Alex Popovic Subway sandwich shop commando
She’s been looking for a venue to publish her research when she discovered TSO’s battle against uncommon stupidity last week and settled on TAH.
This is Alex Popovic, CEO and Founder of Greyside Group; you can view his website here www.greysidegroup.com.
By their own admission they have the “Highest Legal, Moral, and Professional Business practices in the Industry”.
Let’s look at the first paragraph of his bio:
“Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Mr. Popovic immigrated to the Unites States in 1986, becoming a U.S. citizen in 1994. Earning a degree in Chemical Engineering at Florida State University, he garnered minors in mathematics and physics as well. In 1993 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, rising to serve in elite U.S. Special Operations units for 10 years. Mr. Popovic participated in classified and unclassified missions throughout the world, including Liberia, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He was awarded the Silver Star for valor and the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat. He has briefed former President George W. Bush, Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, and various national security advisors and national military command council members on strategies and tactics during the Global War on Terror after the events of 11 September 2001. ”
WOW! Impressive!
– Silver Star Recipient-
– Purple Heart Recipient
– Briefed former President George Bush and Secretary of Defense RumsfeldThe Real issue. Confirmation from the Marine Corps-
NO SILVER STAR. NO PURPLE HEART. NO CAR.
NOT EVEN A COMBAT ACTION RIBBON!
A degree at FSU? I see an Aleksandar Popovic with a degree from FSU….but he is a Serbian politician.
What a Coincidence!
Sounds like this guy would be working at a Subway store, not briefing former President Bush.
Which reminds me……he WAS a Subway manager, and managed to work his way up to owner. Maybe the CAR is a sandwich, not an award? (Chicken Avocado Ranch?)
Question of the day – With the Stolen Valor issue- doesn’t it seem like this poser has built an industry on military honors he has not received?
I’ve seen her documentation, but I’m not publishing it here at her request since she’s also approached ABC News.
Category: Phony soldiers
What I am wondering about is how he got the codes and whatnot in a .gov website. I think the questions we should all be asking –
-Is there any vetting at all going on these days?
-Is there more to this “Pops” story than what we are seeing?
-Same with his company that has been mentioned as a legit Maritime Security Company by a stand-up, well known and respected retired Master Chief in the past.
Hey I really don’t know the guy other than a course from 2007, but one would have to be a 24k champion BS artist to make it around any of the instructors back in 2007. Especially on that compound.
Does he look goofy as hell in that picture taken in Iraq? Yes.
Was he even there?
Yes.
Was it dangerous there and did he perform? From what I can gather…Yes
Did I shudder to find out that Greyside group was his and that I did not know it until now – and worse yet I sent my info to him/it a few months ago for possible employment?
Yes.
Should you all gather as much info as possible and exhaust all conventional and unconventional contacts before you light the gasoline on the guy?
Of course.
Lots of fakes out there, but I am about 50/50 on this one.
Are you all commendable for your work in busting out complete frauds?
Absolutely.
Agreed. Check the docs on SandGram, POWNetwork and all the links provided on the various sites. You cannot get listed on the GCG as a Service Disabled Vet without claiming such. His ‘bio’ and ‘resume’ speak for themselves. Regardless of what he did in 2007 at BW, the fact remains that he as clearly lied about a ton of stuff in the military including honors, being a disabled vet. etc. Guy claims to have joined the USMC in ’93 as a reservist. By ’95 was chopped to 2nd Force rescuing Scott O’Grady? He doesn’t even have a CAR or USMC/Navy Jump wings…from what I can see he was a reservist (nothing wrong with that) who went to a bunch of schools, did an ADSW at SS in Quantico and then got out without any real deployment, combat etc. No dishonor in his service. Afterwards, he began fabricating info to make it look like he was a real operator. That is where it goes south.
A look guys, the issue is whether he falsely claimed he had a Silver Star or Purple Heart. He was a sniper and he was with Recon and he was working as a guard for BW’s special projects.
