IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 27 August 2014 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20140000631 THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE: 1. Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any). 2. Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any). THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant requests correction of his DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty) to show his first name as "LONNIE" instead of "LARNEST." 2. The applicant states his first name is "LONNIE" and he has been trying to correct this error on his DD Form 214 for years. 3. The applicant provides his DD Form 214. CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within 3 years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice. This provision of law also allows the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) to excuse an applicant's failure to timely file within the 3-year statute of limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so. While it appears the applicant did not file within the time frame provided in the statute of limitations, the ABCMR has elected to conduct a substantive review of this case and, only to the extent relief, if any, is granted, has determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to timely file. In all other respects, there are insufficient bases to waive the statute of limitations for timely filing. 2. The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 14 August 1969. Block 1 (Name) of his DD Form 4 (Enlistment or Reenlistment Document – Armed Forces of the United States) lists his first name as "LARNEST." 3. His record contains numerous official documents that show his first name as either "LARNEST" or "ALBERT." His record does not contain any documents that identify him by the first name he wishes his record to reflect. 4. The applicant was released from active duty on 14 February 1972. His DD Form 214 reflects his first name as "LARNEST." 5. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents), then in effect, established the standardized policy for preparing and distributing the DD Form 214. The regulation directed that the purpose of the separation document is to provide the individual with documentary evidence of his or her military service. It is important that information entered on the form should be complete and accurate. This regulation has historically stated that item 1 (Name) of the DD Form 214 will contain the name taken from the Soldier's personnel record. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. The applicant's DD Form 214 shows his first name as "LARNEST." There is no evidence to show he ever used the name he now requests. 2. The fact that he chooses to be known by a name other than what is listed on his DD Form 214 is duly noted; however, this does not change the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time his record was created. 3. The Army has an interest in maintaining the accuracy of its records. The data and information contained in the available records should reflect the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time the records were created. While it is understandable that he now desires to record a different first name in his military records, there is not a sufficiently compelling reason for compromising the integrity of the Army's records. 4. The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document will be filed with his military records. This should serve to clarify any questions which may arise regarding the different name recorded in his military records and to satisfy his desire to have this name documented in his military records. BOARD VOTE: ________ ________ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ____x___ ____x___ ____x____ DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice. Therefore, the Board determined that the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned. _____________x___________ CHAIRPERSON I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case. ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20140000631 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20140000631 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1