Another phony general
Our friends at POW Net asked if we can help them bring down this phony. He’s Michael RS Teilmann. He’s the Executive Director of the Bob Hope Hollywood USO. But there’s some funny stuff going on in his records. For example he claims he’s a general, but his records show he was discharged in 1978 as a major.
And take the list of medals in his FOIA – he shows several Republic of Vietnam service medals, but his Form 2-1 shows no foreign service;
Nor does it mention any assignments to Vietnam, or outside of California for that matter;
Apparently, this one shares with General Ballduster McSoulpatch a love for mess uniforms and foreign awards around his neck;
Now I found this quote from an article about a D-Day book;
The books’ author, Larry Collins, died in France last year, but Michael Teilmann calls himself an avid fan.
Teilmann had a long career in the army and National Guard, and achieved the rank of Brigadier General in the South Carolina State Guard.
The South Carolina State Guard is the state militia commanded by the governor, a separate entity from the SCNG. But there’s no real indicator of Teilmann’s service in South Carolina since he lives in California. Why do they need a figurehead 1-star general in South Carolina when there are more unemployed generals per square mile in South Carolina than any where else in the country?
Well, I found more documentation that he “retired” from the SCSG in 2001 and the in 2002 founded something called the 9th brigade US Army Volunteer Reserve which is a legitimate VSO and apparently does good work for veterans and service members.
Before writing this, I sought the counsel of fellow milbloggers who echoed my sentiment – this guy may have done a lot of good stuff, but that doesn’t mitigate the fact that he wears medals and ribbons he didn’t earn, and he’s probably not a real general.
You’re probably wondering about the photo at the beginning – it was taken in the US Embassy in China and Teilmann was there at some sort of ceremony honoring Chinese veterans who maintained Flying Tiger airstrips during WWII, listed as an Army general. Obviously, he isn’t;
From ……. xxx@ca.ngb.army.mil
Date Sat, 11 Sep 2004 104713 -0700
Subject US Embassy, Beijing Brigadier General TeilmannMr. XXX,
Thank you for the attached news article and photos of Mr. Teilmann, apparently at the United States Department of State Embassy in Beijing, China, and wearing what appears to be a United States Army uniform with the rank of Brigadier General.
Mr. Teilmann is not a member of either California’s National Guard or State Military Reserve. He is retired from the Reserve of the United States Army (National Guard) as a Major. The patches on his beret and shoulder do not appear to be those of any units associated with California’s National Guard or State Military Department.
I speculate that Mr. Teilmann joined an unofficial militia (perhaps in South Carolina). I also speculate that he is using his association with the USO to impersonate a General Officer that is recognized by the United States government, in the types of activities depicted in the photographs.
If you scroll down the POW Net page on Teilmann you’ll see countless instances of his fakery, including pictures with stars and the California governor. TSO tells me that Teilmann once escorted some American Legion luminaries around the USO.
Another press release on POW Net reports that there are several guys in California that belong to this Army Volunteer Reserve who just pinned on some rank and started wearing the uniform;
In response to public appearances on federal property and at local civic events by a group known as the U.S. Army Volunteer Reserve, the Orange County Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America today asked the FBI and California State Department of Corporations to investigate this group for wearing military uniforms and imitation decorations which are in violation of the United States Code that prescribes the regulations and penalties for wearing the uniform of a member of the armed forces. The volunteers have been appearing in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties, and also have been distributing uniforms and rank to immigrants in Southern California that served in the former Soviet Union and Vietnam, that have never served in the U.S. armed forces.
What a malignant practice – it’s like teaching people how to steal others’ valor. Doing good work doesn’t immunize anyone from the TAH phony soldier label.
February 1st, 2010 at 7:45 am
“I speculate that Mr. Teilmann joined an unofficial militia (perhaps in South Carolina).”
Jonn,
While I don’t know Mr Teilmann, I can assure you that the South Carolina State Guard is not an “unofficial militia”, it’s an actual military organization that falls under the command of the South Carolina State Adjunct General, just as the SCNG does. It’s unpaid members are subject to the UCMJ and the organization provides (amongst other things) rear echelon support to deployed SCNG units as well as SAR and Medical services if called out by the Adjuntant General. I was a member of the Georgia State Defense Force for 4 years and we did much the same mission. I would also note it seems to be a practice of alot of these State Guard units to recycle old Vietnam era decorations and adopt them to their own use, possibly to save on the expense and hassle of developing their own. Not saying it’s right, just saying it’s so.
The GSDF may not have been a very high speed/ low drag outfit, but during Katrina we took the primary position in offloading and caring for about 2600 refugees that arrived at Dobbins Air Force Base in Atlanta over a 5 day period. I’ve served as a medic/Nurse in many SARs in the North Georgia mountains and we had annual training at Ft Stewart as well as our monthly drills at the local NG armory. I went in as a SGT and left as a 1st Lt Nurse (once I worked out a deal that would leave me in the same unit if I accepted the promotion). These guys and gals buy all of their own equipment and uniforms and are called on constantly to do a shitload of thankless work for no pay.
If he indeed retired from the SCSG, it is quite possible that he is absolutely entitled to wear that uniform.
February 1st, 2010 at 7:50 am
Okay, Ray–then explain his wearing the medals he’s clearly not entitled to wear.
February 1st, 2010 at 8:05 am
Which part of “I would also note it seems to be a practice of alot of these State Guard units to recycle old Vietnam era decorations and adopt them to their own use, possibly to save on the expense and hassle of developing their own. Not saying it’s right, just saying it’s so.
was unclear Bro?
February 1st, 2010 at 8:15 am
Look guys, I don’t want to end up in the position of defending this guy. I just want to be sure we know he’s an asshat before the pile on starts. I looked at the SCSG web site, and there’s a PAO page. Maybe Jonn or TSO can call the Captain listed there as the contact and clear some of this up.
The only thing that sent my hackles up was the insinuation of the Califorina NG e-mail that the South Carolina State Guard was some kind of Bubba militia. Jonn’s original post make it clear that it was a real organization, and for that I am grateful, but I can’t tell you how much of my own time and money was spent on the GSDF and, as Micky Mouse as they sometimes seemed, they do a hell of a job for the State of Georgia, as does the SCSG for South Carolina.
February 1st, 2010 at 8:50 am
Ray, the picture of him wearing the uniform and the US on his lapel means he is representing the US Army, not the SCSG, and the number of General Officers are controlled by Congress, not the Governor of South Carolina. As such, he is in violation of a few things. That he is wearing a combat patch, while his records show he never left CONUS is also a mark against him, including the Vietnam ribbons. He may have been the SCSG, however, he wasn’t representing the SCSG in China, at least by the insignia he’s wearing.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:03 am
I can’t argue Army uniforms… I could never figure out why they gave us all those pockets and then wouldn’t let us put anything in them. LOL My experience with Army dress uniforms is nada as I never purchased one and so never had to worry about it. I do remember the GSDF being very strict about wearing any qualification badges that weren’t on your DD 214. I remember a CG inspection we had at Annual Training once. He saw the Dolphins on my BDU’s and asked me “SGT, are those on your DD 214?” and I replied “Yes Sir, and there’s only three things in the world I’m prouder of… and they call me “Daddy”".
