- Source One of his platoon mates was having a baby. A couple of hours later, an insurgency fighter closed on the overwatch position and threw a fragment grenade into the overwatch position which hit Monsoor in the chest before falling in front of him. Clyde B. Jones Funeral Home and Versus Legal Attorneys-at-Law specially invite you to attend. The slaps were audible from across the cemetery; by the time the coffin arrived grave side, it looked as though it had a gold inlay from all the Tridents pinned to it. As someone that had the pleasure of knowing Mikey as a friend, and had the honor of serving with him on the battlefield, this photograph tells me a story. Dunbar, Monsoor, SEALS, Monsoor funeral. So I thought it was a nice touch to add that all in. He's heading into his 20th year of service this summer. He was only the second SEAL to die in Iraq since the war began. Michael Monsoor, a Navy Seal, sacrificed his life for his buddies on Sept 29th. Rea: I think that is one of my favorite parts because even thinking about writing those words. I know because my father and brother were also gruntsproud Marine riflemen. On September 29, 2006, an insurgent threw a grenade onto a rooftop where Monsoor and several other SEALs and Iraqi soldiers were positioned. Navy Narrative: "On 29 September (2006), Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position in eastern Ramadi, Iraq, with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi soldiers. All of the older guys get fun jobs. Michael Anthony Monsoor (April 5, 1981 - September 29, 2006) was a United States Navy SEAL who was killed during Invasion of Iraq and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Read Michael Monsoors Summary of Action for September 29th, 2006, As Kristen Scharnberg of the ChicagoTribune summarized in tribute, The men who were there that day say they could see the options flicker across Michael Mansoors face: save himself or save the men he had long considered brothers. Delta Platoon executed a broad spectrum of combat operations in and around Ramadi. But we fight onfor the men to our left and rightwe fight on. You had winemakers make a special wine for him. Rea: It was my pleasure and it's been such a joy speaking with you. 'MI5 exists to stop atrocities. He ran out into the street with another SEAL, shot cover fire and dragged his comrade to safety while enemy bullets kicked up the concrete at their feet. He attended Dr. Walter C. Ralston Intermediate School and Garden Grove High School in Garden Grove, California and played tight-end on the school's football team, graduating in 1999. Summary of eRumor: The eRumor describes the funeral of Navy petty officer Mike Monsoor, who lost is own life in Iraq to save the lives of other Navy SEALs. Michael died thirty minutes later, having made the ultimate sacrifice. Rea: It did after and he was able to say that to them when they met him after he had passed away. Rea: I know. He had three SEALs with him and I think there's one or two Iraqi interpreters. While moving toward extraction, the Iraqi Army and Naval Special Warfare overwatch team received effective enemy automatic weapons fire resulting in one SEAL wounded in action. But I know that, he died doing something he loved. Unrelated, Chris Kyle operated on the far western side of the city in support of additional special warfare operations; he reportedly killed 84 insurgents. Monsoor died on Sept. 29, 2006, and was buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. Contact. Monsoor, a 25-year-old gunner, was killed in the explosion in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. It is my honor to make it for him." "And when it was all over, the simple wooden coffin had become a gold-plated memorial to a hero who will never be forgotten.. I am Michael Monsoor. To this day, they still blows me away. Rea: I don't think we'll ever understand, Jim. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The text of his citation reads: For service as set forth in the following. For those of us who were there, that picture of Mike captures all of this. Give us a little bit about how George is thinking about this, how the rest of the family is thinking about this? All Rights Reserved. Thank you for all that you are doing to bring awareness to our wonderful veterans. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. JN-052022-5602908. I love my country, my fellow SEALs, and the men fighting alongside us. Monsoor was protecting other SEALs, two of whom were 15 feet away from him. Instantly and without regard for his own safety, he threw himself onto the grenade to absorb the force of the explosion with his body, saving the lives of his two teammates. Live Well Plan Well Rest Well A half day breakfast seminar on Saturday March 18th, 2023, at the . It's not always a religious thing, sometimes it's just that you have somebody safe you can express your fears with. The SEALs fired back and stood their ground. He entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training and graduated from Class 250 on September 2, 2004, as one of the top performers in his class. FOR CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY AND INTREPIDITY AT THE RISK OF HIS LIFE ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY AS AUTOMATIC WEAPONS GUNNER FOR NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE TASK GROUP ARABIAN PENINSULA, IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM ON 29 SEPTEMBER 2006. Michael Monsoor joined the United States Navy in about March of 2001. or redistributed. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, George's son, Michael, is a recipient of the Medal of Honor and we're going to tell Michael's story. On the flip side, such gratitude. Jim Fausone:We want to welcome to Veterans Radio today, Rose Rea. A very uneventful day at first, Jim. Rea: It's no small thing. Fausone: "Defend Us in Battle" is on the Harper Horizon imprint. All rights reserved. The Michael Monsoor, a Zumwalt-class destroyer, is docked in the San Diego Harbor at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado Island, Calif. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 10 As shown at the end of the tribute video linked below, during Monsoor's funeral service, as the casket was taken from the hearse to the gravesite, fellow SEALs . Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, 25, was killed in combat Sept. 29 in Ramadi, Iraq, west of Baghdad. He really wanted to protect them. He never gave up. Michael Anthony Monsoor (5 April 1981 - 29 September 2006) was a U.S. Navy SEAL killed during the Iraq War. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. During the service, as Monsoor's coffin was taken from the hearse to the gravesite, Navy SEALs lined up in two columns. Market data provided by Factset. Ismaili community leaders continued to report concerns about what they called the exclusion of Ismailis from other positions of political authority. Who has the courage to do that? He chose them.. Not out of any sort of reason other than just letting us be. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House April 8, 2008. A mutually supporting SEAL/IA position also killed an enemy fighter during the morning hours. Posted by 7 years ago. And just as Mikey Monsoor did, the USS Michael Monsoor will go forward, willingly into harms wayand will stand tall without hesitation or regrets and face down evil and malevolence, saying boldly to the world: I WILL DEFEND. Mission and Vision. Talk a little bit about the role and responsibility that goes with being that automatic weapon operator. MICHAEL A. MONSOOR Camp Morena. I mean this really is a story about Brotherhood and father/son. Michael Anthony Monsoor (April 5, 1981 September 29, 2006) was a United States Navy SEAL who was killed during Invasion of Iraq and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. On 11 different operations, Petty Officer Monsoor exposed himself to heavy enemy fire while shielding his teammates with suppressive fire. Bullet holes cover the rubbled buildings. They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. The enemy could not deter Michael and his SEAL platoon. BECOMING COUSTEAU Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan; COW Andrea Arnold, Kat Mansoor; FLEE Jonas Poher Rasmussen. Kind of related to how that gift continues to ripple forward. PO2 (EOD2) Mike Monsoor, a Navy Seal, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for jumping on a grenade in Iraq, giving his life to save his fellow Seals. And look at also the actual battle scenes in there were actually taken from after-action reports. An official website of the United States government, VA Vet Center (Supports vets, service members, and their families), Bush Confers Highest Military Decoration on Fallen Navy SEAL, Navy SEAL to Receive Medal of Honor Posthumously, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. They patrolled bravely through the city streets engaging in firefights while on other occasions, they ambushed insurgent mortar teams near the banks of the Euphrates River. AS ENEMY ACTIVITY INCREASED, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR TOOK POSITION WITH HIS MACHINE GUN BETWEEN TWO TEAMMATES ON AN OUTCROPPING OF THE ROOF. I don't think any of us can sit back and think oh it's so easy for everyone else, but it's hard for us to see past our own difficulty sometimes. The grenade exploded seconds later and Monsoor's body absorbed most of the force of the blast. He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. Rea: Yeah. By his courageous and selfless actions, he saved the lives of his two fellow SEALs and he is the most deserving of the special recognition afforded by awarding the Medal of Honor. It wasn't like someone said something, I meant these really happened. ELEMENT SNIPERS THWARTED THE ENEMY'S INITIAL ATTEMPT BY ELIMINATING TWO INSURGENTS. I served with him in the Military and I can tell you that he was humble and would do just about anything asked of him to help. Fausone: I think again, another very important part because of a mother's concern and pain you sort of mention. At his funeral in San Diego, California, SEALs lined up on both sides of the route of the pallbearers and loudly slapped gold tridents from their uniforms on the wooden casket as a tribute to their fallen comrade.The Truth:The story is true and, despite the comment about not being reported by the media, was given coverage by several news outlets across the U.S. including Fox news. They said no to me Jim, for two years, because they're so private. You talk in the book about how he got into sports - hockey and football - and pushed himself to overcome this medical challenge. Monsoor was awarded the Silver Star for this action,[5][8] and