RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-03047 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be corrected to reflect he was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOT-E). APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: The medal was authorized two months after he separated from active duty. He was on the first rotation to the combat zone after the 9/11 attacks. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 21 Jan 99. On 20 Jan 03, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with four years of active service. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is attached at Exhibit C. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends denial of the GWOT-E, indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. While the applicant was deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, he was not deployed to an qualifying location for the GWOT-E. The GWOT-E is awarded to recognize the significant contributions that members of the Armed Forces bring to bear in combating terrorism in all forms throughout the world for current and future operations and is limited to personnel deployed abroad to specific geographic areas of eligibility in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (Afghanistan) or Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. A qualifying deployment must have taken place after 11 Sep 11, been at least 30 consecutive, or 60 non-consecutive, days in duration. However, a thorough review of the applicant’s record revealed no documentation giving a specific location or dates of deployment to verify he was in the area of eligibility for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service verified the applicant received Hostile Fire/imminent Danger pay for Mauritius, from 13 Oct 01 to 21 Jan 02. While this deployment seems to have been in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and was for more than 30 days, Mauritius is not included in the list of qualifying duty locations within the area of responsibility. To grant relief would be contrary to the eligibility criteria established by DoDM 1348.33, the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff, and/or the War Department. Notwithstanding the above, the applicant’s eligibility for the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOT-S) and Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border (AFESR w/GB) were verified and his records will be corrected administratively. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 17 Nov 14 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D). As of this date, no response has been received by this office. 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 warranting correction of the applicant’s records to reflect his entitlement to the GWOT-E. 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 Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR) and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice. We note the Air Force OPR has determined the applicant’s eligibility for the GWOT-S and the AFESR w/GB, and will correct his records administratively. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting relief beyond that rendered 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-2014-03047 in Executive Session on 22 Apr 15, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 24 Jul 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 22 Sep 14. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Nov 14.