RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2012-04491 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: Her narrative reason for separation be changed to reflect “Early Out” instead of “Pregnancy,” and she be awarded her military medals. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: She separated from the Air Force for two different reasons but only one is stated on her DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. She requested a duplicate copy of the Air Force Training Ribbon (AFTR) but never received it. She was never offered the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) or a service medal for the Gulf War Campaign. She is entitled to these decorations and her DD 214 should reflect the issuance of these awards. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 18 Oct 89, the applicant commenced her enlistment in the Regular Air Force. On 20 May 91, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge with a narrative reason for separation of “Pregnancy.” She was credited with one year, seven months, and three days of total active service. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the letters prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility which are attached at Exhibits C and D. ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSOR recommends denial of the applicant’s request to change her narrative reason for discharge, indicating there is no evidence of an error or injustice. Based on the documentation on file in the master personnel records, the discharge to include the service characterization was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation. The applicant applied for a separation date, effective 20 May 91, for pregnancy and the discharge authority approved her request for said date. The applicant wanted to care for her children in a civilian capacity and stood firm in her decision. The applicant did not provide any facts warranting a change to her narrative reason for separation. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSOR evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSID recommends denial of the applicant’s request for awards for service in support of the Gulf War Campaign, indicating the Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM) is issued for service in direct support of the Gulf War; however, the applicant has no foreign service nor service in the areas of eligibility for any of the Gulf War Campaign medals to include the SWASM. However, the applicant should have been awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM). AFPC/DPSOY will administratively correct her official military personnel records and provide an initial/replacement of the AFTR and NDSM. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit D. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 17 Feb 13 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no response has been received by this office (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 an error or injustice regarding the applicant’s request to correct her records to reflect her narrative reason for separation as “Early Out” instead of “Pregnancy”. 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 AFPC/DPSOR and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been a victim of an error or injustice with respect to the narrative reason for her separation. As for the applicant’s request relating to awards and decorations related to Operation DESERT SHIELD/STORM, there is no evidence the applicant has been the victim of an error or injustice in this regard. In this respect, we note the comments of AFPC/DPSID indicating the applicant performed no foreign service in the area of eligibility that would form the basis of her entitlement to any service awards related to said operations. We note the Air Force OPR has determined the applicant’s eligibility for the award of the AFGCM and will take action to correct her records administratively. We also note the Air Force OPR will provide the applicant with an initial issue/replacement of the NDSM and AFTR. Therefore, in the absence of evidence reflecting her service in direct support of the operation, we find no basis for us to recommend granting relief beyond that accomplished administratively. ________________________________________________________________ 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-2012-04491 in Executive Session on 14 May 13, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 20 Sep 12, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSOR, dated 11 Dec 12. Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 11 Feb 13, w/atch. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Feb 13.