Request by Military Member for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses

A reconsideration was requested of a prior decision which disallowed a claim for travel expenses incurred in connection with temporary duty assignment. The protester's letter stated that he informed his temporary duty station before departing to his permanent duty station to attend the funeral of his mother, that he would be willing to return if he did not have to pay the return travel expense. When he reported at his permanent station his unit chief informed him that arrangements were being made for his return trip and that he would not have to pay for the return flight. In addition, the protester was instructed to hand carry an assortment of spare parts needed at his temporary station. Before returning he was told that the amendment to his orders returning him to his temporary station was advantageous to the Air Force. The general rule is that an employee who interrupts or abandons official travel or a temporary duty assignment because of death or illness of a member of the family may be reimbursed for the cost of the travel to the point of interruption or abandonment. An exception may be made in cases where the employee has substantially completed the purpose of the travel or duties to be completed at no additional expenses to the Government. Based upon the record in the present case it was clear that the protester did not substantially complete his duties and, therefore, did not fall within the exception to the general rule. The prior decision was affirmed.