I do agree that if he was wearing it as a SCSG General he should have had the “SC” instead of the “US”, and it should have said so on his nametag. I also went to the site for his US Army Vol. Reserve organization, and went to the uniform regs page. He doesn’t seem to be following them either. Too bad, he seems to have done alot more positive things than McAnus.
Like I said before, I just took umbrage to the insinuation from the left coast that State Guard units are bullshit. They may come off as being halfassed geeks… but they were MY halfassed geeks. LOL
February 1st, 2010 at 9:05 am
And he sure as HELL doesn’t deserve to wear that beret like that. Its about 2 sizes too small, for one. UGH.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:10 am
I happen to know something about what Ray posted, and he’s 100% right; there are quite a few state militias sprinkled across the US, including a host of units that date back to the nation’s founding and the Civil War period come to mind (the NY Arty and Atlanta’s Gate City Guard are examples). It’s a common practice for these units to pursue veterans for membership purposes, and many of them have the sanction of their respective state’s governor (hence the rank inflation…governor’s tend to toss those honors around to those who help fund reelection campaigns…I’m just sayin’). They tend to recycle old awards and ribbons and many use current issue uniforms as part of the unit’s dress (with the exception of the Gate City Guard which has most hideous uniform I’ve ever witnessed). I know several members of the SCSG and could possibly ask them about this gentleman, but if the goal is tear down a group of mostly harmless old dudes who sit around, drink scotch, smoke cigars and talk shit about what they did in the Korean War, I don’t think they’ll be too open to my inquiries.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:21 am
Hate to tell you Ray, but you ARE defending this assclown. And being a poseur is still illegal, whether you do it with good or nefarious intent.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:23 am
Yeah, my main complaints are the Vietnam service medals (they were awarded by the RVN gov’t and in his US Army records) and the fact that he gives the impression that he’s an Army general. I had no intention to besmearch the SC organization. However, the Army Reserve Volunteers need to be put in their place if they’re handing out Army uniforms and awards to people like candy. Since this goober, Teilmann, is a founder of the ARVs, it doesn’t surprise me that they’d be so lax.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:25 am
They’re doing a bit more than that now Clay. I saw where the GSDF is going to Ft Stewart and playing OPFOR to the NG units working up for deployment and other “fun” stuff. They really do make a contribution, especially now when so many NG units are deployed while the States still need them for home duties.
As for the beret… I have to say, that’s one of the better looking officer’s berets I’ve seen. You would be heartbroken to see some of the ones I’ve had to try to fix so our officers didn’t look like dickweeds on Post.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:31 am
Too much shuck and jive with this guy. He may be a USO General (whatever that office may be) or a General with a veterans’ group that is formed under 501(c)(3), but you can’t merge your Army uniform with non-military titles.
It would be like if a Marine lance corporal joined a volunteer fire department and became a captain in his volunteer fire department. He couldn’t start wearing captain’s bars on his Marine uniform.
This guy sounds like a decent guy based on his charitable work. He just needs to knock off the Captain Kangaroo crap in a military uniform — especially if he was never an U.S. Army General.
Good work, Jonn.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:36 am
No shipmate, I’m defending the State Guard units that serve all over America with honor and self sacrifice. This guy can go piss up a rope.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:41 am
The beret flash is the proper flash for the AVR. You can get one for 2 bucks off their site.
The Vietnam medals are showing on his FOIA. The military thinks he has earned them.
The current “commander” is also a BG after leaving AD as a Major. I will say that the current commander wears his 1 stars on his lapels in place of the US.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:42 am
Ok, just so we’re all clear; if the guy earned his rank in a legally constituted state militia, we’re cool…the decorations and other uni problems notwithstanding…or is there something I’m missing…like Ray, I’ve been involved with units like the SCSG and the Gate City Guard, and while the latter was mostly a social group, Ray is correct in noting that the governor can and does activate these units for genuine operations. If we have a problem, let’s air it, but I’m not chasing down the “eat, meet and retreat” crowd just for vanity’s sake.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:50 am
I’m telling you Jonn, all the ribbons and badges I received from the GSDF were old RVN awards revamped to be State awards. (Guess which ones I never seemed to get around to sewing on my uniform?. It would explain where he got the ribbons, but not why he was wearing the uniform of a U.S. Army General while wearing them.
I never wore the Class A’s so I didn’t have to worry about “losing” the ribbons. They gave out a few medals… Hell, once I even got a medal for recognizing a guy in insulin shock while we were doing AT at Ft Stewart. I just slapped an IV in him, gave him some D-50 and hung a bag of Normal Saline to get him ready for the Post Paramedics. No big deal, that’s what I do every day… but they were impressed enough to give me a medal. I asked them if they were going to give me a medal for washing my hands too.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:53 am
I don’t know anything about legitimate militias, but the guy is wearing an Army dress uniform. Nothing else matters. Though most civilians in this country are clueless about uniforms, they would (correctly) assume that this guy is wearing a military uniform.
Ray, if you want to defend the South Carolina Guard or whatever it is, you should be policing up guys like this and calling them out. Because they only make you look bad.
And regarding Wolf’s comment, does anyone know if a retired officer would even update his uniform to new standards? Would a legitimate retired general wear a beret?
February 1st, 2010 at 9:57 am
Fair enough, all, however, the combat patch is not on his DD214 and he is wearing US insignia and BG star on his uniform which indicates he is a General Officer in the US military. Other than that, he can wear a pink ribbon for breast cancer on his “uniform” for all I care, I just have a real problem with the combat patch and the General Officer rank with US insignia.
Ray had it right, he should have had something other than US on the lapel and BNG says that the current BG is not wearing the US insignia, which is fine by me.
February 1st, 2010 at 10:14 am
The RVN medals are in his records – but there’s no service that supports the awards. He was a USMCR E-1 until 1959 (before the RVN medals were issued to US troops) then in ’74 he became a PAO Officer. I also have an email from a guy who was CANG AG guy in charge of reviewing records who said it was common for CANG officers to recite their awards to clerks who would, in turn, just type it up without supporting documentation.
I’m saying the guy is fishy from gitgo, not just recently.
February 1st, 2010 at 10:31 am
Dave,
The only thing that made my GSDF ACUs different from the US Army uniform was the “GEORGIA” name tape where “US ARMY” should have been and the unit patch/flash. Otherwise it was the same uniform. Hell,I guess most Regular Army personnel never noticed as I was consistantly rendered salutes by regular Army enlisted men when on Post after I became an Officer in the GSDF. This is where our buddy here fucked up. You can’t wear the U.S. Army insignia unless you is in the U.S. Army, and he ain’t. (If he retired as a U.S. Army Major, I guess he could wear it… as a Major, but not as a BG.)
