RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-03607

                		     COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

	
APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) for his service at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska.

In a second DD Form 149, the applicant requests award of the AFCM, Bronze Oak Leaf cluster for his service at Nellis AFB, Nevada.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He is deserving of these awards because he was a stellar performer at both locations.

The enlisted performance reports and recognition documents he has provided serve as evidence he is deserving of the AFCM and AFCM with Bronze Oak Leaf cluster.  

He did not have any derogatory information at either location.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 30 May 01, the applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force and is currently serving on active duty.

The applicant served in consecutive assignments at Nellis AFB, Nevada from 2001-2006 and then Elmendorf AFB, Alaska from 2006-2009.  The record is absent any evidence that the applicant was recommended for an AFCM at either location.

The applicant was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal while assigned at Nellis AFB, Nevada for Outstanding Achievement as a member of the Nellis AFB, Nevada Honor Guard during the period from Oct 02 – Feb 03.

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/DP3SP recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. Air Force members are not automatically entitled to a decoration.  Supervisors and those in the member’s chain of command make a decision on submitting a decoration application to the approval authority at key events such as retirement, separation, permanent change of station, or an achievement.  Documentation could not be found that the applicant was submitted for the AFCM at Nellis AFB, Nevada or Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. To be considered, the applicant needs to present statements preferably from those in his chain of command at each location describing the applicant’s acts and/or achievements that support awarding a decoration, a proposed citation, and an explanation for the delay in submitting the necessary documents. 

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP3SP 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 19 Apr 16 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 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 and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice.  The decision to recommend an Air Force member for a decoration to an approval authority rests within the member’s chain of command.  In this case, there is no evidence substantiating this had occurred at the applicant’s two duty stations. 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-2015-03607 in Executive Session on 1 Dec 16 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-03607 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 17 Aug 15, w/atchs.
	Exhibit A1. DD Form 149, dated 17 Aug 15, w/atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 8 Apr 16.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 19 Apr 16.

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.