1 

AIR FORCE DISCHARGE  REVIEW BOARD HEARING RECORD 

NAME OF SERVICE MEMBER (LAST, FIRST MIDDLE INITIAL) 

GRADE 

1  AFSNISSAN 

aUIYSEL ,  ''1  NAME OF COUNSEL AND OR ORGANLZATION 

r b n > u ~ i A L  APPEARANCE 

1  I r ro GEN 

I 

I 

YES 

No 

I 

I 

I  X 

I 

1 

I 

RECORDREVIEW 

ADDRESS AND OR ORGANLZATION OF COUNSEL 

I 

I 

I  LETTER OF NOTIFICATION 

BRIEF OF PERSONNEL FILE 
COUNSEL'S RELEASE TO THE BOARD 
ADDITIONAL EXHIBITS SUBMITTED AT TIME OF 
PERSONAL APPEARANCE 
I  TAPE RECORDING OF PERSONAL APPEARANCE 

HEARING DATE 

CASE NUMBER 

07 Dec 2005 
APPLICANTS ISSUE AND THE BOARD'S  DECISlONAL RATIONAL ARE DISCUSSED ON TfiE ATTACHED AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD DECISIONAL RATIONALE 

FD-2005-00118 

I 

Case heard at Washington, D.C. 

Advise applicant of the decision of the Board. 

Names and votes will be made available to the applicant at the applicant's request. 

I  SlGNbTTlREOFIlECORDER 

. , 

SIGNATURE OF BOARD PRESIDENT 

TO: 

I 

SAFIMRBR 
550 C STREET WEST, SUITE 40 
RANDOLPH AFB, TX 78150-4742 

AFHQ FORM 0-2077, JAN 00 

INDORSEM~NT 

i 

1 
I 

DATE:  12/8/2005 - 

SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE PERSONNEL COUNCIL 
AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW  BOARD 
ISJSCO>l>lASD DR.  EE WING. 3RD FLOOR 
. -  -  - -  -  - - 
ANDREWS AFB, MD 20762-7002 

I 
(EF-V2) 

Previous edition will be used 

1 

I 

1 

I 

CASE NUMBER 

GENERAL:  The applicant appeals for upgrade of discharge to honorable. 

The applicant was offered a personal appearance before the Discharge Review Board (DRB) but declined to 
exercise this right. 

The attached brief contains available pertinent data on the applicant and the factors leading to the discharge. 

I FINDINGS:  The Board grants the requested relief. 

The  Board  finds  that  neither  the  evidence  of  record  nor  that  provided  by  applicant  substantiates  an 
impropriety  that  would justify  a  change  of  discharge.  However,  based  upon  the  record  and  evidence 
provided by applicant, the Board finds the applicant's  discharge inequitable. 

ISSUE:  Applicant does not contest her discharge.  She admits that she had a drinking problem and had hit 
rock  bottom.  The  records  indicated the  applicant  received  two  Article  15s'  a  Vacation  action under  the 
UCMJ  and a Letter of Reprimand for failure to  go, failure to pay just  debts and operating a motor vehicle 
while  intoxicated.  The  DRB  opined  that  due  to  the  applicant's  significant  post-service  conduct  and 
supporting documents, that she is not the same person as depicted during her last year in the Air Force.  The 
applicant had served four years successfully before she got into trouble with alcohol.  The Board concluded 
the misconduct was a significant departure from conduct expected of all military members.  However, since 
her discharge, the member has successfully maintained her sobriety and also has completed over three years 
employment in a Federal government position which requires a Top Secret security clearance, which she was 
granted.  The  DRB  determined these  significant  post-service  achievements  warranted  an  upgrade  to  the 
characterization of her discharge. 

CONCLUSIONS:  The  Discharge  Review  Board  concludes that  the  discharge  was  consistent with  the 
procedural  and  substantive requirements  of  the  discharge  regulation and  was  within  the  discretion of  the 
discharge authority and that the applicant was provided full administrative due process. 

However,  in  view  of  the  foregoing  findings,  the  Board  further  concludes  that  the  overall  quality  ol 
applicant's  service is more accurately reflected by an Honorable discharge and should be changed under the 
provisions of Title 10, USC 1553. 