Jonn, you’re right. Strangely, I could buy the ribbons if he didn’t have the weird documentation because of the reasons I have given, but with them mysteriously on his regular Army records, it makes it look like they’re all bullshit. It seems this guy’s malfunctions are deeper than just a FUBAR uniform.
February 1st, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Well, all I can say is: That is about what everyone looks like with that stupid beret on their head. Ass clown.
February 1st, 2010 at 12:44 pm
6 years from 2LT to Major?
At the time, you spent 2 years as a 2LT, 2 more as a 1LT. (By law, you had to serve 48 months prior to promotion to Captain. So after 2 years as a Captain, he’s now a Major? Doesn’t wash.
February 1st, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Chuck, maybe he was another one of them there super troopers?? It can happen…………..
February 1st, 2010 at 1:18 pm
I don’t know why, but it seems worse when these older guys lie. Maybe because you never expect your grandpa to do something so despicable, but you half way expect it with the self entitled whiny douche nozzles that surround us today.
February 1st, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Found this while googling his name. It’s from a recent newsletter from the Bob Hope Hollywood USO. His awards remind me of when you look at the awards on a JR ROTC cadet at a High School and about the same value.
December 28, 2009, Moffett Field, California – Major
General Bruce A. Casella, U.S. Army Reserve, Commander
of the 63rd Regional Support Command, has confirmed the
appointment by Lieutenant General Jack C. Stultz, Chief,
Army Reserve, of Michael R. S. Teilmann as a United States
Army Reserve Ambassador for California.
There are 100 Army Reserve Ambassadors throughout
America. Ambassadors serve as the eyes, ears and voice of
the Chief, Army Reserve, as well as serve as advisers and
consultants to the U.S. Army Reserve Regional Support
commands and assist in executing their Community Outreach
Programs.
Ambassador Teilmann’s appointment is for an initial
three-year term. Ambassadors enjoy the rights, privileges and
protocol status of a Department of Defense VIP-5, a 2-star
General Officer equivalent, and serve as “special Government
employees” without financial compensation.
Teilmann is a popular professional in the Hollywood
entertainment arena. He has been a newscaster on radio and
television and a writer-producer for television series and
specials for three decades. The recipient of multiple
prestigious Emmy nominations from the Academy of
Television Arts and Sciences, Teilmann has dozens of
prominent industry awards for excellence and achievement.
His military career included field grade service in the
United States Army, the Army National Guard and the Army
Reserve, where he served in a variety of senior command and
staff positions. After completing his active and reserve
military duties he was invited by the Adjutant General of
California to serve as the commander of the California State
Military Reserve’s largest field unit, the 40th Infantry
Division Support Brigade, providing direct support to the
famed 40th Infantry Division of the California Army National
Guard. He later served as special assistant to the Division
Commander and in 2000 transferred to the South Carolina
National Guard Support Command, another National Guard
Bureau authorized State Defense Force, where Mike
Teilmann was promoted to State Brigadier General. He
retired militarily from that organization in 2001
February 1st, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Cdat, I look like an assclown in my beret. No matter how much of the cardboard I cut out and all the shaping I do. I still look silly.
Off subject but kinda interesting…I did see a guy one time wearing a class b uniform with a kilt (US Army tartan). I didn’t really question him on it. In fact I thought it kinda looked cool.
February 1st, 2010 at 4:11 pm
I have the ENTIRE collection of ARVN valor medals- all the way up to their equivalent of the MoH. On a nice display board. These were given (not ‘awarded’) to me on behalf of a friend’s organization for helping some people in the VN community. Several of these are REALLY hard to find as they were rarely awarded to anyone.
Don’t know if any US troops ever received any of them during their service…
AND NO, you’ll NEVER find me wearing them on MY uniform…
Wolf
February 1st, 2010 at 7:08 pm
AR 670-1 prescribes the wearing of military uniforms by retirees. Tis guy is just plain wrong. If states are reusing Vietnam era medals, they are wrong too. Saving a buck doesn’t mean denigrating the the accomplishments and sacrifice of the Veterans of that war. Those awards don’t have a shelf life and there is never a good time to wear them “in lieu of” whatever local awards these state volunteers want to award themselves.
GSDF? I guess I’ll see them at Stewart this summer. I’m sure that will be interesting.
February 1st, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Yeah, how, how, HOW is it legal for them to recycle real medals for BS purposes? What’s next? Nothing devalues real awards more than that. If that’s being done on a wide scale, it should be even MORE wrong.
February 1st, 2010 at 7:57 pm
In California, he was a “SMuRf” (State Military Reserve–SMR). Unpaid volunteers that assist in getting paperwork and medical checks done for mobilizing Guardsmen. Nearly all are former actual military members.
That being said………..this guy is a turd.
February 1st, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Tim and AS,
No disagreement here about the recycled ARVN awards, we used to gripe about it ourselves, and the former Military folks I served with were less than thrilled with them. That said, these organizations are very useful and perform valuable services for the State for next to nothing. I have no idea what the GSDF gets allotted in the Georgia budget, but it’s next to nothing compared to a NG unit. No pay, no weapons or ammo, no gear or uniforms, no vehicles, no nothin. Anything I used in the field I purchased myself, with the exception of the occasional MRE or the like that we got second hand from the NG. Even so, we were able to do the missions we were assigned and I’ve heard many times how we surprised the regulars with our success. What these organizations lack in young, hard chargers, they make up with in age and experience. I have to tell you, with all the things we really needed the State to chip in for, the last thing I would have been worried about is unique and original awards.
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:30 am
Thanks for providing this:“where Mike
Teilmann was promoted to State Brigadier General.
The Bob Hope-Hollywood USO is in the middle of LAX and a large facility.
Last month, the Hubs came home and we waited for him at the USO because of the parking/traffic mess that is LAX. Hubs came through the door, and after the hugs, Mr. Teilmann came over and introduced himself as a “retired General.” He was quick, polite, and quiet.
He was dressed in civilian clothes.
I’ll let you guys do all the digging and sorting.
What I can say about his being at that particular USO is this: based on his professional experience, he seems to have lots of inroads in the television and motion picture industry. More than likely, he’s the one who gets stars to give both time and money.
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:17 am
I saw pukes win awards for cooking during an exercise or war. You guys hold medals to a much higher standard then me. This guy is doing good. So, he insults you by wearing a mdeal he didn’t earn? Hell, I can show you thousands of people that got medals for doing their jobs. Nothing more, nothing less. We had an lt in Germany that all he did was write up awards on his free time. It got to the point where I refused them and started a big ol’ stink show over it. I know what I did. The troops that served with me know my ethics, standards and whatnot. A medal is just a trohpy.
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:34 am
CDAT-
It is also the rank that rankles. Combined with medals not earned, and rank not earned, you have a troubling personality there in this dude.
He needs to account for it.
Wolf
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:03 pm
It’s an officer rank so it don’t bother me none. If he had gone the CSM route, then I’d be all for the tar/feathering, lynch mob mentality!
