RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF: 	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-00783

			COUNSEL:  NONE

			HEARING DESIRED:  NO 


APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active 
Duty, be corrected to reflect the award of the Air Force 
Commendation Medal (AFCM) and Bronze Service Star (BSS) device 
on his Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR).


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He received an AFCM upon discharge and it was never updated into 
his record.  He also wore a BBS device on his SAEMR while on 
Active Duty; however, that device is also not reflected on his 
DD Form 214.

In support of his request, the applicant submits his DD Form 214 
and an AF Form 2224, AFCM Certificate, signed by the Commander, 
Strategic Air Command, dated 5 Jun 87.

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


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 31 Aug 
83.  

On 30 Apr 87, the applicant was furnished an Honorable 
discharge, and was credited with 3 years, 8 months, and 1 day of 
active service.   

The applicant’s DD Form 214, reflect the award of the following 
Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons:  Small Arms Expert Pistol/Rifle 
Ribbon and Air Force Training Ribbon.

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


AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of 
an error or an injustice.  

The Air Force Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the 
Armed Forces of the United States, below the grade of Colonel 
and foreign military personnel, who, while serving in any 
capacity with the Department of the Air Force after 28 Mar 58, 
distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious 
service least 1 day served in each campaign phase.

The Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon was authorized by the 
Secretary of the Air Force on 28 Aug 62 and is awarded to all 
United States Air Force members who after 1 Jan 63, qualify as 
“expert” in small-arms marksmanship with either the M-16 rifle 
or issue handgun.  Qualification as “expert” in both weapons 
after 22 Jun 72 shall be denoted by a bronze service star worn 
on the service ribbon.

Although the applicant provided an AFCM Certificate, they were 
unable to locate any official documentation such as the Special 
Order to verify the applicant was recommended for or awarded the 
AFCM.  They also recommend denial of the BSS for the SAEMR as 
they could not locate any official documentation such as the AF 
Form 522, USAF Ground Weapons Training Data, verifying the 
applicant qualified as expert with both the M-16 and standard 
issued handgun.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C.


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The applicant contends the AFCM Certificate previously provided 
which is signed by the Commander, Strategic Air Command should 
be proof in and of itself that his records should be corrected.  
He also asserts that while stationed at Offutt, he had to 
requalify every year on both the M-16 rifle and .38 pistol and 
scored “Expert” every time.  


THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by 
existing law or regulations.

2.  The application was not timely filed; however, it is in the 
interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to 
demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  We took 
notice of the applicant’s complete submission, to include his 
rebuttal comments, in judging the merits of the case; however, 
we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force 
office of primary responsibility (OPR) and adopt its rationale 
as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the 
victim of an error of injustice.  Therefore, in the absence of 
evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting 
the requested relief.


THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified the evidence presented did not 
demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; the 
application was denied without a personal appearance; and the 
application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of 
newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this 
application.


The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2014-00783 in Executive Session on 26 Feb 15 under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	, Panel Chair
	, Member
	, Member

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 19 Feb 14, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 27 May 14.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 22 Sep 14.
	Exhibit E.  Letter from Applicant, dated 3 Oct 14.