BOARD DATE:	  12 April 2012

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20110019267 


THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE:

1.  Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any).

2.  Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any).


THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant requests correction of her last name shown in her records from her maiden name to her married name.

2.  The applicant states she maintained her maiden name while serving on active duty and now that she is retired she wishes to change her records to reflect her married name.  There is no error, but she was told by staff members of the Retirement Services Office that this is the method used to document her married name change and change her name in the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFASs) records.

3.  She provides:

* marriage license
* DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
* U.S. Uniformed Services Identification Card

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant's military record shows she was appointed in the U.S. Army Reserve in the rank of second lieutenant (2LT) on 8 August 1988.  She was commissioned in the Regular Army in the rank of 2LT on 4 September 1988.

2.  At the time of her appointment and commission, she entered active service under the last name of G____.  The documents contained in her military records show she served under the last name of G____.
3.  She provides a copy of her marriage license which shows she was married on 27 October 2000.  Her records do not show she changed her last name at the time to S____.

4.  She was honorably retired in the rank of lieutenant colonel on 30 September 2010.  Item 1 (Last Name – First Name – Middle Name) of her DD Form 214 shows her last name as G____.

5.  She provides documentation showing she changed her last name after her discharge.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The evidence of record shows the applicant served in and was discharged in the last name shown in her records and on her DD Form 214.  Notwithstanding the fact that she married during her active duty service, there is no evidence she changed her last name during that time, and she acknowledges that she did not change her name.  Therefore, her military records and DD Form 214 are correct as currently constituted and there is no basis for granting the requested relief.

2.  While her desire to have her records changed is understandable, there is no basis for compromising the integrity of the Army's records.  For historical purposes, the Army has an interest in maintaining the integrity of its records.  The data and information contained in those records should reflect the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time the records were created.  In the absence of a showing of material error or injustice, there is a reluctance to recommend that those records be changed.

3.  The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document will be filed in her record.  This should serve to clarify any questions or confusion in regard to the difference in her last name and to satisfy her desire to have her current name documented in her records.

4.  However, if it is applicant's retired pay records that she wishes to update, DFAS has stated in previous cases that it is their policy to refer retirees to the U.S. Army Human Resources Command to approve a name change.  The applicant should therefore provide supporting documentation to:  Commander, Human Resources Command, ATTN:  AHRC-PDR-VI, 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY  40122 requesting they approve her name change and inform DFAS when it has been approved.



BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  GRANT FULL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

___X__  _____X___  ___X_____  DENY APPLICATION

BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice.  Therefore, the Board determined the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned.



      __________X_______________
                 CHAIRPERSON
      
I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case.

ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20110019267



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20110019267



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