RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF				DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2017-00619

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX				COUNSEL: NONE

							HEARING: NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records reflect the basic Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM), which he was awarded when he departed from his assignment at Beale AFB, CA, in Oct 01.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He noticed the award was missing from his records when he received a line number for promotion to master sergeant in 2009.  His personal copies of the award elements were destroyed by water damage, and his official records no longer contained a copy.  Since he was unable to provide confirmation of the award, he lost the promotion.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

On 31 May 17, the applicant retired from the Air Force as a master sergeant.  For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisories at Exhibits C and D.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP3SP recommended denying the application.  A review of documentation did not disclose the Special Order awarding the medal, or any other documents confirming the award.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

AFPC/DP2SPP recommended denying the application.  The applicant was selected for promotion to master sergeant with a score of 320.92, while the promotion cut off was 320.92.  When he was unable to produce documents confirming the missing decoration it was removed, and his score fell below the promotion cut off.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure his records are correct.  The applicant was considered for promotion six times since 2001 and has not been able to provide evidence of the award.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit D.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 25 Jan 18 for comment (Exhibit E), but has received no response. 

THE BOARD CONCLUDES:

1.  The application was timely filed.

2.  The applicant exhausted all available avenues of non-judicial relief before applying to the Board.

3.  After thoroughly reviewing all Exhibits, it is the Board’s opinion that the applicant is the victim of an injustice.  While the Board notes the comments of AFPC/DP3SP and AFPC/DP2SPP indicating that relief should be denied, the Board believes a preponderance of the evidence substantiates the applicant’s contentions and corrective action is warranted.  In this respect, we note the applicant’s DD Form 214 he received upon his retirement reflects he was awarded the AFCM with 3 OLC and therefore, it appears more likely than not he would have been awarded the AFCM in 2001.  Therefore, the Board recommends correcting the applicant’s records as indicated below.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS:  

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that

a. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for the period 5 March 1999 to 1 July 2001 with a given under my hand date of 1 November 2001.

b. He be considered for supplemental promotion consideration for promotion to master sergeant beginning with Cycle 09E7 and any subsequent promotion cycles he may be eligible for.

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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2017-00619 in Executive Session on 10 Apr 18:

, Panel Chair
, Member
, Member

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

Exhibit A:  DD Form 149, 26 Jan 17.
Exhibit B:  Excerpts from Personnel Records.
Exhibit C:  Advisory, AFPC/DP3SP, 15 Dec 17.
Exhibit D:  Advisory, AFPC/DP2SPP, 5 Jan 18.
Exhibit E:  Letter, AFBCMR, 25 Jan 18.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9 regarding AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2017-00619.