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Cdat,
Just because you have a hard on for officers doesn’t make what he did right. Last time I checked, neither the officers nor NCOs had cornered the market on leadership. We’ve seen plenty of examples, both good and bad.
Anyone who has spent any time in the military has seen abuses of the awards system. So by your logic he gets a free pass because of other good he might have done? That’s a non starter for sure. You know it as well as I.
February 13th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Looks like and smells like STOLEN VALOR to me.
Who invited alleged “General” Teilmann to China? What was his status. Did he travel duty required on a military aircraft at the request of the US State Department? Did the Department of State or the Department of Defense pay his per diem?
Was he representing the USO? Did they pay his way? Did the State Department send him an official invitation?
What “uniform” was he wearing at the veteran’s cemetery with California’s Governor and again who invited him and in what capacity?
When the USO greets wounded and disable soldiers back from the fight as “General” the USO should insure that the greeter is a federally recognized General. Only ARMED FORCES are authorized in the USO. Sorry, State militia’s other than the Reserves of the National Guard, are not entitled!
Did South Carolina send him complete with uniform to China? Can a retired militiaman (as contrasted with a retired member of our ARMED FORCES) wear a uniform in retirement under the South Carolina rules. Can he wear it in retirement out of State?
Even when a legitimate State National Guardsmen (true members of the ARMED FORCES) travel out of their home State and they have a higher State rank than federally recognized, they MUST change rank to their federally recognized rank.
As a Californian, how many days did he stay in hotels in South Carolina, how many militia drills did he attend in South Carolina.
How many combatant commanders will attest to his General Officer stewardship and tutelage as their mentor? When did he attend the War College? Perhaps the Carolina Adjutant General who authorized Teilmann’s promotion to General can answer some of these logical questions.
Major Teilmann should petition an appeal to have his military records updated to show his true stature. In the appeal, he can provide verifiable assignment orders. Does he have proof of assignment to wear the DoD badge?
Admiral Boorda committed suicide over dishonor in wearing a ribbon he wasn’t awarded.
Wearing unearned federal ribbons and medals is illegal, unauthorized by regulations, and just plain disgusting. No officer I know would violate uniform regulations and mix authorized federal awards with civilian make believe cloth on a pseudo uniform.
It’s time we took the militia’s out of US Department of Defense manufactured uniforms and put them in gray denims for drills. Sure if they are used as opposing forces for drill then let them wear cammy’s without rank, only when they are in the field. National and Homeland security should demand noting less. If the militia want to be soldiers, let them re-up!
Leave the time honored and sacrificed uniform of our ARMED FORCES to our Armed Forces.
Anything less denigrates it to a Halloween costume or in this case a Hollywood prop.
February 15th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Gentlemen:
For the record, I have never stated that I was a federally-recognized brigadier general of the Army. Such references were made – innocently, I believe – by people who knew only that I had served in the Army and it’s reserve components, that I was in the State Guard, and that the uniform worn was basically an Army uniform. I served, as noted above, on active duty in both the California Army National Guard and the United States Army Reserve as a federally-recognized major.
I also served as the fulltime chief of public affairs for the California Military Department (The CA ARNG, ANG, CA SMR and Naval Militia) for 8 years, leaving in the paygrade of lieutenant colonel on State Active Duty.
From there I went on active duty at Hq. 6th U.S. Army for six years, as a member of the USAR.
In 1995 I was asked by the then Adjutant General of CA to help reorganize the California State Military Reserve, the State Guard authorized by the National Guard Bureau at the Pentagon.
I served as the Deputy Commander of the 40th Infantry Division (Mech) Support Brigade as a CA SMR LTC, and when promoted to State Colonel, was designated commander of that unit, the largest field unit in the state guard of California.
I remained in that position until mid 1999, when I was assigned as a Special Assistant to the Commanding General of the 40th Infantry Division (Mech), California Army National Guard. That gentleman was Major General Peter J. Gravett. I served until mid 2000, when the then Assistant Adjutant General of South Carolina asked me to serve with his state unit. I was promoted to state brigadier general and was later retired in that grade from that state defense force. The pinning cermony was done at Los Alamitos, CA, Hq. of the 40th Inf. Div. by the commanding general of the division and the asst. adjutant general of So. Carolina.
I was active with the American Volunteer Reserve, obtaining for it VA status as a Veterans Support Organization (Category Four). During that period I also met (in uniform as a BG)with the then Secretary of Defense (The Hon. Bill Cohen)and the Secretary of the Army (The Hon. Louis Calderra) at the Pentagon seeking formal volunteer military status for that organization. The terms in office for these individuals expired before formal status was made. Shortly thereafter I resigned from that organization. They continue to provide much-needed military honors to veterans to this date.
Questions as to my decorations from the Republic of Vietnam were also raised. I went as a State Guard officer with the permission of the Adjutant General of CA. My assignment was as Special Projects officer. I worked with both MACV and with the ARVN military. I also returned in 1971. The Ministry of Defense awarded me several RVN awards and decorations for service. These were presented at ceremonies attended by MACV and State Department officials.
When I was invited to China for the ceremonies commemorating the Flying Tigers, an Air Force retired MG had cancelled at the last moment. I was going as a television producer and narrator. The organizer asked if I would bring a uniform for the 2 hour ceremony. I advised him that I was only a State Guard BG and he reported that info to the Embassy, who asked him to have me attend as such. My “USSC” clutchback broke and I substituted the “US”. I would have been better off without any collar insignia. I asked to only be identified as a retired State Guard officer, but that request went unheeded.
I have always been proud to have been an Army officer. I am also proud of my volunteer service in various veterans and veterans service organizations. Before people make outrageous charges of being an imposter or “phony General” they should have asked or checked. There are thousands of others who have received similar legitimate state promotions who could also be libeled by those unfamiliar with the State Defense Forces. These State promotions are 100% legitimate.
These volunteer soldiers provide a valuable service to their supported National Guard units.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Teilmann is engaged in Stolen Valor. He routinely appears in a military uniform, such at this link, http://www.sinoam.com/stone_roller/Stone%20Roller%2016.JPG, pretending to be a real general, in a uniform combination a real military general could not legally wear and in places a real general could not go.
Teilmann’s uniform is an Army uniform with US Army Volunteer Reserve patches and items illegally added. The USAVR is a fake military group that pretends to have a connection with the Army, but doesn’t the right to use the name ‘Army’. The USAVR has no legal right to be in military uniforms, and anyone wearing the USAVR uniform could be charged under US law. It is illegal to wear anything similar to an Army uniform.
Teilmann was once a general under a legitimate State Defense Force (32 USC 109), called the South Carolina State Guard. That however is meaningless when he put on the uniform of a group that is not military. The USAVR is not the SCSG and the uniform that he is seen wearing is not that if the SCSG. He goes places a retired SCSG General could not go in uniform. It is also not the uniform he left federal service with or a National Guard uniform, as those can only be worn, with no changes, just as when he would have left those branches.