It’s possible that someone may have heard him saying he had a silver star or bronze star on one of his other awards. I know there are all kinds of devices they put on multiple awards these days. Give the guy a chance tell his side of the story before you hang him out to dry.
I disagree. The issue is his integrity overall. His SS/PH claims are but one part of a larger story. Clearly, he claimed disabled vet status on the CCR. It is still there. His resume didn’t write itself and it is ludicrous to believe someone wrote the bio just to screw with him. If you know the guy, then you bring him to back up his claims or dispute the claims. Are you really suggesting that maybe he was confused by a star on an award? Look at his rack as provided by the USMC. That is BS.
AND…let me clear this up. According to the USMC..he never operated as a sniper. He graduated sniper school and worked as an instructor at quantico. He was a Recon reservist. His service would make most Marines proud. Why lie about the rest? His awards show no expeditionary, CAR, overseas, sea service or anything else that shows any deployment, combat, or service other than a reservist.
I agree with 18D. He said, she said….Yes, No, Maybe so. Lets get him to tell the story or at least find someone that can verify that he earned the awards he claims.
Unless he is some total kind of Chuck Norris / Col. Braddock loner wannabe fake, there has to be someone out there that can confirm other than a Records clerk. A Silver Star is a bit much to mess up on, but then DD214’s can be messed up in the smaller details. I got ripped on awards that I never saw (Good conduct is on the DD214 – Never saw it in person – Same with the ‘lapel pin.’) and was awarded things that did not show up on my DD214 (Expert Pistol.)
Also, I am not going into detail about BW but I think it would be kind of hard if not impossible to con the folks that were in charge of the outfit at the time as well be associated with the kind of folks Pops was associated with.
People do unfortunately slip through the cracks though and if this is the case then he needs to be exposed as a fraud. If not for honor’s sake then for National Security and basic safety’s sake. However, if he is legit – then he needs to be appologized to.
BTW, I did not – REPEAT…DID NOT open the ‘Special Projects’ can of worms…..Just for the record!!!! 🙁 🙁
astronut: Sounds like you have seen his FOIA. Got a link for same? If so, could you post it? Or, alternatively, if you have a full name and either SSN or DOB, let me know and I’ll file a new FOIA on the individual.
Doc: FOIAs aren’t based simply on a copy of an individual’s DD214. The entire file is supposed to be reviewed – and from what little I’ve seen, the USMC does a pretty good job (comparatively speaking) re: completeness of files. Granted, human nature being what it is, some techs at NPRC doubtless take the easy way out. But they don’t usually miss the big stuff – like Silver Stars and Purple Hearts. If those aren’t on a FOIA, it’s a damn good bet the individual doesn’t have them.
Astronut….:
Exactly, why lie about the rest?
“Some records clerk”?..they didn’t just confirm the no SS, PH, or CAR, they listed all of his awards. Even if they made a mistake on the SS, he would have had some service in country…did they leave out the Afg./Iraq, Expeditionary, sea service etc.CAR, etc? He has a reserve ribbon with two stars…this means he finished his reservist service…NO active duty. If he floated with 22 MEU (as he claims with Scott O’Grady rescue), he would have received a SS deployment, plus an expeditionary or something else for the ‘rescue’. If the clerk had listed stuff that would indicate the SS was left off..I could buy it. In the USMC, you cannot get a SS without a CAR. If you float you get a SS deployment etc. It was not a simple mistake, there is nothing in his record that indicates anything other than reservist duty..period. Has anyone been in country to Iraq or Afganistan and NOT received at least a service medal?
Doc…Who knows…pathological liar? Trying to get laid? Who knows?…I am sure you have seen it few times like all of us have. Do you really think he briefed Rumsfeld when he was a junior enlisted reservist moonlighting as a Subway owner? Or do you believe he briefed the JCS? Good grief!..some of the stuff he claims is crazy. Why not say he landed on the moon?
I’m curious if I’m the only one who wonders why 18D’s email address begins with APopovic? That’s some real secret squirrel shit right there.
Hondo…I have not seen his FOIA but what I have seen online does not pass the smell test at all. As a former squid, I know what awards etc. are typical with deployments etc.
