RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-01637 

						COUNSEL:  NONE
		
						HEARING DESIRED:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

Her deceased spouse’s records be corrected to reflect his correct surname.  

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The decedent’s surname is spelled incorrectly throughout his military records.  His birth certificate, Veterans Affairs card, death certificate and baptism certificate reflect his correct surname.  

She would like to a place a military marker at his grave with the correctly spelling of his name.  

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The decedent initially entered the Regular Air Force on 28 December 1951.  

On 7 December 1955, the decedent was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 3 years, 11 months, and 10 days of 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/DP2SSM recommends denial.  In accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-2608, Military Personnel Records System, the records of former members are not to be corrected unless evidence proves the name used while serving with the Air Force was erroneously recorded.  A review of the decedent’s official military personnel file revealed he enlisted, served, and was discharge under the name the applicant has requested to change.  Therefore, it does not appear that the Air Force erroneously recorded the decedent’s name.  

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP2SSM 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 22 February 2017 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 (OPR) and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice.  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-2016-01637 in Executive Session on 6 July 2017 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

					Panel Chair
					Member
					Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-01637 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 8 April 2016, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP2SSM, dated 14 October 2016.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 22 February 2017.