Just let them have their brother. He deployed with his platoon to Iraq in April 2006 in support of OperationIraqi Freedom, and was assigned to Task Unit Bravo in Ar Ramadi. The action for which he ultimately received the Medal of Honor occurred in September 2006 when he was on a rooftop post in Ramadi, Iraq and we'll tell that story. Fausone: There are a number of lessons, and I think we hold these men who receive the Medal of Honor so highly that we can learn some lessons. Unrelated, Chris Kyle operated on the far western side of the city in support of additional special warfare operations; he reportedly killed 84 insurgents. When we're able to read about someone that we would aspire to be or someone who's done something really incredible it is just inspiring. Fausone: I think that's the bonding that occurs that maybe the civilian population doesn't necessarily appreciate. Copyright 2023 Navy SEALs. They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. Tell us about this day that will always be remembered. He was a member of the elite branch of the Navy called SEALS, which stands for SEa, Air and Land. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. His funeral took place in October 12, 2006 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.Other Navy SEALs lined the procession and slapped the trident devices from their uniforms to affix them onto the casket. For this brave action, he earned a Silver Star. The grenade exploded seconds later and Monsoor's body absorbed most of the force of the blast. But I know that, he died doing something he loved. But we are strong. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. Lt. Michael P. Murphy, fondly referred to by friends and family as "Murph," was born May 7, 1976 in Smithtown, N.Y. and grew up in the New York City commuter town . By June 21, 2022 springhill elementary school calendar on michael monsoor funeral June 21, 2022 springhill elementary school calendar on michael monsoor funeral He bore the weight without a single complaint, even in the midst of the 130 degree Western Iraqi summer. He will receive the award for his actions in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on Sept. 29, 2006. 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. 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 . Michael was the closest one where he could have jumped away from it, but the other three could not have. Even before I jumped into really writing the story, I had no idea that he quit BUD/S once. SEAL snipers from his roof engaged two of them which resulted in one enemy wounded in action and one enemy killed in action. I wasn't just a random person off the street. He was 25 years old. [16], In 2011, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs honored Monsoor by naming one of the first three named streets at Miramar National Cemetery after him. I think George will fight for his son and stand up for his memory his whole life. Michael just took all that on and he was never one to back down from anything. He lived for 30 minutes longer, they were providing aid as fast as they could. It was the Army, the first of the 506 Battalion. May the Lord continue to comfort you. This voice says to me: I am patrolling through the streets of Ramadi. Michael Monsoor was there in the midst of it all. Sally recently passed away, and they were married for 49 years, so that is very heartbreaking. Because of Petty Officer Monsoor's actions, he saved the lives of his 3 teammates and the IA soldiers. by Norman Fulkerson May 22, 2008. Michael Monsoor joined the United States Navy in about March of 2001. You tell the story of Michael improving himself and getting through BUD/S. Exactly with that weapon, he was providing cover fire. In the early afternoon, enemy fighters attacked his position with automatic weapons fire from a moving vehicle. It's really a selfless sacrifice and you end up giving this gift to those who are spared. 2006 May the Lord comfort you. Rea:Right. The trident is a U.S. Navy special warfare badge worn by SEALs. All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. 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. So I thought it was a nice touch to add that all in. What we do have preserved in the book are all those stories she shared, gems, so many she hadn't shared with the world. [3][5], Monsoor was described as a "quiet professional" and a "fun-loving guy" by those who knew him. Ramadi had been a violent and intense area for a very strong . Petty Officer Monsoor maintained suppressive fire as the wounded SEAL received tactical casualty treatment to his leg. 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 . 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. Ramadi at the time was the epicenter of the insurgency in Iraq, a city filled with peril. All rights reserved. And then it just goes on from there, with the building of this ship. 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. His funeral in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego . Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor. Shortly thereafter, an enemy fighter shot a rocket-propelled grenade at his building. Not much is known of the circumstances surrounding his death, family members said . Rea: It's no small thing. Click to see a video showing the SEALs' tribute to Monsoor on YouTube. The enemy continued to assault the element, engaging them with a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President George W. Bush to Monsoor's parents on April 8, 2008. [1] He enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training BUD/S class 250 in 2004. He was only the second SEAL to die in Iraq since the war began. I have looked at this picture over and over again and it speaks to me. Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Master At Arms "A" School. As suspected, his parents wouldn't have known about it but probably gave them great comfort once they learned. I miss my mother, my father, my sister, and my brothers. All Rights Reserved. The U.S. Navy's newest vessel, a guided-missile destroyer named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), commissioned on January 27, 2019. They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. The Mountain Warfare Training Facility Camp Michael Monsoor is located 50 miles east of San Diego, near the city of Campo. New guys are like the bottom of the barrel, right? The hardened enemy was bent on destruction; they fought with ruthlessness, constantly on the attack with machine guns, mortars, grenades, and IEDs. The 1,063 acre site has a firing range, an administration building, and a dormitory. A relationship through how much they loved each other and then this brotherly love which ultimately grows and grows and then at the end, but after you saw how much he cared about his fellow squadmates didn't it almost make sense at the end as devastating as it was. She was 94 years old. Monsoor yelled, Grenade! and dropped on top of the grenade prior to it exploding. I think that was the way that it was always meant to be. They made him an honorary Chief because if he was alive, he still would have been. A couple of other things that I think go to his character, which ultimately leads to him making the ultimate sacrifice, his commanding officer in Ramadi in the Spring of 2006 was Lieutenant Commander Jocko Willink. Regional exposure by managing/leading projects by handling projects. In the following transcript, Veterans Radio host Jim Fausone talks with Rose about Michael, his family, his faith, and his sacrifice. They weren't Navy SEALs. . Rose, how did you get involved in helping write and shape this book? To this day, they still blows me away. At his Oct. 12 funeral, as the e-mail states, Navy SEALs took their trident pins and pounded them . You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! [7] After BUD/S, he completed advanced SEAL training courses including parachute training at Basic Airborne School, cold weather combat training in Kodiak, Alaska, and six months of SEAL Qualification Training in Coronado, California, graduating in March 2005. There were so many situations of people who are so moved by his act of charity that they too want to make an act of charity. 230216-NO146-2001GULF OF ADEN (Feb. 16, 2023) Sailors from Republic of Korea Navy ship ROKS Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin (DDH975) assist civilian mariners from France, Feb. 16, 2023. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. UNITED STATES NAVY Petty Officer Second Class Michael Anthony Monsoor was born April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, Calif. Michael grew up in Garden Grove, Calif., as the third of four children of George and Sally Monsoor. He took a lead position to protect the platoon from frontal assault and the team was frequently involved in engagements with insurgent fighters. EVERETT One of the Navy's newest destroyers paid a visit to Puget Sound this weekend. Monsoor yelled, Grenade! and dropped on top of the grenade prior to it exploding. 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. Words seem insufficient to recognize him as the most honorable, decent, unselfish, brave man who gave his life to save others. and jumped onto the grenade, covering it with his body. They said no to me Jim, for two years, because they're so private. Death is everywhere. Three Ismaili Muslims were members of parliament, down one from 2019, and State Minister for Peace Sadat Mansoor Naderi is also an Ismaili Muslim. Dunbar, Monsoor, SEALS, Monsoor funeral. On that day, he was on a rooftop over-watch in . But, he didn't give up. After the engagements, the local populace blocked off the roads in the area with rocks to keep civilians away and to warn insurgents of the presence of his Coalition sniper element. You see those friendships that were deep in there. 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. I've been in the industry for about 15 years now, and nothing has been as meaningful to me as Michael's story - to really kind of uncover it and now share it with the world. Funeral. All of the older guys get fun jobs. Lord, protect my brothers above all else. Mikes gun is at the ready. Who has the courage to do that? In the morning, his team observed four enemy fighters armed with AK-47s reconnoitering from roads in the sector to conduct follow-on attacks. One of his platoon mates was having a baby. 