Thank you John. Confirmed what we already knew. “Pops” (as Doc said)…why not verify here and now?
1) did you ever claim to have the Silver Star or Purple Heart
2) did you ever claim to be a service disabled vet?
Two simple questions…
Here is the big question!!!!!
How did he slip through the background checks to get the jobs he got in 2007? Don’t we all think that Uncle Sam would have checked? Here is another question – Did he claim the Silver Star and Purple Heart before or after 2007?
If he was not checked out, then we have more problems than just a guy lying about a Silver Star and Purple Heart. Although I was not on the gig with him in Iraq, I know guys that were. Let me make some calls inquiries and see if I can get some more info. To me at this point….It is more than simply lying about awards.
Astronut – A bit of a misunderstanding on “records clerk” – I mean who was there to witness / and note actions that warranted a Silver Star? Last I checked SOF people do not staff the records division and someone cannot put themselves in for them. Well I guess people think they can, in this case.
Does a CO have to write someone up for a Silver Star? Purple Heart?
Oh yeah, you would be amazed who had ‘Vulcan mind melts’ with GW Bush and crew during his terms.
Doc…great idea! I agree that it is more than awards. Who knows how long or to who he has lied about this stuff. It may be strategic when it fits his needs
Since 18D is, apparently him…why doesn’t he answer???
Well, If 18D is him and he is apparently been chimming in – then tell everyone already….Clear it up.
crickets…no surprise there.
I would do it, cause’ you don’t want to know who I am going to with this next.
You guessed it! The well known and well respected retired Master Chief that recommended Greyside Group.
I’ll tell you what, I’ll give you until the 22nd of Aug to either prove these guys are full of shit or I will get into contact with them, have them provide me with proof you are full of shit, then hand it over to TWO retired Master Chiefs with the big tridents.
If you are legit, the first round of booze is on me!!!
Doc…I suspect you will hear crickets, crickets and more crickets…
Thanks for taking this proverbial bull by the horns to get some resolution! This needs a heavy hitter…
As I said, I will make some calls and inquiries on the character of the man operationally. Over the years since 07′ I heard some casual anecdotes of “funky” behavior about Alex down range. The picture really rang home one story heard and I stored it away in the back of my mind. It was a bit of a surprise to just mess around on the net one night and find Alex here.
This was the first time I saw the famed ‘picture’ I was told about. Anyone down range would agree that John Wayne dressed like Lil’ Wayne is about as believable than the one Alex is posing in.
I will give him one week to prove or renounce his claims, then hand it over to one, if not two “bulls” who will then sort it out since that is what they do…And it seems at times, for the fu!@’n fun of it…..make snacks out folks that steal valor. and probably could give a shit what the Supreme Court rules about it.
Me, I never got medals of above average worth in the military, just monetary bonuses for the shit jobs the military did not want to do when I got out. I was only promoted once when I was in the military and thats because they had to by regulation. I still have respect for those that earn medals awarded by thier country for bravery and I despise those that fake it….Stealing honor, fame and possibly future fortune from those that did not fake it.
Well….I am sure the frogs are going to be out to eat those crickets here soon.
From Spec Ops to Sandwich Artist…
Must be the PTSD. If not, then it has to be the Subway benefits/compensation package.
I wonder if he is hanging w/ Jared?
Turd.
As astronut said…”crickets”…you would think someone who has been ‘falsely accused’ and has briefed pres. Bush, etc. would have the gumption to correct the inaccuracies (if they are inaccurate) on this blog. Instead, he lurks, and tries to promote himself using a false name? How would 18D know ‘he’ was working for BW’s special projects? Oh..yeah…John pointed that out…it is AP himself..
6 days…..
Real 18D….You would know since you had to try out for it and make the cut.
And….its a pretty small community. Kind of like the degrees of Kevin Bacon only alot less degrees. Guys know guys that know guys…ect. ect. Either names and places match up or they don’t.
Has anyone tried to call him about this? I just left him a voicemail but don’t think I’ll hear back.