So anytime that Teilmann is seen in anything, but his retired uniform from the SCSG and is claiming to be a general, he is stealing valor and impersonating being an active general and promoting a group engaged in criminal activity. Military rank earned in the SCSG would not transfer to a phony military group and make him a real general in that group. The South Carolina government also never gave him a blank check to represent being a retired general for them in any manner he chooses, or to change his SCSG General’s uniform as he sees fit.
To wear the uniform the way Teilmann does is an insult to all who have served in the military, as he is wearing a uniform combination that is illegal, doing things that cannot be done legally in an Army uniform, and claiming the rank of an active general, all with no government support for what he is doing.
United States Code, Title 18, Part I, Chapter 33, Section. 702 says Crimes and Criminal Procedure – “Whoever, in any place within the jurisdiction of the United States or in the Canal Zone, without authority, wears the uniform or a distinctive part thereof or anything similar to a distinctive part of the uniform of any of the armed forces of the United States, Public Health Service or any auxiliary of such, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.”
Teilmann and the USAVR is guilty of breaking this law, as they are not listed in United States Code Title 10, Subtitle A, Part II, Chapter 45, Sections 771, 772 and 773 as a group that has authority to wear military uniforms. They will tell you sad stories about helping veterans and burials at cemeteries, but don’t be fooled; it is really about getting glory, as those things can be done without illegally putting on military uniforms. Teilmann need to meet the FBI and be charged. Teilmann needs to understand that being a retied SCSG General does not make him above the law.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Teilmann “When I was invited to China for the ceremonies commemorating the Flying Tigers, an Air Force retired MG had cancelled at the last moment.,, My “USSC” clutchback broke and I substituted the “US”. I would have been better off without any collar insignia. I asked to only be identified as a retired State Guard officer, but that request went unheeded. “
What? Collar insignia broke? Meaningless. You are not in a South Carolina State Guard uniform. We can see the patch on your sleeve of the US Army Volunteer Reserve, a patch that should never be on an United States Army uniform. You were not there as a South Carolina State Guard retired general, but as someone representing the phony military group the USAVR, doing things you cannot legally do in a military uniform. When wearing the illegal uniform combination of the USAVR you are not at that time representing any branch of the military as a general, so calling yourself a general in that uniform is fraud.
February 17th, 2010 at 11:33 am
WOW This is story has more holes than a Swiss Cheese! It’s beginning to sound more like a Hollywood pilot for a made for TV movie on the foibles of Stolen Valor.
If I have this right, the US Embassy in China invites (on per diem?) a noteworthy TV producer dignitary to an overseas event.
This producer grosses how much per year in foreign and Chinese trade?
The State Department has a retired Maj Gen cancel so they ask the producer to rent a General Officer’s uniform replete with unauthorized awards and dec’s, because as a PR ploy, State Department needs the stage flush with the appearance of high ranking military brass to IMPRESS the Chinese.
Strange that the Secretary of State, without the required “prior authorizations,” would usurp Executive Order 10554, DoDI 5410.20, 10 USC § 771,18 USC 704, Secretary of Defense jurisdiction and Army uniform regulations to accomplish this PR stunt.
Your average Army Major would be jailed if they tried to pull this stunt.
Even stranger, that then Secretary of State General Colin Powell would allow this!
Oh, lets name drop Secretary Cohen and Secretary Caldera for smoke and mirrors but admit they never authorized the uniform violations nor would they authorize General Teilmann to wear a uniform of valor on foreign sole for PERSONAL GAIN as an alleged TV producer. That would be fraud, abuse and highly illegal!
Michael Teilmann Says:
“For the record…references were made – innocently, I believe – by people who knew only that I had served in the Army and it’s reserve components, …and that the uniform worn was basically an Army uniform.”
Strange that dozens of reporters report on the internet and in the newspapers about the California escapades of General Teilmann but “innocently” fail to report his is a self appointed AVR General Officer rank.
Is the uniform General Teilmann wears to China an “ARMED FORCES” uniform HE’s entitled to wear in retirement? I don’t think the Major ever qualified for retirement.
Is it HIS Army or Army Reserve uniform? Is it HIS California State Military Reserve Uniform? Is it HIS Carolina State Guard uniform? Is it the uniform HE created when he made himself General of the American Volunteer Reserve (AVR) or is it as he eludes HIS United States Service Command (USSC) uniform but for the USSC clutch pins?
What next, will the State Department invite undocumented aliens they met at their last Halloween costume party to wear General Officer uniforms and CRASH White House State dinners because the real Generals are off fighting Wars?
Looks to me like Teilmann’s party crashing and wearing a phony General’s uniform at the Embassy and also with the California Governor at of all places, a VA cemetry.
I suppose the Governor asked him to wear whatever uniform he had on that day also!
Michael Teilmann Says:
“I went on active duty at Hq. 6th U.S. Army for six years, as a member of the USAR.”
Was Teilmann a Major in the USAR? Strange his FOIA Army service record (http://www.pownetwork.org/pownet.secure/teilmann.pdf) doesn’t show the transfer from the CAARNG to USAR.
Michael Teilmann Says:
“I was promoted to state brigadier general and was later retired in that grade from that state defense force.”
How many wet ink signatures does Teilmann have on Carolina State Guard muster rosters? How many nights did Teilmann have to spend in Carolina hotel rooms to become State Guard General? How many years did he drill there and how many years did he have for a Carolina retirement?
Michael Teilmann Says:
“I worked with both MACV and with the ARVN military.” “The Ministry of Defense awarded me several RVN awards and decorations for service.” “I went as a State Guard officer”
Let me get this right. Anyone can create an American Volunteer Reserve, steal the Army uniform, promote themselves to General and volunteer with FEMA with full and qualified General Officer credentials? Then, award themselves the Legion of Merit, wear it on a uniform, and pretend, like the RVN awards, that they are legitimate FEDERAL decorations!
Michael Teilmann Says:
“I have always been proud to have been an Army officer.”
Be proud but stop the charade!
Teilmann should stay a proud former Major and stop stealing valor by parading titles not earned in the armed forces and if he wears federal ribbons he’s not entitled to the FBI should proffer their investigation up to the United States Attorney.
Teilmann apparently has a quick understudy in Colonel Lev M. Leznik (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Lev_Leznik).
Leznik also has an impressive array of federal ribbons yet no armed forces record to substantiate them!
http://www.americanvolunteerreserve.org/Picture/5th%20battalion/iwebalbumfiles/7483aa14afda43819a2da6dca16ecee8.jpg
August 7th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Like others.. not defending, just clarifying…
The beret does not have AD flashing.
Members of the State Defense Force can wear the Army Service Uniform but Oldtrooper is right that he can’t wear the star and US at the same time. http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/r670_1.pdf
I can’t talk to his awards because there is no mention of his enlisted service in the Marines. (2-1′s summarize any prior service before entering other services) His USMC service from 55-59 is summarized at the top of his 2-1.
