ADDENDUM TO RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-1988-03555 COUNSEL: HEARING DESIRED: YES ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His discharge be upgraded to an Honorable Discharge. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 1. A similar appeal was considered and denied by the Board on 27 March 1989. For an accounting of the facts and circumstances surrounding the applicant’s discharge and the rationale of the earlier decision by the Board, see the Record of Proceedings (ROP) at Exhibit F. 2. On 6 February 2013, the applicant submitted a request for reconsideration. In a combined 42-page brief of counsel and the applicant’s personal petition to the Board, the following contentions are made: a. He is not the young and troubled man who was court- martialed and dismissed from the Air Force in 1986. He has grown into a responsible father, minister, public school teacher, and dedicated fire professional who puts his life on the line for his community every time he dons the uniform of firefighter. Through decades of acts both large and small, he has proven that he is a valued member of his community. To go from a drug abusing Air Force Captain who was court-martialed for being late, and for an unauthorized absence, to being eligible to be promoted as a Fire Lieutenant in his local community Fire Department represents a level of rehabilitation and achievement that few people could have achieved. The discharge from the military remains a lodestone around his neck. He hopes he has demonstrated that he is the kind of person deserving of a second chance, and that the Board will approve the discharge upgrade. b. He spent over a year putting together information that describes the mistakes he made while in service, how he turned his life around after leaving the Air Force, and how he became a minister, professional firefighter, and public school teacher. The documents also describe how he has been drug free for more than 25 years. If anyone can honestly say that they have had a positive influence on their community for a sustained period, he believes he can say so. c. In 1984, he made selfish choices based upon superficial needs and wants that brought neither happiness nor satisfaction. As a Christian and a minister, he has come to terms with his old self and has found the knowledge, wisdom, and strength to live a life of worth that is of service and benefit to others. He now lives a drug and alcohol free life and is employed as a professional firefighter/EMT-B and educator. He has been extremely involved in the parenting of his son. He is actively involved in local ministry, community issues and works with local community leaders. He strives to be an example to young people through his position as a firefighter instructor. He has worked to create pathways for employment and higher education for his students. He has also continued to further his own education over the years and has obtained two graduate degrees, a Master of Education (2010), and a Master of Divinity (1997), as well as numerous certifications and professional development credentials. 3. In support of his request, he submits his counsels statement, his petition labeled “Tested by Fire,” and an extensive package of supporting documents pertaining to events surrounding his court-martial, discharge and post-service information. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit G. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: 1. In an earlier finding, the Board determined there was insufficient evidence to warrant any corrective action. After thoroughly reviewing the additional documentation submitted in support of his appeal and the evidence of record, we do not believe the applicant has overcome the rationale expressed in the previous decision. While the evidence provided indicates that the applicant has made a successful post-service adjustment, and notwithstanding his otherwise good service record, in view of the extreme seriousness of the offense committed during the period of service under review, we are not persuaded that the characterization of his discharge should be upgraded based on clemency. Therefore, in view of the above, and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis upon which to recommend favorable reconsideration of the applicant’s request. 2. 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 our understanding of the issue(s) involved. Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered. ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that 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 this application in Executive Session on 14 November 2013, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence was considered in AFBCMR Docket Number BC-1988-03555: Exhibit F. ROP, dtd 27 March 1989, w/Exhibits A through E. Exhibit G. DD Form 149, dtd 6 February 2013, w/atchs.