Lets be real…you won’t hear back because he is a pussy…he can’t even defend himself on this forum.! You think he wall “call you back”? C’mon man! If he had any balls he would defend himself and defend his integrity. What does he do? Fakes a name and says: “He was a good guy and a good operator”…what a bitch…honestly man…I would kick someone’s ass for less…as you would, I am sure…maybe he should make a F’n sandwich and jerk off…
I hear he’s been stomping around his house and punching walls since this published. I also heard he lost some business because of this post. In the weeks since I clicked “Publish”, this is the best idea he had to combat the effect of the post? Really?
Hey John, if that’s true then it’s got to be pretty clear that he did claim to have been awarded the SS and PH. I mean, if dude is loosing work (which it seems he got under false pretense anyway, so its probably less about him “loosing work” and more about karma sorting it all out) you’d think he’d take action against false accusations – of course, as I’m sure he is realzing, he can’t take action against the truth!
Lets just reach out to Mike Ferguson now living in England apparfently running his London office (great beach volley ball town). Mike is the retired SEAL who was reported arrested doing an anti-piracy job for Grey-Stone. I learn of this event by doing aa advanced ALGORE.NET news search for GreyStone. BTW his office phones are disconnected and he does not answer RFP emails.
Sorry it is me # 132
September 13, 2011 12:19 ET GreySide Group Adds Anti-Piracy Expert & Opens UK Office to Support Growth UK Office and Anti-Piracy Expert Support GreySide’s Global Clients HERNDON, VA–(Marketwire – Sep 13, 2011) – GreySide Group, an industry leader in Maritime Security, Anti-Piracy, and International Risk Management & Security is proud to announce the opening of a European office in the United Kingdom, and the addition of Michael Ferguson to the executive team. GreySide Group recently opened a European office in the heart of London, England. This office is supported by a dedicated European manager and will enable GreySide Group to more effectively support European clients. In addition to opening the UK office, GreySide has also added Mike Ferguson as the VP of Global Operations. Mike Ferguson brings over 25 years of military, law enforcement, and maritime training to GreySide Group. A 21 year veteran of US Naval Special Warfare (SEALS), Mike served with both SEAL Team One and SEAL Team Eight and conducted operational deployments throughout the world. After retiring from the SEALs, Mike was active in law enforcement where he worked as counter-narcotic and SWAT officer. Mr. Ferguson was also the senior small-arms and Close Quarters Combat instructor for the US’s premier counter-narcotics and anti-piracy organization — the US Coast Guard’s Tactical Law Enforcement Team SOUTH. “Pirates are becoming increasingly violent and are quickly adapting to the increased security in the industry. GreySide Group is committed to staying ahead of the pirates and ensuring that we can provide the best possible services for our clients. Mike brings unparalleled maritime security expertise and experience to GreySide Group. His addition to our team will enable GreySide to continue to provide industry leading maritime security services and provide our clients with confidence that their vessels and crews are protected.” About GreySide Group Founded in 2003, The GreySide Group as an international risk management firm specializing in training, maritime security, intelligence operations, and information security. With a specialty in providing armed security in high-risk environments, GreySide Group is the exclusive provider of maritime security services for several of the largest, and most prominent… Read more »
I have not verified this info.
On 13 September 2011 a GreySide Group press release reported that Michael Ferguson was brought on as the Vice President of Global Operations. Just days later he and his team of three Americans and a Brit were arrested on illegal weapons charges in the Nampula Airport.
Ferguson spent 21 years with the SEALs to include deployments with SEAL TEAM 1 and SEAL TEAM 8, before becoming a weapons and tactics instructor for the Coast Guard, and, just this month, an executive for the GreySide Group – a Herdon, Virginia based international risk management firm.
According to a BBC report, Ferguson commented he and the others were on a mission to free a vessel held by pirates in Pimba.
Inacio Dina, Nampula’s provincial police spokesperson, told the BBC that the weapons include a FN 5.5mm rifle, ammunition, and communications gear.
