ADDENDUM TO RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-1986-00397

	COUNSEL: NONE
	
 	HEARING: NO	

APPLICANT’S REQUEST

The Board reconsider his request to upgrade his general (under honorable conditions) discharge to an honorable discharge.

RESUME OF THE CASE

The applicant is a former airman basic (E-1) in the Regular Air Force, with 2 years and 12 days of active service.  On 17 Apr 86, the Board considered and denied his request to upgrade his discharge from general (under honorable conditions) to honorable, finding that the applicant had provided insufficient evidence of an error or injustice to justify relief.

For an accounting of the applicant’s original request and the rationale of the earlier decision, see the AFBCMR Letter and Record of Proceedings at Exhibit E.

On 22 Sep 17, the applicant requested reconsideration of his request, seeking a clemency upgrade.  He contends he was young and immature upon entry into the Air Force.  His offenses were minor and childish in nature.  He has taken steps to better himself and serve his country and community.  He has worked for the County Sheriff’s Department for  over 25 years and served honorably in the Army National Guard from 20 June 2000 – 12 June 2002.  An upgrade to his discharge will enable him to apply his active military service towards his retirement.  In support of his request, the applicant provides the following new evidence: a personal statement; character references from the Country Veterans Service Officer, a family member, co-workers; NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service; Army Discharge Documents, DD Form 215, Correction to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and other documents related to his request.  The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit F.

POST-SERVICE INFORMATION

On 29 Jan 18, the Board sent the applicant a request for post-service information, including information on how to obtain a standard criminal history report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  The applicant provided an FBI report dated 25 Jul 18, which is at Exhibit I.  

APPLICABLE AUTHORITY

On 25 July 2018, the Under Secretary of Defense issued supplemental guidance to military corrections boards in determining whether relief is warranted based on equity, injustice, or clemency.  This guidance does not mandate relief, but rather provides standards and principles to guide Boards in application of their equitable relief authority.  Each case will be assessed on its own merits. The relative weight of each principle and whether the principle supports relief in a particular case, are within the sound discretion of each board.  The entire guidance can be found at Exhibit J.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

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 non-judicial relief before applying to the Board.

3.  After reviewing all Exhibits, the Board concludes the applicant is the victim of an injustice.  While the Board finds no error in the original discharge process, the Board recommends relief based on clemency.  After careful consideration of all the facts and circumstances of the applicant’s case, the Board is persuaded the applicant has developed into a productive member of society since leaving the service.  It is apparent he has lived a life characterized by significant contributions to society and dedicated service over many years.  Based on these accomplishments, the Board recommends the applicant’s records be corrected as indicated below.

RECOMMENDATION

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, issued in conjunction with his discharge on 15 August 1984, be amended to reflect he was honorably discharged with a narrative reason of “Secretarial Authority” and a corresponding separation code of “JFF.”  

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-1986-00397 in Executive Session on 12 Mar 19:

, Panel Chair
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

All members voted to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit E:	Record of Proceedings, w/ Exhibits A-D, dated 17 Apr 86.
Exhibit F:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 22 Sep 17.
Exhibit G:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit H:	AFBCMR letter, w/atch, dated 29 Jan 18. 
Exhibit I:	FBI Report, dated 25 Jul 18.
Exhibit J:	Guidance Regarding Equity, Injustice, or Clemency Determinations, dated 25 Jul 18. 

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings, as required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9 regarding AFBCMR Docket Number BC-1986-00397.