional 10 percent retirement pay may indicate that it was not approved by SAFPC. If the member believes consideration was not made at the time the medal was awarded, they may ask for a Secretarial decision. The assumption of regularity would indicate that the process in effect since 1979 was followed: upon approval of the Airman’s Medal, the applicant was considered for the additional 10 percent retired pay and did not meet the criteria and therefore, it was not approved. Additionally, the applicant’s Airman’s Medal citation was reviewed and it was determined that his level of heroism, while noteworthy, did not meet the level needed for the award of the additional 10 percent increase in retirement pay. That determination was based on a review of previously awarded Airman’s Medals and the 10 percent increase. The complete SAF/MRBP evaluation is at Exhibit D. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 9 October 2013 and 15 October 2013, for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibits E and F). As of this date, this office has received no response. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: 1. The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations. 2. The application was timely filed. 3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice. After a thorough review of the evidence of record and the applicant's complete submission, we are not persuaded by the evidence submitted that the applicant should receive a ten percent increase in his retirement pay. The applicant’s heroism is noted and our decision in no way lessons the value of his contributions while in service. However, a review by SAFPC determined that an increase in pay is not warranted. We agree. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to grant the relief sought in this application. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2012-04457 in Executive Session on 3 December 2013, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 24 Sep 12, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 11 Feb 13. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBP, dated 9 Oct 13. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 Oct 13. Exhibit F. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Oct 13.