Greyside has not yet commented. The US Embassy has said they had no connection to the group.
Other details of this story are unknown at this time.
BBC Report of Arrest and/or Detention of Grey Group Anti-Piracy Team
19 September 2011 Last updated at 14:12 ET
Mozambique profile
Four Americans and one Briton who say they were trying to free a boat seized by pirates have briefly been detained in Mozambique on suspicion of possessing illegal weapons.
They were held at the airport in the city of Nampula on Friday, police said.
The men from the US security firm GreySide were questioned and quickly released after the authorities “found no wrongdoing”, the company later said.
It said that the team was carrying ammunition legally.
“As a security firm operating globally we take every step to ensure all proper licenses are obtained prior to conducting international missions on behalf of our clients,” GreySide said in a statement.
The US embassy said the group had no connection to the US government.
Mozambique’s police named the leader of the group as 42-year-old US citizen Michael Ferguson. He has not commented to the press.
The group had reportedly flown from the United States via Ethiopia and Kenya, where they picked up the weapons.
Mr Ferguson reportedly said their plan was to catch small boats in the northern Mozambican coastal city of Pemba before joining a larger vessel and trying to free the boat from pirates – it is not clear which ship they were allegedly trying to rescue.
Somalia-based pirates have attacked ships across the Indian Ocean, earning millions of dollars from ransom payments.
Four Britons, who say they were trying to provide protection from pirates, were released by Eritrea in June after six months in captivity.
This dude went from the OPS community to making sandwiches?
Yeah. Right.
I wonder what sandwich his dog likes?
5 days…..
Hey guys. Kaizar here. If you think the Microsoft Word Bio and mystery woman in the sandwich store are big news, wait until you hear THIS!
I did some research and have a VERY credible source who served with Alex and said he has not paid income taxes for the past 10 years, even though he’s filthy rich. Also I heard that he fired an employee a few years ago, who lost his benefits and his wife died a slow, miserable death from cancer because of it. I am making some calls now to verify this information so hang tight.
As if that’s not mind blowing enough, hold on to your shorts my studious mystery solvers. I just found a WordPress blog that has all of this information on it (his tax returns are scanned in on Greyside letterhead). Am going to verify that it is, indeed, a WordPress blog website, and then post that information too.
Let’s get this tax evading, woman killing, franchise owning, America hating, piece of sh!t.
However, I suspect we’ll hear crickets on this too. SHOW US YOUR TAX RETURNS POPS. You owe it to us. Or prepare to incur the wrath of hell. LET’S GET THIS B@STARD…WHO’S WITH ME!
#1.) Hey now….Since when do we collaborate with the IRS Gestapo? Granted I pay my taxes, but believe it or not I do it out of patriotism and not simply fear of the law. Still, I don’t like using the IRS Gestapo as some sort of punishment weapon. Lots of folks don’t pay taxes….Look at the supposed 1 percent.
#2.) I simply wish for an explanation from Alex….Nothing more. Either he has the medals….or he don’t…..If he said he has them, does not, then appologizes….He provides proof that someone is messing with him (It does happen) A typed in, written explanation or appology both to you gents and the POW network.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot……..
4 days……..
Doc, you’re noble and I’m glad folks like you are out here. There is a lot of venom available from those who know him or have been duped by him. This rabbit hole goes way deeper than just buying a SIlver Star at the PX and wearing it to score with the ladies and then telling tales of secret presidential missions.
A lot of people along the way have been litterlaly con’ed out of savings by the guy. The woman who dug the story up came across a lot of folks not in the military know, and bought into this guys stories.
Check out the law suit on the GS web site. Alex tries to counter sue the guy who put up $800k to launch GS in the first place when the investor threatens to pull the funds once he realizes Alex is diverting funds. (http://greysidegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Global_federal-lawsuit-against-Rob-Caulfield_Chris-Mark_Chris-Gowins_Spencer-Geissinger_James-Kirsop-Taylor1.pdf)
I’m certain there is a LOT more info about that case that the parties can’t talk about due to non disclosure agreements, but the the issue with this guy isn’t just an extra medal or two…
But if the lies about the SS and PH bring the other lies to light, hopefully it will help those who have lost substantial monies in their recovery processes.
