RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-04684

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO 

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

1.  He be awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters (AFOUA w/1SOLC & 4BOLCs).

2.  He be awarded the Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Long Tour with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters (AFOR-LT w/2BOLCs).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He should be awarded two additional AFOUA awards to his previously awarded AFOUA w/1SOLC and 2BOLCs.  Additionally, he should be awarded an additional AFOR-LT ribbon to his previously awarded AFOR-LT w/1BOLC for his assignment to Hickam Air Force Base (AFB), Hawaii (HI).

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 30 Oct 85.

On 1 Nov 05, the applicant retired from active duty and was credited with 20 years, 3 months, and 24 days of total active service.

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 of the applicant’s request for award of the AFOUA for service with the 609th Air Operations Group (AOG) indicating they were unable to verify the applicant was assigned or attached to the 609th AOG.  Additionally, DP3SP recommends denial of the applicant’s request for award of the AFOR-LT w/2BOLCs.  The applicant was awarded the AFOR-LT w/1BOLC for his tours of duty at Wheeler Army Airfield, HI and Hickam AFB, HI; however, DP3SP were unable to verify any additional overseas duty.

The AFOUA is awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units.  This service includes: performance of exceptionally meritorious service, accomplishment of a specific outstanding achievement of national or international significance, combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States, or military operations involving conflict with or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force.

The AFOR was authorized by the Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, 12 Oct 80.  The ribbon was authorized to be awarded to Air Force and Air Force Reserve members credited with completion of an overseas tour on or after 1 Sep 80.  Only individuals serving on active duty as of 6 Jan 86 are eligible to have the AFOR applied retroactively for completion of an overseas tour.

Based on a review of the applicant's official military personnel record, DP3SP were able to determine that the below Air Force Medal and/or Ribbon should have been awarded during the applicant's service from 30 Oct 85 to 31 Oct 05 and was not reflected in his records.  Upon final Board decision, administrative correction of the applicant's official military personnel record will be completed by AFPC/DP2STM:

•	AFOUA w/lSOLC & 3BOLCs

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP3SP evaluation, with attachment is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 10 May 16 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D).  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS OF THE BOARD:

Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  After a careful review of the applicant's contentions, documentation submitted in support of the request, and the available evidence of record, we are not convinced the applicant has provided sufficient evidence for us to conclude that he is the victim of an error or injustice.  We also note the applicant did not file the application within three years after the alleged error or injustice was discovered, or should have been discovered, as required by Title 10, United States Code, Section 1552 and Air Force Instruction 36-2603.  While the applicant claims a date of discovery of less than three years prior to receipt of the application, we believe a reasonable date of discovery was more than three years prior to receipt of the application.  Therefore, because we do not find it would be in the interest of justice to recommend granting relief, and the applicant has offered no plausible reason for the delay in filing the application, other than the administrative correction noted above, we cannot conclude it would be in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file the application.  Accordingly, we find the application untimely.

THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The application was not timely filed and it would not be in the interest of justice to waive the untimeliness.  It is the decision of the Board, therefore, to reject the application as untimely.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2015-04684 in Executive Session on 25 Jan 17 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

				       , Panel Chair
					  , Member
					  , Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 14 Oct 15, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 11 Apr 16, w/atch.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 10 May 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.