RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-02133 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His general (under honorable conditions) discharge be upgraded to honorable. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: The record is not in error but unjust due to his service as a Law Enforcement specialist. He served honorably for a year and a month. He received an Article 15 for falling asleep on his post although he was sick with fever at the time of the incident. He was then given the option to continue serving or be discharged. He chose the latter due to his father’s failing health. He never thought to amend his record. He never viewed his discharge as dishonorable until he was denied certain VA benefits. Since his discharge, he has completed his college education and worked his way up the corporate ladder. He is now the manager of eight sales representatives for a Fortune 500 company. He would like his discharge upgraded so that he can qualify for a VA home loan to purchase a home for his family. In support of his appeal, the applicant provides a copy of his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and a list of the items needed for a VA home loan. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force on 25 July 1988. On 29 August 1989, his commander notified him of his intent to recommend him for discharge for minor disciplinary infractions. Specifically, the applicant received one Article 15, four Letters of Reprimand and six Letters of Counseling. On 30 August 1989, the applicant acknowledged receipt of his commander’s intent. He also acknowledged his right to consult counsel and submit matters on his behalf: he declined both. The Staff Judge Advocate reviewed the case and found it legally sufficient on 30 August 1989. The discharge authority directed the applicant be discharged with a general (under honorable conditions) discharge. His narrative reason for separation was listed as misconduct – pattern of minor disciplinary infractions and his reentry code is listed as 2B (approved involuntary separation with less than honorable discharge.) He was credited with 1 year, 1 month and 6 days of active duty service. Pursuant to the Board's request for information, the FBI indicated that, on the basis of the evidence provided, they were unable to locate an arrest record pertaining to the applicant. The applicant appeals to the Board for clemency. Since leaving the service, he has listened to the needs of others and offered a helping hand. He believes this is what has made him successful in his career and it brings him a sense of purpose and satisfaction. He enjoys helping others and providing direction and encouragement. He is most proud of his role as a good husband and father. It has taken him 20 years to appeal for a second chance at being an honorable veteran; and, he requests favorable consideration. The applicant’s complete response, with attachments, is at Exhibit D. ________________________________________________________________ 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 during the discharge process. 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, or unduly harsh. We considered upgrading the discharge based on clemency; however, we are not inclined to extend clemency at this time. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis upon which to recommend granting the relief sought in this application. ________________________________________________________________ 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 AFBCMR Docket Number 2011-02133 in Executive Session on 4 January 2012, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 20 May 11. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 16 Sep 11. Exhibit D. Applicant’s response, dated 3 Nov 11. Panel Chair