This clown is making me hungry for a Subway sandwich.
This felcher stikes me as the meatball(s)type with extra buffalo sauce.
Two-hole Ranger he is.
Hey Doc, is today the day we learn the real story??
showing 4 court cases from vegas
Search by “Party” and input “Popovic”
https://www.clarkcountycourts.us/Anonymous/Search.aspx?ID=400
08A573817 M A K Subs LLC vs Ray Larsen, Gaylyn Larsen, et al 10/17/2008
Department 13 Business Court
Closed
08A576528 Joseph Rivera vs Alexander Popovic, Subway 15131, et al 11/25/2008
Department 27 Breach of Contract
Open
08A576611 Joseph Rivera vs Greystone Group Inc, 811 East Quartz Avenue, LLC, et al 11/25/2008
Department 13 Business Court
Open
A-09-590539-C Aleksandar Popovic, Plaintiff(s) vs. Mark Gerry; M A K Subs LLC; Ray Larsen, Defendant(s) 05/18/2009
Department 3 Transfer from Justice Court
Closed
Trend? me thinky not.
Unless I see something from him on this site tommorow in the AM, I will gather as many links I can get, create the report and send it to at least one of the retired gentlemen that can make some things unpleasant for the man, or at least put out the word. Unfortunately, we lost some legal action due to the Supreme Court ruling, but we can make him a little more well known in the community. Liars and thieves are usually one the in same. Its just a matter of time before he does something to wind up in prison, especially these days.
That’s great news Doc. I’ll bet Alex is sweating now. Brian, I just read the link you posted in comment 143 (wonder why blog owner didn’t mention this). This is some crackpot detective work. So let me get this straight: 1)There’s an obvious HUGE lawsuit front and center on Greyside’s Website. Blog owner fails to mention this. 2)Both sides of lawsuit will villainize the other. Both sides think they’re right. Stakes are obviously HUGE. 3)Ruling was in favor of Pops. Other side is pissed. 4)At least one of them is probably an IT savvy keyboard jockey bent on revenge (see #3 below). 5)The “proof” this group of crime solvers is fighting over is a bio on Greyside letterhead, letterhead that any former employee or owner would have access to. (ABC news will take this VERY seriously for sure.) 6)Business owner gets sued. Have any of you EVER owned an ACTUAL business. It happens all the time to people who are successful and honest. 7)Both Pops and angry opponents have gag orders so can’t talk about any of this. They have to use “other avenues” (pawns) or say nothing at all. 8)Any “evidence” found on the web only goes to verify the judgments that everyone has already made up in their minds. Group psychology. The legend builds. But wait…there’s more: 1)This studious blog owner takes the word of a mystery woman sandwich eater who was super patriotic and just had to tell someone about this conniving bastard (who really believes this? proof?). Doesn’t reveal source because of Explosive upcoming ABC Interview (LOL. ABC wouldn’t shit on this story.) 2)This studious blog owner confirms that bio was on “Greyside Letterhead” (which means nothing). Also on random WordPress website. That’s some real “secret squirrel shit” there. 3)This studious blog owner takes down link to mystery website, very quickly (hmm wonder why). Mystery blog all of a sudden shuts down and becomes “members only”. Almost like both are colluding, and hiding something…nevermind…that’s not possible. 4)Random people post on this website venomous posts to rile up the other sheeple. 5) Blog owner insinuates that he… Read more »
@148.
I bet you like the “hero” sandwich. Do you not?
Turd.
By the way, how is Jared?
Take note. The anonymous posters using the same jokes and the same language, and ones who are “protesting too much” are…get this…are you ready…hold on….sit down for this…THE SAME PERSON. HOLY JUMPIN’ FUCKIN’ JESUS!
Watch who comes out of the woodworks here to respond to #148 and it will start becoming clear who the REAL Kaizar Soze really is.
You’re outed Green Thumb. NEXT!