RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-04069

	COUNSEL: NONE	
 
  	HEARING: NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

She be awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM), Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM) and the Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

During her time in service, women were not recognized for service in combat support units during periods of war or conflict.    The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a former Air Force captain.  

Her officer effectiveness reports (OER) show she served in Okinawa and the Philippines.  For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP3SP recommends denial for the requested awards.  DP3SP was unable to verify she served or deployed in the area of eligibility for award of the AFEM, VSM, VCM or KDSM.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 6 Oct 17 for comment (Exhibit D), and the applicant replied on 16 Oct 17.  In her response, the applicant contended the work she did while at Naha AB was in direct support of the Vietnam conflict, which qualifies her for the VCM which was given to men who served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to Vietnam for an aggregate of 6 months.  She should also receive the KDSM as she was sent on temporary duty to Korea on at least one occasion while assigned to the 3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Clark AB, Philippines.  They were constantly rotated in and out of Korea to participate in various war games, such as Red Flag.   Her unit also deployed to Grenada during the conflict for which she should receive the AFEM.  When it was over, they were all awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Citation with Valor and she also received a Meritorious Service Medal, which are noted on her DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.  She also requests the Board review all her records served under all her last names.  The applicant’s complete response is at Exhibit E.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The application was not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the delay.  

2.  The applicant exhausted all available avenues of non-judicial relief before applying to the Board.

3.  After thoroughly reviewing all Exhibits, it is the Board’s opinion that the applicant is not the victim of an error or injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of AFPC/DP3SP and finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The applicant be informed the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice, and the application will only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the Board.

CERTIFICATION:

The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5, considered Docket Number BC-2016-04069 in Executive Session on 1 May 18:

, Panel Chair
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

All members voted not to correct the record.  The panel considered the following in Docket Number BC-2016-04069:

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 7 Oct 16, w/atchs.  
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 27 Jun 17.
Exhibit D:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 6 Oct 17. 
Exhibit E:	Applicant’s response, dated 16 Oct 17.  

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.