RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-03899 COUNSEL:	NONE
HEARING DESIRED:	NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:
His Under Honorable Conditions (General) discharge be upgraded.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:
He was discharged for indebtedness [financial irresponsibility] but has learned from it and has never had the same problem again. He believes his life now would be a positive reflection on the Air Force and wishes to have an honorable legacy.

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:
On 25 Aug 61, the applicant entered the Regular Air Force.
On 12 Jun 68, the applicant was furnished an under honorable conditions discharge for financial irresponsibility, and was credited with six years, nine months, and eight days of active service.

On 13 Mar 79, the Discharge Review Board (DRB) concluded the discharge was consistent with the procedural and substantive requirements of the discharge regulation and was within the sound discretion of the discharge authority; therefore, the DRB did not change the applicant’s discharge.

On 23 Mar 15, in response to a request for post-service information, the applicant provided numerous letters of character- reference, evidence of community service and employment in law enforcement, and an FBI criminal record check. He firmly believes his discharge has encouraged the formation of a responsible and honorable citizen. Upon discharge from the Air  Force,  he completed a college degree and joined the police department. As a member of the police department, he was promoted to detective, and then to Lieutenant.  Later, he became a paralegal/investigator at a law firm and simultaneously served as a deputy sheriff.  He

submitted several awards and letters of commendation as well as personal references vouching for his positive influence in the community. The applicant’s complete response, with attachments, is at Exhibit D.

On 16 Apr 15, in response for post-service information, a Federal Bureau of Investigation report was provided by the applicant indicating no prior arrest data exists. This does not preclude further criminal data at the state or local level. (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.	Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented for the majority of the Board to find the existence of error or injustice. No evidence has been presented which would lead us to believe his discharge was improper or contrary to the directive under which it was directed at the time of his separation. Consideration of this Board, however, is not limited to the events which precipitated the discharge. In this respect, it may base its decision on matters of equity and clemency rather than simply on whether rules and regulations which existed at the time were followed. Under this broader mandate, and after careful consideration of all the facts and circumstances of applicant's case, including his rebuttal response, the majority is persuaded corrective action is warranted based on clemency. The majority is persuaded  he developed into a productive member of society since leaving the service. It is apparent he has lived a life characterized by significant contributions to society and dedicated service to his community as a law enforcement officer and leader among many civic and religious organizations over the past 45 year period. Based upon his lifetime of accomplishments, the majority believes the continued stigma of his Under Honorable Conditions (General) Discharge is unduly harsh and no longer serves any useful purpose. Therefore, in the interest of justice, and in view of the passage of time and his post-service adjustments, we believe upgrading the characterization of his service to honorable is warranted on the basis of clemency.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:
The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating	to	the	APPLICANT	be	corrected	to	show	that	on
12 June, 1968, the applicant was issued an honorable discharge.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-03899 in Executive Session on 30 Jun 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member
The majority voted to correct the records as recommended. The minority member, -------, voted to deny, but does not wish to submit a minority report. The following documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-03899 was considered:

Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 14 Sep 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B.	Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 Oct 14.
Exhibit D.	Letter, Applicant, dated 23 Mar 15, w/atchs. Exhibit E.	FBI Criminal History Report, dated 14 Apr 15,