RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-00692 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His general (under honorable conditions) discharge be upgraded to honorable. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He has maintained a positive lifestyle for over 20 years; an honorable discharge would assist in his search for employment. The applicant's complete submission is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 25 Feb 86, the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force for a period of four years. He had prior honorable service from 27 Nov 68 to 17 Apr 73. On 17 Apr 73, he was honorably released from active duty and placed on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL). On 23 Jun 88, the applicant was notified by his squadron commander that he was recommending his discharge from the Air Force for a pattern of misconduct—conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline. The reasons for the proposed action were: 1) He wrote several checks without sufficient funds in his account to pay the checks; 2) He was derelict in the performance of his duties on several occasions; 3) He was disrespectful to a Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) on two occasions; 4) He refused to comply with instructions of the correctional custody monitors; and 5) He breached correctional custody. On 28 Jun 88, after consulting with counsel, the applicant acknowledged receipt of the discharge notification, and was advised of his right to present his case before an administrative discharge board, to be represented by military counsel, and to submit statements in his own behalf. On 9 Aug 88, a Board of Officers convened and found the applicant was subject to discharge for a pattern of misconduct. The Board recommended the applicant be separated with a general discharge, and not be offered probation and rehabilitation. The Staff Judge Advocate reviewed the case and found it legally sufficient to support the findings and recommendations of the Board and recommended the applicant receive a general (under honorable conditions) discharge without probation and rehabilitation. The discharge authority approved the separation and directed a general discharge without probation and rehabilitation. The applicant was entitled to special consideration for lengthy service probation. He made a formal request for lengthy service probation consideration, and it was denied by the wing commander. The Director of Military Law reviewed the case file and found it legally sufficient. The case was forwarded to Headquarters Air Force Military Personnel Center (AFMPC) for review by the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF). The SECAF directed the administrative discharge be executed, and denied lengthy service probation. On 30 Jun 89, the applicant was discharged in the grade of airman first class, under the provisions of AFR 39-10, Administrative Separation of Airmen, by reason of misconduct-pattern of conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline, and received a general discharge. He served on active duty for a period of 19 years, 4 months, and 6 days. Pursuant to the Board’s request, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provided a copy of an Investigative Report, which is at Exhibit C. On 29 Apr 11, a copy of the FBI report was forwarded to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days. At the same time, the AFBCMR staff offered the applicant an opportunity to provide information pertaining to his activities since leaving the service (Exhibit D). The applicant responded with a personal letter. He does not feel it would be productive to review his military history, as he is sure his recollections will vary considerably from those who placed him in this situation. He does not agree with the findings that left him without a military career and deprived him of his retirement after nineteen years of faithful service. Upon release from military service he worked for Continental Airlines as an aircraft instrument technician for 6 to 8 months. He was offered a job with McDonald Douglas writing technical manuals for the MD-11. He worked for several small companies as a graphics designer. He created “New Faces Camera Club,” where for over 25 years he has provided support and advice to young photographers and models who could not afford the high cost of modeling schools. He currently works for Empire Pageants and has done so since 1990. He has an Associate’s Degree in Computer Design. He has held several jobs in the design field, and continues to do freelance designing. He worked for the Volunteer Center of Riverside County and the Press Enterprise Newspaper of Riverside. He is a live-in caregiver for a friend that is not capable of self-care. The applicant provided one character reference letter. The applicant’s complete response, with attachment, is at Exhibit E. _________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: 1. The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations. 2. The application was not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file. 3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice. We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we find no evidence of an error or injustice that occurred in the discharge processing. Based on the available evidence of record, it appears the discharge was consistent with the substantive requirements of the discharge regulation and within the commander's discretionary authority. The applicant has provided no evidence which would lead us to believe the characterization of the service was contrary to the provisions of the governing regulation, unduly harsh, or disproportionate to the offenses committed. We have noted the information provided by the applicant related to his post service activities. However, we do not find this evidence sufficient to warrant favorable consideration of the applicant’s request based on clemency. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis upon which to recommend granting the relief sought. _________________________________________________________________ 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 Docket Number BC-2011-00692 in Executive Session on 29 Jun 11, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 20 Feb 11. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. FBI Report of Investigation, dated 14 Mar 11. Exhibit D. Letter, AFBCMR, dated 29 Apr 11. Exhibit E. Letter, Applicant, dated 24 May 11, w/atch. Panel Chair