On 23 Jun 08 I posted a question on this forum regarding whether or not I should have received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Berlin). I was stationed in France from 5/62 to 11/63, which covered part of the Berlin Crisis period of 8/61 to 6/63. I was nowhere near Berlin, but one of the units I was assigned to in France (37th Transportation Command) was responsible for transporting supplies in support of the Berlin Brigade. Right after making that post I sent a request to the Army Review Boards Agency to have my DD 214 updated to show all the awards I was entitled to (currently it only lists the AGCM). To my total surprise, yesterday I received a letter from the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) who approved the AFEM (Berlin)! Here is what the letter said:
"The applicant's contention that he is entitled to the AFEM was also carefully considered and found to have merit. In accordance with regulation, in order to qualify for the AFEM for Berlin, there must be evidence the applicant was a bona fide member of a unit participating in or engaged in direct support of the operation for 30 consecutive days in the area of operations ... Although the applicant's record gives no specific indication that he was a member of a unit that participated in or served in direct support of either the Berlin operations, it does show that he was assigned to the 106th Transportation Battalion in France and/or Germany from 19 May 1962 to 5 June 1964, and the 106th Transportation Battalion had a history of being heavily committed to supporting the Berlin troop buildup during that timeframe. Based on the unit's history, during the time that the applicant was assigned to the unit, it would be appropriate to correct the applicant's DD Form 214 to show entitlement to the AFEM."
So there it is in black and white. It also shows me that some awards are purely arbitrary (remember Senator Kerry and the fast boat controversy?).
I have thought about joining the VFW, but I have to check out what they are involved with. I quit drinking 14 years ago, so sitting around drinkings brews is not my thing anymore. At least I have the option to join now.
The VFW is about a lot more than sitting around the canteen drinking beer and telling old war stories. They are one of the biggest advocates for returning veterans on capitol hill. They also do a lot in the community. They are often the ones who organize those welcoming parties at the airport for troops coming home.
Thanks runfuret, I knew there had to be more to it, I'm just unsure what it is yet. I guess I should contact my local post and see what they're involved with.
hhmmm,so you recieved the AFEM for sitting back there in France and SUPPORTING the troops huh?Wonder why they didn't award the Boy Scouts an AFEM for collecting coke cans in support of the troops back in 1960-1963? Hell,maybe they should just award the AFEM to the girl scouts too.and while they are at it,give it to the cub scouts,I am sure they too supported the troops.
Originally posted by 8971210: hhmmm,so you recieved the AFEM for sitting back there in France and SUPPORTING the troops huh?Wonder why they didn't award the Boy Scouts an AFEM for collecting coke cans in support of the troops back in 1960-1963? Hell,maybe they should just award the AFEM to the girl scouts too.and while they are at it,give it to the cub scouts,I am sure they too supported the troops.
Originally posted by 8971210: hhmmm,so you recieved the AFEM for sitting back there in France and SUPPORTING the troops huh?Wonder why they didn't award the Boy Scouts an AFEM for collecting coke cans in support of the troops back in 1960-1963? Hell,maybe they should just award the AFEM to the girl scouts too.and while they are at it,give it to the cub scouts,I am sure they too supported the troops.
This is a weak response. You probably sucked the excitement right out of this guy. Now let's hear why you are such a hero.
