RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-02183 

						COUNSEL: NO 

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be amended to read:

a. Block 12a, Record of Service Date Entered AD This Period, 4 Apr 75.  

b. Block 12f, Foreign Service, 7 months.

c. Block 14, Military Education, list two types of training.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was in Udorne, Thailand, from 1975-1976 for training; however, he only has his DD Form 214 as a supporting document.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

According to the applicant’s DD Form 4, Enlistment Contract – Armed Forces of the United States, he initially entered active duty in the Regular Air Force on 23 Apr 75.

According to the applicant’s reissued DD Form 214 effective 3 Dec 79, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 4 years, 2 months, and 11 days of active service.  The applicant also had 150 days of lost time from 7 Oct 77 through 6 Mar 78.   

On 2 Feb 17, AFPC/DPSIT verified the applicant completed formal training and will administratively correct his records to reflect:

	Basic Military Training, May 1975
	Weapons Mechanic, October 1975

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memoranda prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR), which are attached at Exhibits C and D.    

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP2LT recommends denying the applicant’s request to change the date in block 12a to 4 Apr 75 based on his Enlistment Contract, effective 23 Apr 75, and Special Orders No. 81-2, dated 23 Apr 75.  The applicant entered extended active duty on 23 Apr 75 as reflected on the DD Form 214, effective 3 Dec 79. 

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP2LT, with attachments, evaluation is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DP3AM recommends denying the applicant’s request to amend his DD Form 214 to reflect service in Thailand.  In this regard, after reviewing his Master Personnel Records and the documentation submitted, DP3AM could not substantiate foreign service time in Thailand.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DP3AM evaluation is at Exhibit D.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 29 Mar 17 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 not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice regarding the applicant’s request to have his service date changed.  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 AFPC/DP2LT and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this portion of his application. 

4.  Notwithstanding the above, sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an injustice with regard to the applicant’s request to receive seven (7) months of foreign service credit.  After a thorough review of the evidence of record and the applicant’s complete submission, we believe the applicant is the victim of an error or injustice.  While we note the comments of AFPC/DP3AM indicating that relief should be denied because the applicant’s records contain no documentation substantiating the applicant’s contention that he served in Thailand, we believe a preponderance of the evidence substantiates that corrective action is warranted.  In this respect, we find medical documentation in the form of Clinical Records, dated 13 Nov 75 and 28 Nov 75, respectively, proves he was admitted into Udone Hospital, Thailand, for treatment; thus, we are persuaded he did, in fact, serve in Thailand.  Therefore, in addition to the administrative corrections, we recommend the applicant’s records be corrected as indicated below.  

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, issued in conjunction with his 3 Dec 79 separation be amended in Item 12f, Foreign Service, to read 00 years, 7 months, and 00 days.

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-02183 in Executive Session on 16 Nov 17 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	, Chair
	, Member
	, Member

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

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 25 May 16, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP2LT, dated 31 Aug 16, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AFPC/DP3AM, dated 15 Sep 16.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 29 Mar 17.

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 pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-02183 in the above entitled matter.