RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-03283 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His military personnel records be corrected to reflect his name change. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He changed his name after discharge from the military service, and recently, he had to present name change evidence when he submitted his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to a bank. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 29 May 69. On 17 Nov 71, the applicant was furnished an honorable discharge, and was credited with 2 years, 5 months, and 19 days of active service. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memoranda prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR), which are attached at Exhibits C and D. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSIRP recommends denial indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. AFI 36-2608, Military Personnel Records System, Table A7.3, Note 5 states “Do not correct records of former members unless evidence proves the name used while serving with the Air Force was erroneously recorded.” A review of the applicant’s military personnel records revealed he enlisted, served and was discharged on 15 Nov 71 under the same name, (SANATIZED). The court order changing the applicant’s name is dated 15 May 73, after his discharge from the service. Since the applicant has no continuing affiliation with the Air Force as a Reserve member or retiree, the OPR is unable to amend the applicant’s military record after the fact. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSIRP evaluation is at Exhibit C. SAF/MR provided a memorandum of guidance with regard to name changes. The memorandum is advisory only and is not intended to predetermine outcomes or otherwise restrict the AFBCMR's statutory authority under 10 U.S.C. §1552, where there is error or injustice. Specifically, the memorandum notes that the DD Form 214 is a document primarily created for the benefit of the veteran to establish entitlement to various government programs or in seeking employment with organizations that grant a veterans' preference. Any such name change should be limited only to the DD Form 214; any change to an applicant's other records to reflect a post-service name change should rarely be recommended, and only in the most unusual cases. The AFBCMR should require proof that the applicant's name was legally changed. A signed and authenticated court order should be required. Further, the correction should be to the DD 214 and for the limited purposes of mitigating an injustice caused by use of the DD 214. A complete copy of the SAF/MR evaluation is at Exhibit E. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 17 Nov 14 and 5 May 15 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no response has been received by this office. 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 in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of AFPC/DPSIRP and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error of injustice. While the Board notes the applicant provided a court order indicating that he legally changed his name, he has not provided compelling evidence as to why he believes it would be in the interest of justice to recommend correcting the record when his name was not erroneously recorded during his service. 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-2014-03283 in Executive Session on 16 Jun 15, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence pertaining AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-03283 was considered: Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 21 Jul 14, w/atchs. Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSIRP, dated 24 Sep 14. Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 17 Nov 14. Exhibit E.  Memorandum, SAF/MR, dated, 5 May 15, w/atch.