RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF				DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2017-05482

							COUNSEL: NONE

							HEARING: NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His retirement pay be increased by 10 percent due to extraordinary heroism.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

On 3 Jul 06, while serving as an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team leader, on a combat operation, outside Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, he encountered a smoking white phosphorous rocket during recovery of a crashed Army Helicopter.  He extinguished the burning material and segregated the rocket from personnel and nearby explosives, preventing detonation of the device and collocated explosives, saving the lives of the recovery team.  On 15 Jan 18 he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) with valor for an Act of Courage.  However, he feels his actions meet the criteria of extraordinary heroism and warrant a 10% increase in retired pay.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is currently serving as a master sergeant in the Regular Air Force, with a projected Date of Separation (DOS) of 4 Jul 21.  For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

SAF/MRBP recommended denying the application.  The AFCM for Valor is not eligible for the 10 percent increase in retirement.  Eligible decorations are the Medal of Honor, the Air Force Cross, the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, and the Airman’s Medal.  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 13 Mar 18 for comment (Exhibit D), but has received no response. 

THE BOARD CONCLUDES:

1.  The application was timely filed.

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 SAF/MRBP 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:  

The applicant be informed that 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2017-05482 in Executive Session on 24 Apr 18:

All members voted not to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:  Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 15 Dec 17.
Exhibit B:  Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:  Advisory Opinion, SAF/MRBP, dated 28 Feb 18.
Exhibit D:  Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 13 Mar 18.

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