1 Attachment: 

Examiner's Brief 

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

AIR FORCE DISCHARGE REVIEW BOARD 

ANDREWS AFB,  MD 

(Former AlC)  (HGH Unknown) 

DOCUMENTS MISSING 

1.  MATTER UNDER REVIEW:  Appl rec'd a GEN Disch fr Hurlburt Field, FL on 14 Feb 
97 UP AFI 36-3208, para 5.50.2 (Pattern of Misconduct -  Conduct Prejudicial to 
Good Order and Discipline).  Appeals for Honorable Discharge. 

2.  BACKGROUND: 

a. DOB: 22 Apr 66.  Enlmt Age: 25 2/12.  Disch Age: 30 9/12. Educ: HS DIPL. 
AFQT: N/A.  A-Unknown,  E-Unknown,  G-Unknown,  M-Unknown. PAFSC: 1C351 -  Command 
and Control Journeyman. DAS: Unknown. 

b.  Prior Sv: (1) AFRes 11 Jul 91 -  10 Dec 91 (5 months) (Inactive) . 

3.  SERVICE UNDER REXIEW: 

a.  Enlisted on 11 Dec 91 for 6 yrs. Svd: 5 Yrs 2 Mo 4 Das, all AMS. 
b.  Grade Status:  A1C -  11 Apr 96 

c.  Time Lost:  None. 

d.  Art 15,s: (Examiner's Note):  The following documents are missing. 

Information was extracted from the Notification Memorandum). 

(1) 22 Apr 96, Hurlburt Field, FL -  You did, on or about 4 

Apr 96, fail to go to your appointed place of duty.  You 
did, between on or about 30 Dec 95 and on or about 29 
Feb 96, fail to pay your just debt to American Express 
for ATM cash advances, goods, services, and service 
charges in the amount of $554.85, which was your duty to 
pay. Punishment unknown.  (No appeal) (No mitigation) 

(2) 11 Apr 96, Hurlburt Field, FL -  You did, on or about 4 

Apr 96, fail to go at the time prescribed to your 
appointed place of duty.  Punishment unknown. 
(No appeal) (No mitigation) 

(3) 21 Mar 96, Hurlburt Field, FL -  You did, on or about 16 

Feb 96, fail to go at the time prescribed to your 
appointed place of duty.  Establishment of an 
Unfavorable Information File and control roster. 
Further punishment unknown. (No appeal)  (No mitigation) 

e.  Additional: LOR, 25 NOV 96 -  Operating a motor vehicle while 

intoxicated.  Added to existing UIF. 

f.  CM:  None. 

g.  Record of SV: Performance Reports missing from file. 

h.  Awards &  Decs:  AFAM, AFLSAR, AFTR, AFOSLTR, NDSM, AFOUA, AFGCM. 

i.  Stmt of Sv:  TMS: (5) Yrs  (7) Mos  (4) Das 
TAMS:  (5) Yrs  (2) Mos  (4) Das 

4.  BASIS ADVANCED FOR REVIEW:  Appln  (DD Fm 293) dtd 28 Feb 05. 

(Change Discharge to Honorable) 

Issue 1:  As the supporting documents that I have submitted demonstrate, my 

post-service conduct and accomplishments have been sufficiently creditable to 
warrant the Board's clemency relief with upgrade of my characterization of 
service to fully Honorable. 

LETTER OF APPEAL ATTACHED TO BRIEF. 

ATCH 
1. Letter of Appeal  (2 pages) . 
2. Verification of Completion of Security Background Investigation. 
3. Employee Performance Plan and Appraisal Forms -  2003/2004 (4 pages). 
4. Standard Form 50-B; Promotions (3 pages). 
5. Standard Form 50-B; Awards  (4 pages) . 
6. Certificates of Appreciation or Recognition  (7 pages). 
7. Certificates of Accomplishment  (5 pages). 
8. Employment and education history  (2 pages). 
9. Eight(8) Character References. 