was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Iraq. In the early morning, insurgents prepared to execute a coordinated attack by reconnoitering the area around the element's position. Of the three SEALs on that rooftop corner, he had the only avenue of escape away from the blast, and if he had so chosen, he could have easily escaped. But he didn't give up, he quit but he didn't give up. As we bridge this, Father Halladay, Michael's faith, and the family's faith. On March 31, 2008, the United States Department of Defense confirmed that Monsoor would posthumously receive the Medal of Honor from the president of the United States, George W. Bush, for his valiant and selfless actions to save the lives of his SEAL teammates by sacrificing his own, during combat in Ramadi, Iraq on September 29, 2006. [14][15], For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Task Unit Ramadi, Iraq, Combat Advisor for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula in Support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from April to September 2006. Michael definitely inspired him in that, Michael was a SEAL first. I was part of their community. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Rea: Jim, I was able to interview the childhood friend, who also became a SEAL which is so cool - behind-the-scenes little tidbit there. I believe I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Monsoor there. May you always rest in peace knowing that we remember you and your sacrifice. He was the ultimate teammate. Monsoor was engaged in a firefight in Ramadi when, according to the military report, he and another SEAL pulled a team member shot in the leg to safety while bullets pinged off the ground around them., On 29 September (2006), Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position in eastern Ramadi, Iraq, with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi soldiers. They fought in 35 heated firefights; during these incidents Mike shot tens of thousands of 7.62 millimeter rounds to cover Delta Platoon's movement through streets that seemed to be paved with fire. Fausone: Another person in the book that I think reflects Michael's character is Father Halladay. It's still hard for the men he saved - I would say 100% they feel a sense of guilt. Get email updates about Michael A. Monsoor delivered directly to your inbox. Monsoor described as an "outgoing guy" by his grandfather, George Monsoor, Sr. was killed on Sept. 29, 2006. The 610-foot, 15,000-ton ship, built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works for the U.S. Navy, was named for Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor. He is a real leadership guru and was at the time. As the coffin passed each SEAL, they slapped down the gold Trident each had removed from his own uniform and deeply embedded it into the wooden coffin. They were down below, I think they're reinforcing some fencing with security measures and whatnot and then Michael and the other SEALs were on rooftops. Michael, being the man that he was, was aware of everything going on around him. He was a member of the elite branch of the Navy called SEALS, which stands for SEa, Air and Land. Rest in peace, Michael Monsoor. His teammates recall his sense of loyalty to God, family, and his team. On September 29, 2006, in the war-torn city of Ramadi, Iraq, Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, or Mikey as we called him, smothered a grenade with his body to save three of his teammates. An insurgent closed in and threw a fragmentation grenade into the overwatch position. I met Mike Monsoor when he checked into SEAL Team Three as a new, highly-motivated young frogman. Did you get that sense? As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. They had lost their son and it's been a lot. While the SEALs vigilantly watched for enemy activity, an insurgent threw a hand grenade from an unseen location, which bounced off Petty Officer Monsoor's chest and landed in front of him. Michael obviously knew what was going down, as he was operating on this nightly basis. Fausone: Again, it's one of those things that demonstrates his character. Fausone: And again, that's the lesson to learn. A 28-year-old Lieutenant, who sustained shrapnel wounds to both legs that day, said the following in crediting Monsoor with saving his life: He never took his eye off the grenade his only movement was down toward it. Actually, there is a neat little memorial section in the back of the book that, yes there are these incredible memorials to him, but what I thought to point out is that the most powerful memorials right now are of all the sons of the brothers he saved who were named after him. They are willing to go to the ends of the Earth. During Mike Monsoor's funeral in San Diego, as his coffin was at the grave site at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, SEALs were lined up on both sides of the pallbearers route . [18], A SEAL training facilitylocated about 50 miles (80km) east of San Diegowas renamed Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor. [20], As part of modernization, Garden Grove High School, where Michael Monsoor attended, dedicated the newly built stadium to him, naming it "Michael Monsoor Memorial Stadium". In fact, he would continue to agree to do more. Palatial properties along the Intracoastal Waterway, the St. Johns and the Beaches dominated the list of . Civilians aiding the insurgents blocked off the streets, and a nearby mosque had broadcast a message for people to fight against the Americans and the Iraqi soldiers. He was located closest to the egress route out of the sniper hide-sight watching for enemy activity through a tactical periscope over the parapet wall. