RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-05202 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be amended to reflect his name change. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He has adopted his great grandfather’s name and would like it reflected on all official documents. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 5 Dec 91. On 8 Dec 97, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with five years, nine months, and four days of active service. On 22 Apr 14, according to documentation submitted by the applicant, his name was changed based on an amended birth certificate. 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/DPSIRP recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. In accordance with Air Force Instruction, 36-2608, Military Personnel Records System, Table A7.3, “Do not correct records of former members unless evidence proves the name used while serving with the Air Force was erroneously recorded.” The amended birth certificate changing the applicant’s name is dated after his period of service; it does not appear that the Air Force erroneously recorded the applicant’s name. Since the applicant has no continuing affiliation with the Air Force as a Reserve member or retiree, we are unable to amend the military record after the fact. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSIRP evaluation is at Exhibit C. SAF/MR provided a memorandum of guidance with regard to name changes. The memorandum is advisory only and is not intended to predetermine outcomes or otherwise restrict the AFBCMR's statutory authority under 10 U.S.C. §1552, where there is error or injustice. Specifically, the memorandum notes that the DD Form 214 is a document primarily created for the benefit of the veteran to establish entitlement to various government programs or in seeking employment with organizations that grant a veterans' preference. Any such name change should be limited only to the DD Form 214; any change to an applicant's other records to reflect a post-service name change should rarely be recommended, and only in the most unusual cases. The AFBCMR should require proof that the applicant's name was legally changed. A signed and authenticated court order should be required. Further, the correction should be to the DD Form 214 and for the limited purposes of mitigating an injustice caused by use of the DD Form 214. A complete copy of the SAF/MR memorandum is at Exhibit D. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 17 Mar 15, and 28 Jul 15, for review and comment within 30 days. 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 timely filed. 3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice. 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. While the Board acknowledges the applicant legally changed his name, the applicant did not provide clear justification to establish that having the name he served under during his period of service remain on his DD Form 214, which was accurate and correct at the time of his separation, constitutes an injustice, as is required by the cited SAF/MR memorandum. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief. 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-2014-05202 in Executive Session on 15 Sep 15, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-05202 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 10 Nov 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSIRP, dated 28 Jan 15. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Mar 15. Exhibit E. Memorandum, SAF/MR, dated 9 Mar 15, mailed 28 Jul 15.