February 28,2005 

Military Discharge Review Board 
United States Air Force 
Washington, District of Columbia 

To Whom It May Concern: 

On February 14, 1997 I received a GeneraWnder Honorable Conditions discharge fiom the 
United States Air Force for "misconduct".  This was nine months and twenty-five days short of 
fulfilling my enlistment contract.  At the time I felt as if I had lost everythng.  My job, my home, 
my dignity - my honor.  I had been a good Airman but I had not been a good citizen.  My 
"misconduct"  was very specific and very dangerous.  Off-duty I was a drunk. 

Long before joining the Air Force I was what is known as a "functioning"  alcoholic. Not that it 
was known to me or at least not at a level of conciseness that would allow me to recognize, much 
less admit it.  Even after an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI), receiving two Article 
13s, and lose of rank; I still did not want to believe that I was truly an alcoholic.  The beginning 
of the end is still so clear to me - drinking everyday the month I was on leave between my last 
two assignments; the DUI the first night at my new base; the night in jail; still drinking up to the 
day prior to the conference with the Commander; only going to an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 
meeting that night because I thought it would look better for me when I started the rehabilitation 
program two days later; the reality of realizing I was an "Alcoholic"  washing over me like a 
great wave as I sat in that AA meeting; the sensation of feeling myself shrinking as I 
comprehended that I truly was the worst thing anyone could possibly be - I was an Alcoholic. 

I showed up for my first day at the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Center (SARC) positive they 
would take one look at me, know I was a lost cause, and send me away.  I could not have been 
more wrong.  They took one look at me, knew I had hit bottom, and were thrilled because all 
they had to do was work to build me back up.  They took a picture that first day and showed it to 
me on my last day.  I did not look like the same person and I wasn't.  I was sober and I knew 
beyond a shadow of a doubt that drinking alcohol would destroy my life, and I was armed with 
the tools and knowledge to stay sober. 

After completing SARC, and prior to being discharged, I returned to my duties as a Command 
and Control Specialist at the Hurlbert Field Command Post.  Two weeks later I was removed 
fiom duty by the Commander because it was felt that I should not hold a Top Secret clearance 
with my drinking record.  Until my discharge was complete I served as an assistant to the 
Dormitory Manager.  When notified by the Commander that I would be discharged, he again 
used the Top Secret clearance as the reason for being unable to return me to duty and therefore 
being unable to retain me in the Air Force. 

After departing military duty, I worked several different jobs while trying to regain my place in 
the world.  I began taking college classes while trying to find direction for my future.  And all 
the while I focused on learning to live a sober life.  In 2002, with over five years of sobriety and 
a new found confidence from several career successes, I moved to the Washington, D.C,.  area 
and began working for the United States government at the Executive Office of the President 
(EOP).  All employees of EOP are required to pass a security background investigation 
conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  Though my investigation took longer 
than most, and with full knowledge of my drinking record, the FBI completed my investigation 
and the EOP granted me a Top Secret clearance. 

I have been with EOP for over two years, have received several awards, and have been promoted 
to the position of Assistant to the Special Assistant to the President and Director, Office of 
Administration.  Last year I applied to the United States Foreign Service, a very long process 
requiring another security background investigation, as well as a full medical clearance, to be 
conducted by the Department of State.  These clearances delved even deeper into my drinking 
history and current program of sobriety.  The results are that I begin my career as a Foreign 
Service Specialist in March 2005. 

Since my discharge I have tried to continue my education as finances would allow.  Though I did 
pay into the Montgomery GI Bill, I have been unable to utilize the funds because I did not 
receive a fully Honorable discharge.  With access to the educational benefits of the GI Bill I 
could complete my degree and be able to reach even greater heights both personally and 
professionally. 