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. I am so proud to be a part of this Band of Brothers. As Mikes coffin passed, each SEAL, having removed his gold Trident from his uniform, slapped it down embedding the Trident in the wooden coffin. I feel so honored that I was able to play a small role in now bringing his story to the world because George told me one of the reasons that finally got him to say yes was he said my son was so much more than just a boy who jumped on a grenade because that's what the average person in the public knew him as. Imperial Beach Outlying Landing Field. Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island. When we encounter Iraqi families, I treat them with respect and dignity. Michael fought and fought and fought, even since he was little, to beat his ailment. George eventually said okay, let's do it. And Michael turned all of that away, Jim because he believed in a bigger ideal. He will receive the award for his actions in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on Sept. 29, 2006. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. From there, God willing, I had the connections because I was a SEAL wife and I was able to reach out to Naval Special Warfare and they put me in touch with Michael's parents. After BUD/S, he completed advanced SEAL training courses including parachute training at Basic Airborne School, Fort Benning, Ga., cold weather combat training in Kodiak, Alaska, and six months of SEAL Qualification Training in Coronado, graduating in March 2005. And his story offers some perspective on the long war in Iraq and the chaos there today. Legal Statement. The ultimate friend. He will inspire the crew, just as he inspired his teammates. However, I was patient but I just kept nudging and saying this is such a profound story. He displayed great personal courage and exceptional bravery while conducting operations in enemy held territory at Ar Ramadi Iraq. The 1,063 acre site has a firing range, an administration building, and a dormitory. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in 2004. Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured . Lord, protect my brothers above all else. All rights reserved. Some sort of bonding and love of your fellow man deepens in those situations. As a communicator and machine-gunner on patrols, Monsoor carried 100 pounds (45kg) of gear in temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, fighting together. Michael Monsoor was part of a dedicated team fighting the insurgency in Iraq, supporting the U.S. in its efforts to bring peace and stability to that country. I know these grunts are not just Soldiers and Marines, but fathers and brothers and sons. The other thing, not everyone's going to understand the gravity of this, but he was a new guy. The 40th annual San Francisco Fleet Week kicked-off Oct. 4 with ship arrivals bringing together the San Francisco community, Marines, Coastguardsmen and Sailors to . He has a grateful nation forever in his debt! This was one of the last missions, which is just even worse. Positioned next to the single exit, Monsoor was the only one who could have escaped harm. . Brave men died or were wounded every day. Tell us about this day that will always be remembered. Petty Officer Monsoor was subsequently awarded the Bronze Star as the Task Unit Ramadi, Iraq Combat Advisor from April to September 2006. Mike and his platoon operated in a highly contested part of Ramadi city called the Ma'laab district. I think there's a lesson for all of us here, isn't there? While the SEALs vigilantly watched for enemy activity, an insurgent threw a hand grenade from an unseen location, which bounced off Petty Officer Monsoor's chest and landed in front of him. They really didn't - it was definitely something. He was 25 years old. Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy March 21, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Named for a Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) will be commissioned Jan. 25.Ahead of the ceremony, Master-At-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor's teammates . Monsoors body shielded the others from the brunt of the fragmentation blast and two other SEALs were only wounded by the remaining blast.. All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. They got him evacuated off the rooftop, and got him as fast as they could back to base, but that's where he passed away. Click to read President Bush's full speech at Monsoor's Medal of Honor ceremony. Let's let certain things be, right? AS A MEMBER OF A COMBINED SEAL AND IRAQI ARMY SNIPER OVERWATCH ELEMENT, TASKED WITH PROVIDING EARLY WARNING AND STAND-OFF PROTECTION FROM A ROOFTOP IN AN INSURGENT HELD SECTOR OF AR RAMADI, IRAQ, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF BY HIS EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY IN THE FACE OF GRAVE DANGER. [10] Monsoor's parents, Sally and George Monsoor, received the medal on his behalf at an April 8, ceremony at the White House held by the President.
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