BOARD DATE:	  9 July 2015

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20140020760 


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 his military records by adding the suffix "Sr." to his last name.

2.  The applicant states his last name was legally changed to add the suffix "Sr."

3.  The applicant provides a court order, dated 14 November 2014.

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within 3 years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice.  This provision of law also allows the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) to excuse an applicant's failure to timely file within the 3-year statute of limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so.  While it appears the applicant did not file within the time frame provided in the statute of limitations, the ABCMR has elected to conduct a substantive review of this case and, only to the extent relief, if any, is granted, has determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to timely file.  In all other respects, there are insufficient bases to waive the statute of limitations for timely filing.

2.  The applicant retired in the rank of sergeant first class on 31 January 2000 after completing over 22 years of creditable active duty service.

3.  Item 1 (Name) of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) does not show any suffix.

4.  He provided a court order, dated 14 November 2014, adding the suffix "Sr." to his last name.

5.  Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents) prescribes the separation documents prepared for Soldiers upon retirement, discharge, or release from active military service or control of the Army.  It establishes standardized policy for preparation of the DD Form 214 and states the DD Form 214 is a synopsis of the Soldier's most recent period of continuous active duty.  It provides a brief, clear-cut record of active Army service at the time of release from active duty, retirement, or discharge.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The DD Form 214 is a "snapshot in time" and is a reflection of the applicant's record of active Army service at the time of his retirement.

2.  The evidence shows he added the suffix "Sr." to his last name in November 2014, over 14 years after his retirement on 31 January 2000.

3.  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.

4.  The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document which confirms his legal name change will be filed in his Official Military Personnel File.  This should serve to clarify any questions or confusion regarding the difference in the name recorded on his DD Form 214 and to satisfy his desire to have his current legal name documented in his military records.

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)                                         AR20140020760



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20140020760



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