I am extremely proud, and honored, to have served over five years in the United States Air 
Force.  Those experiences, including the discharge, are part of what made me the better person 
that I am today.  The successes I have achieved and the new path I am beginning lead me to the 
decision to apply to appeal my discharge.  I feel that I must finally close the door on that part of 
my life, one way or the other.  It has been eight years and three months since I gained sobriety, 
and just over eight years since receiving a GeneraWnder Honorable Conditions discharge.  I am 
appealing to have that discharge upgraded to fully Honorable because I believe my post-military 
&hew&at-hadi-beerra-fforded-tk-oppomi-@ 
proven myself worthy of an Honorable discharge. 

teeomplete-m~nfistment-I-woulbhavc 

-- 

MEMORANDUM FOR AL C

-

  6 MSS 

FROM:  16 MSS/CC 

SUBJECT: Notification Memorandum 

1.  I am recommending your discharge from the United States Air Force for a pattern of 
misconduct, more specifically, for conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline.  The 
authority for this action is AFPD 36-32 and AFI 36-3208, section H, paragraph 5.50.2. If my 
recommendation for discharge is approved, your service will be characterized as honorable or 
general.  I am recommending your service be characterized as general. 

2-  My reasons for this action are based on the followjng: 

a  You did, on or about 1.6 Feb 96, fail togo to your appointed place of duty at the time 

prescribed, for which you received an Article 15, dated 21 Mar 96, and the establishment o f  a 
Unfavorable Wonnation File (UIF) and control roster. 

b.  You did, on or about 4 Apr 96, fail to go to your appointed place of duty at the time 

prescribed, for which you received a vacation action, dated 11 Apr 96, which was added to your 
existing UU. 

c.  You did, between on or about 30 Dec 95 and on or about 29 Feb 96, fail to pay your just 
debt to American Express for ATM cash advances, goods, services, and service cllarges in the 
amount of $554.85, which was your duty to pay, for which you received an Article 15, dated 
22 Apr 96, which was added to your existing UTF and control roster. 

d.  You did, on or about 4 Apr 96, fail to go to your appointed place of duty at the time 

prescribed, for which you received an Article 15, dated 22 Apr 96, which was added to your 
existing UF, and for which you were placed on the control roster. 

e.  You did, on or about 4 Nov 96, oprate a motor vehide while intoxicated, for which you 

received a Letter of Reprimand GOR), dated 25 Nov 96, which was added to your existing UIF. 

3-  Copies of the documents to be forwarded to the separation authority in support of this 
recommendation are attached.  The commander exercising SPCM jurisdiction or a higher 
authority will decide whether you will be discharged or retained in the Air Force.  If you are 
discharged, you will be ineligible for reenlistment in the Air Force. 

R e c e i v e d   T i m e   May.  20.  3:44Pbin[p--.n,p[~~~ 

4.  You have the right to consult counsel.  Militaq legal counsel has been obtained to assist you. 
I have made an appoinhent for you to consult ~ w l
Field, FL, Bldg 90042, on 
r
1 7 3AQ 

97 at 0830 hours.  You may consult civilian counsel at your own expense. 

t

b

u

 

5.  You have the right to sub-statements 
separation authority to consider 'must reach me within 3 work days unless you request and 
receive an extension for good cause shown.  I will send them to the separation authority. 

in your o m  behalf.  Any statyents you want the 

6.  If you fail to consult counscl or to submit statements in your own behalf, your failure will 
constitute a waiver of your right to do so. 

7.  You are scheduled for a medical examination an 
07 00  hrs on  \7  SRd 97 for the examination. 
0 4  a-0 
8.  Any personal information you furnish in rebuttal is covered by the Privacy Act Statement of 
1974- A copy of AFI 36-3208 is available for your use at the unit orderly room. 

burt Clinic at 

~ttachments : 
Documents Supporting Basis for Discharge 
1.  AF Form 3070 w/atchs, dtd 21 Mar 96 (3 p 
2- AF Form 366 w/atchs, dtd 11 Apr 96 (2 pgs) 
3.  AF Form 3070 w/atchs, dtd 22 Apr 96 (3 pgs) 
4.  AF Form 1058, dtd 22 May 96 
5.  LOR w/akhs, dtd 25 Nov 96 (4 pgs) 
6.  AF Form 1058, dtd 13 Dec 96 
Documents containing derogatory information--which are not listed in the n o ~ c a t i o n  
memorandum. 
7.  AF Form 1 137, undtd 
8.  AF Form 2587, dtd 23 Dec 96 
9.  AF Form 273 1, dtd 18 Nov 96 
10.  Airman's receipt of notification memorandum 

R e c e i v e d   T i m e   May.  20. 

3:44PM