One day in the service Vietman during the correct dates qualifies a soldier for the Vietnam Service Ribbon. And it is listed on a different part of the 2-1 if it was Active Dut for Training or Active Duty for Special Work for less than 30 days. http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/r600_8_22.pdf
As for the Georgia State Defense Force… they don’t get paid… they have no budget except what they donate out of pocket… and they saved countless lives with their voluntary service as doctors and nurses after Hurricane Katrina. We are very proud an grateful for their service which they do out of patriotism and a sense of duty for their community.
I’m sure the picker-aparters will enjoy the links to the regulations. HOOAH.
LTC Bob
October 8th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
If you read carefully, he’s parading in California in a South Carolina Kentucky Colonel “militia” uniform, in “retirement.” He has no constituted authority to do so! Perhaps he should scan his U.S. Armed Forces military ID card if he has one, and post it to the POW Network diatribe on him.
No one has come forward to support what a great GO he was while directing and mentoring SC defense forces. No one can validate how many drills he attended if any!
He admits that his questionable RVN “visit” was as a civilian! “Nor does it mention any assignments to Vietnam, or outside of California for that matter;”
How despicable for a former commissioned officer to wear “re-cycled” ribbons on an Armed Forces of the United States uniform when not entitled.
This guy got out of the armed forces as a Major and should comport himself as such.
November 13th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Ribbons are specifically designed for an official military purpose, and each has a specific meaning. They cannot be “recycled”, or designated for another purpose. They are EARNED. I am a retired Senior NCO (E8). 21 years active duty. This particular charade is reprehensible.
November 13th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
And I don’t care if this guy shits gold coins & donates them to disabled vets.
November 27th, 2010 at 10:32 am
http://theorderofconstantine.wikispaces.com/Michael+Teilmann
Any of you who can match you resume’s of service to country and servicemen and women, please feel free to continue to bash this patriot.
BG Theilman served in Vietnam in psyops.
As far as AR 670-1 “This regulation applies to active and retired Army, Army National Guard of the United States (ARNGUS)and U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) personnel. It does not apply to generals of the Army, the Chief of Staff of the Army, or former Chiefs of Staff of the Army, each of whom may prescribe his or her own uniform. He’s a National Guard General wearing the uniform according to regulation.
Regarding Claymore’s Comments on the Gate City Guard Uniform, what was it about the uniform that displeased you… maybe we’ll undo years of tradition to please your taste.
First in Peace and War
November 27th, 2010 at 10:47 am
Yeah, read Teilmann’s own words, there, Bob. He claims that he’s never said he was an active duty or reserve general. Yet here you are with some chip on your shoulder declaring that he’s a NG BG. Probably because you’re wearing phony shit, too.
December 2nd, 2010 at 3:51 pm
I read the FOIA information and find that to me more credible than a 2-1 which in fact is much easier to manipulate than official records like a DD214 and or orders that are on file at HRC. The fact is many enlisted and served enlisted in vietnam and then came back and took the first of a series of direct Appointments to officer, the requirements for this were much different than now in fact the number one requirement was you had to be a former NCO with combat time and when you switch from Enlisted to officer “Mustang” like I did your enlisted records are sent to St Louis and you start a whole different system. What you got from FOIA is in fact the most factual and detaild and reading it I see a former enlisted guy turned officer who is in fact a vietnam vet who retired as a Major went into the State Defense Forces where I cant track his prgress then but feel he got his Star from that service and yes he should have a State like SC, GA or CA on his lapel and not US but if authorized to wear the US for this trip he may be just guilty of wearing the wrong lapel insiginia. You would have to be really crazy to go to China and get autorization from the State department and then show up in a fake get up without having some justification for having it anf if he was that crazy how could he be appointed to this position in the first place?
December 4th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
I served in the SC State Guard from 1998 until 2005. I attained the rank of LTC.
As to this BG Thielman, I never heard of him in the SCSG. I notice that in the photo none of the ribbons that he is wearing seem to be those of the SCSG. (I should know because I have most of them).
In his letter he explained that his USSC clutchback broke and that is why he was wearing US. He is lying because SCSG officers do NOT wear USSC. They wear SC devices, the same as those worn by cadets at the Citadel.
He’s just another wannabe General and clown.
respectfully,
Ronny Merritt
December 12th, 2010 at 4:35 am
I did some digging. As far as I can tell SCSG wears a “SC” insignia on their uniform as a lapel in place of the “US” designation. He is however wearing a beret flash from the SCSG. I know in the case of the New York Guard, we do wear “US” on our lapels, but our nametags are red and marked with New York Guard below our names. In addition our berets have a gray on gray beret flash in lieu of the standard U.S. Army Beret Flash. Our medals aren’t recycled Vietnam decorations, rather the majority are State Military Decorations dating back to the 19th Century. New York Guard is the Reserve Component of the State Military Forces of New York, and is activated from time to time (usually SAR missions in the Adirondacks). We also maintain a component of the NYS CBRN Response Force Package, which is a mixed team of NY ARNG/NY ANG/NYG soldiers and airmen who are deployed in response to a CBRN attack, especially in NYC. Most of our members are cycled over from AD, RC, and NG, and a lot of them are veterans. I’m a bit of an exception… I was medically discharged from Army ROTC four years ago, and my father is a Retired LTC. One thing I notice that is different from the Regular Army is that it is harder to make rank. I’m a graduate student, already earning my Bachelor’s degree, and I came in as an E-2. In federal service I would have come in as an E-4. That has to say something about the New York Guard.
This GO is posing in regards to his decorations, and the lapel pin, but his rank and organization appear correct. SCSG should police its own.
December 12th, 2010 at 4:39 am
One last thing to note… as a Uniformed State Militia soldier, technically he wouldn’t be authorized to wear his uniform outside of the State of South Carolina unless he was on official duty for the state, or he was authorized to do so (say for a State Guard Association of the United States meeting).
April 8th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
” Faux General ” Michael Teilmann and ” Commandant ” William Northrop must be related.
http://www.military.com/news/article/nc-academy-head-suspected-of-being-faker.html
April 20th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
If this cat was in the scsg he should have went to New York after 9/11 cause some of them was sent there.So did he go there to offer his help to them poor people or what did he do? I wish I could join the army I’m 44 years old I would love to join just to be in the army not for a rank or a title but just to be in. I would love to serve my country. I think this man is just wanting a name for his self he needs his real rank taking from him and demoted to a lower rank.
May 10th, 2011 at 4:06 am
Below is an official Army Reserve web site.
http://www.usar.army.mil/arweb/community/ambassadors/Pages/MichaelRTeilmann.aspx
Although the next web site is not an official Army site, it does mention that “On 1 January 2001, he was promoted to (State-recognized) Brigadier General in the South Carolina National Guard’s Support Command, and assigned as Military Media Directorate.”
http://www.orderofconstantinethegreat.com/he_teilmann.htm
July 14th, 2011 at 7:49 am
L.A. Times Reporter Ching-Ching Ni, July 14, 2011
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-fake-armies-20110714,0,6640892.story
“Last year, the association itself landed in the spotlight when one member went to China and claimed to be a Chinese American general. As he received red carpet treatment and glowing profiles in the official press, Chinese officials investigated and found no such “general” in the U.S. military. He turned out to be a former martial arts champion who had taught kung fu at a Temple City studio.”
