RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-02245

					COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Report of Separation and Record of Service, effective 22 February 1985, be amended to reflect his foreign service in Vietnam.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was on temporary duty in Tan Sun Nhut AFB, Vietnam, from 1 January 1963 through 13 February 1963.  He was awarded the Air Force Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) for this service; however, his DD Form 214 does not reflect Vietnam service or that he was in Vietnam at all.  The Veterans Affairs (VA) has conceded his presence in Vietnam and has granted service connection for Agent Orange related condition.  The Army (from which he retired) has twice denied his Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) request as Vietnam service is not reflected on his DD Form 214.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 3 January 1961, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force.  

On 18 December 1964, the applicant was released from active duty, transferred to the Air Force Reserve, and credited with 3 years, 11 months and 16 days of active duty service.  

On 12 July 1980, the applicant enlisted Air National Guard (ANG) for three years.  On 9 July 1983, the applicant extended his enlistment for three years through 11 July 1986.

On 22 February 1985, the applicant was honorably discharged from the Maine ANG per Special Order Number AB 34 ME, dated 4 March 1985.

On 19 November 2015, the 1st District of Maine Congresswoman’s office submitted a memorandum with 15 pages of additional documentation in support of the applicant’s request to be awarded Vietnam service.  In the documents submitted, the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) Archivist notes in an email to the Veterans Affairs (VA) office that it would appear that the veteran was sent TDY to Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam to assist with the 8th Aerial Port Squadron Traffic Management Section (8th APS/TMS).  The official history of the 8th Aerial Port Squadron starts with the July through December 1963 period, which although after the veteran’s time there, does mention the conditions prior to the official time period of the history noting that it was manned by TDY personnel until March 1963. 

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/DPAPP recommends denial.  A review of the applicant’s Master Personnel Records (MPR) and documentation submitted failed to provide any documents that substantiate foreign service time in Vietnam.  

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Torgus Regional Office, the applicant submits additional documentation to his Congresswoman’s office in support of his appeal that notes it would appears the applicant served at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in a temporary duty status. 

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

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, to include his rebuttal, in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force 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 applicant’s request is to have his DD Form 214 amended to reflect his foreign service time; however, due to his DD Form 214 being illegible we are unable to confirm if his foreign service is in error.  Consequently, we cannot correct an official Air Force record that is not legible.  Further, in an email to a DVA representative, provided by the applicant through his Congresswoman’s office, the AFHRA notes that based on a performance report in the applicant’s records, it appears he was sent TDY to Tan Son Nhut Air Base.  Nevertheless, the referenced performance report cannot not be located.  The Board would like to point out that if the applicant were to provide a legible copy of his DD Form 214 and the performance report that reflects he was TDY to Vietnam, we may be willing to reconsider his request.  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-2015-02245 in Executive Session on 15 March 2016 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	, Panel Chair
	, Member
	, Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 29 May 15, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 30 Sep 15.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 30 Oct 15.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, Applicant, 19 Nov 15, w/atchs.