RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-01125 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be corrected to reflect Foreign Service in Saudi Arabia during Operation DESERT STORM. His Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons be corrected to reflect the award of the Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM) and/or any other Medals authorized by his Foreign Service. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He served in Saudi Arabia between 8 Feb 90 and 23 Feb 91; which is not reflected on his DD Form 214. This omission is impacting his ability to secure benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. In support of his request, the applicant submits a copy of his DD Form 214, a STOP LOSS letter, dated 24 Sep 90, Letter of Appreciation, dated 25 Jan 91, Special Order TA-0798, dated 18 Mar 91, and photos of his deployment to Saudi Arabia The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 20 Nov 86. On 3 Aug 91, the applicant was furnished an Honorable discharge, and was credited with 4 years, 8 months, and 14 days of active service. The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflects no Foreign Service. The following Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons are listed: - Air Force Achievement Medal - Air Force Good Conduct Medal - National Defense Service Medal - NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon - Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon - Air Force Training Ribbon The applicant’s DD Form 214 also reflects his service was extended at the request and for the convenience of the government. He served 20 Aug 90 to 23 Feb 91 in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD/STORM. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandums prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which are attached at Exhibit C and D. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPAPP recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. A review of the applicant’s master personnel record and documentation submitted failed to provide any documentation that substantiates Foreign Service time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPAPP evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSID recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. The SWASM, authorized by Executive Order 12754, 12 Mar 91, is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who served in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD or DESERT STORM, between the period of 2 Aug 90 and 30 Nov 95, in one or more of the following areas: Persian Gulf, Red Seas, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude, and the land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, or individuals serving in Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Syria and Jordan (including territorial airspace and water) directly supporting combat operations between 17 Jan 91 and 30 Nov 95. To be eligible a service member must: be permanently assigned, attached, or detailed for one or more days with an organization participating in ground and/or short (military) operations; be permanently assigned, attached, or detailed for one or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations; have actually participated as a crew member in one or more aerial flights directly supporting military operations in the areas designated; have served on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non- consecutive days. Those time limitations may be waived for people participating in actual combat operations. After a thorough review of the applicant’s military personnel record, they were unable to verify award of the SWASM or any additional awards issued for direct support of Operation DESERT STORM. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit D. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: In response to the Air Force advisories, the applicant contends the copies of Special Order TA-0793, dated 18 Mar 91, photos of his deployment, Propaganda Cards, and the Saudi Arabian currency are proof of his deployment to Saudi Arabia. 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 opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR) and adopt their 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-2014-01125 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 28 Feb 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 30 Apr 14. Exhibit D. Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 7 Jul 14. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 29 Sep 14. Exhibit F. Applicant’s Letter, dated 24 Oct 14.