“Gao Aidi, a Shanghai immigrant who is a major general.”
“Jack Qin, a major general in the United States Army Volunteer Reserve Association.”
September 27th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Fake W.Va. Army general gets 2 years in prison
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/09/26/ap/business/main20111807.shtml
October 6th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
I volunteer at the USO at LAX from 10PM to 2AM. I’m a prior service Army Captain and doctor. I know this man. To the 250 volunteers, and three USO facilities “The General” oversees, and the 80,000 annual visitors he insures are taken care of — he is “OUR” general. I’ve seen him at LAX at 08:00, and we’ve chatted togther with Marines deployees to “the sandbox” at midnight.
Regardless of his status–Mike is MY General. He runs a great command. He loves taking care of our troops and their families.
I don’t know the intentions of the person that started this blog. But, I I have met Mike three or four times at the USO at LAX. He is a good man. He genuinely cares for our troops and their families.
My son is currently deployed in the Persian Gulf. I made sure he met General Mike just before he left LAX at the USO.
December 16th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
It’s quite simple. STOLEN VALOR is just that STOLEN VALOR.
Our young men and women in uniform (read UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES) deploy oversea’s in harms way, separated from their precious family’s during some of their lives most significant events. Many of them, young sergeants and lieutenants get maimed do to enemy action and they are medically retired with a mere pitance of a salary.
Dr. Don, your faux general should submit when, where and how he came about becoming a general. There should be billeting/lodging receipts and wet ink signatures on militia drill logs from South Carolina. No one to date, in any position of authority has submitted sworn testimony to validate the generals great prowess, superior military acumen and exemplary military example through deed and action. He should truthfully explain “creating” faux California military style units and also confess that the various “militia’s” he affiliates with are not and have never been part of the UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES.
Til then this arm chair general is just stealing valor by parading about in his Hollywood costume.
December 24th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
What happened with him and Allen bauman the guy who became a 3star overnight?
January 22nd, 2012 at 1:23 pm
REF: “Regarding Claymore’s Comments on the Gate City Guard Uniform, what was it about the uniform that displeased you… maybe we’ll undo years of tradition to please your taste.”
As a member of the Old Guard of the Gate City Guard I was wondering what the answer to this is????
May 30th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Claymore: Can I direct you to Teilmann’s Service Record obtained under FOIA
According to his very own DoD record he was an army reserve major and did not serve long enough to retire. Check it out!
He is not and never was a General Officer in these our United States Army nor in any other component of the ARMED FORCES!
His very own service record shows no VN service nor does his record document the awarding of half of the spaghetti he wears.
June 11th, 2012 at 7:08 am
This is great; you guys are going to love this! Now Teilmann is calling himself “His Excellency, Michael R. S. Teilmann, The Count of Esson.” Check out this website. There’s even a picture of his “new” mess dress uniform as a Knight. This organization is comprised of a bunch of American Volunteer Reserve guys, and among others. The charade continues.
http://www.orderofconstantinethegreat.com/index_curr.htm
July 13th, 2012 at 12:50 pm
http://www.orderofconstantinethegreat.com/he_teilmann.htm
An awe inspiring picture & resume of arm chair general and POSER Michael R.S. Teilmann.
Curious that neither his FOIA records nor his DD214 show dates and units assigned for the joint service awards nor does it show orders ASSIGNING him to the Office of the Secretary of Defense to justify the Secretary’s badge. Just like his VN awards, more figment than provable!
July 15th, 2012 at 10:48 am
Look, I am the FIRST one to go after a POSER.. I’ve been busting SEAL posers for over 4 years.
I am a Segeant in the South Carolina State Guard. And YES.. we ARE part of the South Carolina Military Department. We serve Directly under the Adjunct General. We Secure the National Guard Armories when the SCNG units are forward deployed. If we are “activated”.. we are PAID by the STATE of South Carolina at our equivalent Army Ranks.
Our overall Commanding General is the South Carolina NATIONAL GUARD Major General. He is over the Brigadier General of the SC State Guard.
That being said.. YES.. we DO have quite a few “Generals” who left active duty as low ranking officers and sometimes even Enlisted men (40 years prior). Depends on education whether or not someone is commissioned or not. This guy could EASILY have left the Military as a Major and rose to Brigadier General in the SC State Guard.. EASILY.
And YES.. some ribbons are “re-purposed”.. NOT ALL .. some SC State Guard ribbons are distinct and different than AD ribbons for ANY military service.
I can easily put this matter to rest by contacting the administrative people in Columbia. Their offices are in the same building as the SC National Guard. I’ll let you know what they say about his person.
July 18th, 2012 at 10:43 am
“Speed” Thanks for your boots on the ground offer to validate the true story here.
To date, no one from Columbia has come forward to tout the military prowess, years of documented drill attendance and travel to South Carolina of this Californian.
No one, not even the POSER can explain Teilmann’s “Uniformed” attendance at an Embassy function in China.
Did he travel to China via military transport? Was he on DoD orders? Per Diem? How was he listed on the Secretary of State list of Dignataries. Exactly which “military” was he representing in China? Who’s uniform was he wearing again? Speed, do you just happen to travel to China with a BG uniform packed in your luggage in the event the Embassy needs someone to pretend to be a general because all the real generals are busy?
No one from Columbia has quoted CHAPTER and VERSE that provides a legal basis for this former Army Major (not a retiree) to wear a Carolina State Defense Volunteer Brigader General Uniform in “retirement” notwithstanding wearing the uniform outside the State of South Carolina to grandstand in California!
How many years of proven drill attendance did he spend in South Carolina to earn militia retirement?
POSER Teilmann in conscience, should petition via an DD 149 to correct his military record to show when where and how he earned a Legion of Merit (and all of his other spaghetti not listed in his FOIA). Also missing is any proof that he was assigned at any time, in Viet Nam, under ARMED FORCES active duty orders! Visiting or volunteering even TDY orders from a parent unit, to a SecDef office in the Pentagon, does not authorize wearing of the Secretary’s Crest, you need orders assigning you TO the Office ofv the Secretary of Defense.
The basic premise here is that at a time when young lower enlisted and junior officers are losing arms, legs, life and limb as activated National Guard and Reservists and Active Duty members of the ARMED FORCES, it is dispicable that a POSER should Steal their Valor. This is only aggravated by the fact the POSER appears to have been a commisioned officer in an ARMED FORCES Reserve Componet of the National Guard.
These wounded warriors retire as E-5′s and 0-3′s while Teilmann parades around the world as a brigadier in his own mind.
Perhap’s Columbia can grant each and every wounded warrior honorary general officer status and the universal privilige to wear the time honored general officer uniform of the ARMED FORCES anywhere at any time, for having given limb.
