RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:				DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2015-02395

							COUNSEL:  NONE

							HEARING DESIRED:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The spelling of his first and middle name be changed on his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His name is spelled incorrectly on his DD Form 214.  

In support of his request, the applicant provides a certificate of birth registration that reflects the correct spelling of his name.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 24 Mar 87, the applicant signed a DD Form 4, Enlistment/Reenlistment in the Armed Forces of the United States, with the applicant’s first and middle name spelled as reflected on his DD Form 214.

On 13 Jan 88, the applicant entered the Regular Air Force.

On 11 Nov 94, the applicant received an honorable discharge, and was credited with 6 years, 9 months, and 29 days of active service.

In a letter dated, 18 Nov 15, AFPC/DP2SSM informed the applicant his middle name would be administratively corrected on his DD Form 214 (Exhibit C.).

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is included at Exhibit D.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP2SSM recommends denial of the applicant’s request to change his first name.  The applicant contends his DD Form 214 should be corrected to reflect the correct spelling of his first and middle name as documented on the birth certificate provided as evidence in his request.  Air Force Instruction 36-2608, Military Personnel Records System, states “Do not correct records of former members unless evidence proves the name used while serving with the Air Force was erroneously recorded.”  After further review of the member’s official military personnel file, it was determined there was no error in the applicant’s first name throughout his enlistment, service, and discharge. However, AFPC/DP2SSM recommends the applicant’s middle name be updated, as it appears the Air Force erroneously recorded it.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP2SSM evaluation is at Exhibit D.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 2 Dec 15 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit E).  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.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  After a careful review of the applicant’s complete submission, we believe that relief is warranted.  In the past the Board has denied similar applications on the basis that the DD Form 214 is a historical document that should reflect the record as it existed at the time the DD Form 214 was created.  However, given that the DD Form 214 is designed for a post service audience and is used to provide proof of service, we believe the original DD Form 214 may prevent or delay receipt of benefits for which the applicant is entitled should he be required to provide this document as proof of military service.  We note the position of the Air Force OPR is to not correct the applicant’s first name, but only his middle name; however, the Board finds the birth certificate provided sufficient evidence to warrant correcting both his first and middle names on his DD Form 214.  Accordingly, we recommend the applicant’s record be corrected as set forth below.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military record of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, was amended to reflect the applicant’s name in Block 1.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-02395 in Executive Session on 8 Mar 16 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

				    , Panel Chair
					   , Member
					 , Member

All members voted to correct the records as recommended.  The following was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 1 Jun 15, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DP2SSM, dated 18 Nov 15.
	Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP2SSM, dated 18 Nov 15.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 2 Dec 15.

Pursuant to paragraph 1 of AFI 36-2603 (Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 865.1), it is certified that a quorum was present at the Board's review and deliberations, and that the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board's proceedings in the above entitled matter.