RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-04078

						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be reimbursed for actual expense of air fare versus constructive cost of common carrier.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He was ordered to attend Temporary Duty (TDY) requiring air fare.  After procuring the air fare with his government travel card (GTC), unknowingly his GTC was deactivated and his flight was cancelled the day he was to fly, 28 Jan 16.  After consulting with his leadership, he was instructed to purchase new air fare at his own expense, although it was a higher price than the original airfare, and he would be reimbursed upon submission of his travel voucher. 

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is currently serving in the Regular Air Force, in the grade of Captain (Capt), O-3.

In support of his request, the applicant provided copies of reimbursement approval memo signed by his commander, DD Form 1351, Travel Voucher or Subvoucher, and American Airlines trip confirmation.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandum prepared by the office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is attached at Exhibit C.    

OPR EVALUATION:

DFAS/IN recommends granting the applicant’s request, indicating there is evidence of an error or injustice.

The applicant was on TDY. The best mode of transportation was air fare.  The applicant’s GTC had been deactivated.  The applicant was compelled to purchase the air fare in order to satisfy his TDY. Actual cost of the air fare was $1,003.00.  Reimbursement was for constructive cost $612.00.  This put the applicant at a deficit of $391.00.  At the time of reimbursement the rate used was at constructive cost of common carrier as opposed to actual expense.  An amendment of the travel order to authorize reimbursement of actual expense should satisfy the travel office to reimburse the difference in cost of the air fare.

A complete copy of the DFAS/IN evaluation is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF OPR EVALUATION:

A copy of the DFAS/IN evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 13 Dec 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.  Sufficient 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 and agree with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS/IN) determination that the applicant should be reimbursed the actual expense of air fare.  The board notes the applicant requested reimbursement for $362.00, however per DFAS/IN the actual deficit is $391.00. Therefore, 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:

Prior approval to self-procure three airline tickets and use a non-US certified carrier for travel to her permanent change of station assignment

	a. Competent authority approved amendment of travel order to authorize reimbursement of actual expense of common carrier for travel to his temporary duty.  

	b.  He be reimbursed, $391.00, the difference in the amount he paid to self-procure an airline ticket from Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, to Dayton, OH.  

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-04078 in Executive Session on 9 Nov 17 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records:

	Panel Chair
	Member
	Member

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

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 21 Apr 16, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Excerpts from Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, DFAS/IN, dated 5 Dec 16.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 13 Dec 16, w/atch.

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.