As for re-purposing ribbons, have some honor man! There are plenty of high school drill team, civil air patrol, even ROTC ribbons one can assimilate without posing a military ribbon on an army uniform without ARMED SERVICE orders granting the award of the ribbon or medal.
Speed, I applaud your years of busting SEAL Posers. I suspect you will finally prove either Teilmann can document his adventures or you’ll disprove his entitlement to wear uniform’s, ribbons and assert assignments for which there are no corresponding DoD, USA, AUS, USAR, CA ANG orders!
July 18th, 2012 at 11:19 am
@ 63 – looking at the membership requirements for The Imperial & Charitable Order of Constantine the Great & Saint Helen (http://www.orderofconstantinethegreat.com/membership_information.htm):
The following are impediments for attaining membership:
To have delinquent or criminal records.
To be employed or follow professions or the lifestyles that could be viewed as dishonorable by generally accepted standards.
August 20th, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Dear Mr. (SCSG SGT) JAMES SPEED: RE: “BG Michael R.S. Teilmann, SCSG”
It’s been well over a month so I assume you’ve had time and even a monthly drill or two to either BUST the mythology surrounding this California POSER and the specious award of General Officer status by the South Carolina State Guard or to his credit, find public records in South Carolina that attest to his verifyable attendance at and superior performance relating to his General Officer Status.
#64 JAMES SPEED: “Look, I am the FIRST one to go after a POSER.. I’ve been busting SEAL posers for over 4 years.” I can easily put this matter to rest by contacting the administrative people in Columbia. Their offices are in the same building as the SC National Guard. I’ll let you know what they say about his person.
December 10th, 2012 at 11:48 pm
The SC state guard has been a problem more so than an asset for years. As an active duty senior officer I was a part of the effort to police these folks in the 2003-05 period. Their senior leadership falsely obtained GO car registration decals for their POVs (and their spouses’ POVs), used fake ID’s to shop and gain access to Gov’t installations, and the list goes on. I personally sent active duty MP’s under the escort of county officers to retrieve illegally obtained post decals from the POVs as they refused to return them personally. Their leadership constantly attempted to acquire the services of the army band to play at state guard fund raisers and became upset when it was refused since army bands cannot play at events charging admission fees. This particular fellow, Teilmann, couldn’t be a proper GO since he’s not aware. or doesn’t care, about the wear and appearance of the uniform. He should know the rules and if he’s not federally recognized, and a state guard GO isn’t, he’s not allowed to wear the uniform out of the state.
December 17th, 2012 at 12:53 pm
ANONYMOU, I was an e4 In the SCSG 2BN/2BDE during this time period and remember the inspector general inquiry. Nearly all of the state guards issues stems from officer wannabes who geta hard on when they get saluted. They want to feel important so the do stupid crap. I requested personnel distribution reports for a study a couple of years ago and found a nearly 1:1 officer/enlisted ratio.I’ve done security open where 50 soldiers were participatng and Olympic 6 pulled duty because the remaining soldiers were either officers or 1SG or higher. Too many chiefs too few Indians
December 17th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
I would like a coin.
I hate to say it but poser coins are cool.
December 17th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
He’s got a real shit eating grin in every picture he takes. He must be proud of all his tomfoolery.
December 17th, 2012 at 1:45 pm
He looks extra fat, too.
February 19th, 2013 at 10:04 pm
Ladies & Gents,
I have been a member of the CASMR for nigh on 10 years now, and in fact, I have actually met Gen Tileman on several occassions.
I can help in some areas, and in others I am just as clueless as you all seem to be on some of the subjects. First, I have served as an S1 for over 6 years, and I am a former federal officer having served in the USN for almost 5 years….
1. I can not speak for the other State Military Reserve (SMR) forces, or State Defence forces (SDF), but I know that at least 38 states maintain these forces that are constitutionally (US) organized, and I can tell you that all promotions of LTC (O5) and higher are approved by the NGB (National Guard Bureau), once signed off on by each states Adjutent General & Governor.
The State of California does not recyle any US military medals, all of ours are specifically individual and you can find them all on line at calguard.ca.gov under the State Military reserve tab. Or you can google US Army 670-1 and it states the authority for SMR’s & SDF’s to wear (AUSA) uniforms and decorations. FYI, members of the SMR’s and SDF’s can earn most awards and decorations given to members of the US Army as well, I know, I have a few. Screws alot of people up to see them alongside my Navy stuff.
I do believe that Gen Tileman did serve as the Commanding General of the California SMR as some point in the past, before I arrived. But I may be wrong. When I did see him last, his name tag stated he was retired, SC State Military Reserve. I can not tell you what, if any decorations, he is entitled to. That would be a call for the NGB, CA-SMR HQ, and SC-SMR HQ to answer.
Good luck.
February 19th, 2013 at 10:10 pm
OK, I am going to add that it does appear that he is wearing a completly federal uniform (black name tag & US lapels), if that is the case, he should be ranked as a Major, and have state buttons. The flash may be the SC SMR Flash, I do not know. The red thing around his neck is not a foreign decoration, he is a member of the Order of St. something or other. It is a group of well meaning service members in SoCal that pay allot of money to do good works. Some of them that don’t belong call them the red garter brigade, I guess we are all just jealous.
February 19th, 2013 at 10:47 pm
55, that’s pretty funny the Chinese investigated and noted that one guy was not a real US General, but the US Couldn’t. That says something. I’m wondering if the Communist Chinese know more about our commands than we do.
February 19th, 2013 at 11:04 pm
I’m pretty skeptical of all these guys in his outfit. There is one guy wearing jumpmaster wings, CIB, Silver Star, BSM w V device and purple heart. A rack that makes the “General’s” here not very noteworthy.
http://www.americanvolunteerreserve.org/who%20we%20are/awardsDinner.html
February 20th, 2013 at 12:23 am
I still want a coin!
February 20th, 2013 at 3:48 am
#76, 11BScottie,
It looks like McCulloch is the real deal:
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:5KvOJo7ZuVoJ:www.americanvolunteerreserve.org/contact%2520us/Bio_William_McCulloch.doc+&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESitEF1fFccm0wqAHTqyra51wV-qmKYDeFR5wi1l73eI6ECYc_izHBuyPhHZuBMT5HjxafIUeDC8a1EWA1C0b0IJ-icLxBAG1o9M13R_YOTF5KSPXUMWv7Nqwasq3DbLNx_UZG4t&sig=AHIEtbSmv8wfF4jQo9yqJ4cExBt–s4Oug
His Silver Star citation is here: http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=24531
I clicked the AVR link and was awestruck by the uniforms and decorations some of them were wearing. As a former TOG Soldier, I especially loved the guy wearing three medals and an Honor Guard tab, though the tab seems pretty popular with that group.
I’ll leave the rest of my opinion to myself. This isn’t the first veterans group I’ve seen with little fashion sense. As a Recruiter I often worked with a local group that wore BDUs and a variety of patches/ribbons during public observances. Let’s just say that I felt overdressed in my blues.