RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2017-01235

	COUNSEL: NONE

	HEARING: YES

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council (SAFPC) Decorations Board make a determination for his entitlement to a 10 percent increase in retirement pay for extraordinary heroism based on his award of the Airman’s Medal.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Per AFI 36-3203, Service Retirements, individuals who are awarded the Airman’s Medal are automatically considered for a 10 percent increase in retirement pay.  He was awarded the Airman’s Medal in 2003; however, he does not believe consideration for an increase in retirement pay was made.  The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant retired from the Regular Air Force effective 1 September 2017.

Via Special Order G-268 dated 5 August 2004, the applicant was awarded the Airman’s Medal for heroism involving voluntary risk of life on 1 October 2003.

According to AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program, the Airman’s Medal is awarded to any person while serving in any capacity with the Air Force for heroism involving voluntary risk of life under conditions other than those of conflict with an armed enemy of the United States.

For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

SAF/MRBP recommends denying the application. AFI 36-2803 authorizes the SAFPC Decorations Board to determine if recipients of the Airman’s Medal are entitled to a 10 percent increase in retirement pay for extraordinary heroism.  On 22 January 2018, the SAFPC Decorations Board determined the applicant’s actions on 1 October 2003, did not rise to the level of extraordinary heroism.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 1 February 2018, for comment (Exhibit D), but has received no response.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

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 not the victim of an error or injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of SAF/MRBP and finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

4.  The applicant’s case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to the Board’s understanding of the issues involved.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The applicant be informed the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice, and the application will only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the Board.

The application was adjudicated without a personal appearance.

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-2017-01235 in Executive Session on 7 June 2018:

All members voted not to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 22 February 2017.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, SAF/MRBP, dated 22 January 2018.
Exhibit D:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 1 February 2018.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.