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. Named for a Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) will be commissioned Jan. 25. He said he died in the state of grace and for what Catholics believe, with the sacraments and what else. He placed him in a small, confined sniper hide-sight between two SEAL snipers on an outcropping of the roof, which allowed the three SEALs maximum coverage of the area. Each time I read of Michael's sacrifice I'm so amazed & heartbroken. It really is, because all you want for your child is a long life, happiness, is comfort. Descripcin. Naval Air Station North Island. I know these grunts are not just Soldiers and Marines, but fathers and brothers and sons. His valorous conduct, exemplary leadership, and extraordinary self-sacrifice for his fellow service members have earned him the highest respect and gratitude of his fellow SEALs, the Navy, and our nation. Don't consider yourself a loser. It is the first Navy combat ship named for fallen Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions while serving in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Released). Rea: Yes. Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Quartermaster "A" School, and then transferred to Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Italy for a short period of time. Security services could have stopped Manchester Arena attack if they acted on intelligence, and bomber's own family 'holds significant responsibility' for his radicalisation, damning report finds Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in 2004. We worked hand-in-hand and one by one with his teammates. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Anthony Monsoor. [18], A SEAL training facilitylocated about 50 miles (80km) east of San Diegowas renamed Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. So it just marries together so many wonderful stories and memories. 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. Thank you for all that you are doing to bring awareness to our wonderful veterans. The ship honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who . To me, they're worth dying for, because there's a bond between brothers, and that bond transcends blood. 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. Monsoor was severely wounded and although evacuated immediately, he died 30 minutes later. More importantly, how different groups whether it be at Fort Campbell or at Pendleton or in Norfolk, at churches, how wanted to make sure his name and his story in his sacrifice continued on. It's been a very colorful and challenging life to live, but we're so grateful for our military men and women that serve us. When a grenade thrown by insurgents bounced off Michael's chest, he could have escaped. Rose Rea: Yes, it is a powerful one. Thank-you for raising such a great son. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. All rights reserved. The trapezoidal-shaped USS Michael Monsoor came to Naval Station Everett on Friday, where the ship . [5][6], A grenade was thrown onto the rooftop by an insurgent on the street below. Thank you so much for having me and for filling your listeners in a little bit. As you tell the story in "Defend Us in Battle," it seemed like the guys knew he knew he was taking on this extra responsibility to have their back. 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. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. The slaps were reportedly heard across the cemetery. Contact. [6], On September 29, 2006, Monsoor's platoon engaged four insurgents in a firefight in Ramadi, killing one and injuring another. He was Catholic and he found this incredible priest. Fausone: I think again, another very important part because of a mother's concern and pain you sort of mention. I thought that was beautiful and respectful. 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've had the chance to write on and interview a number of chaplains. And every day, brave men continued to push forward, into the fray. 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 . The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest before falling to the ground. I've done a lot of projects. He is survived by his parents, an older sister and two brothers. It wasn't like someone said something, I meant these really happened. Taking Offense Religion, Art, and Visual Culture in Plural Configurations Not everyone can step in and do it that well, that fast. Twenty Gold Star families and four Medal of Honor recipients witnessed the second Zumwalt-class destroyer enter the fleet. On September 29, 2006, Ramadi, Iraq was considered the most dangerous city on planet earth for American servicemen. Delta Platoon was sent to . Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPACT) 2022. Due to expected enemy action, the officer in charge repositioned him with his automatic heavy machine gun in the direction of the enemy's most likely avenue of approach. 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. Ramadi had been a violent and intense area for a very strong and aggressive insurgency for some time. But fear is no match for my Faith. His funeral in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego was attended by nearly every SEAL on the West Coast, President Bush said. Michael, being the man that he was, was aware of everything going on around him. In the picture, his brother SEALs are nearbybut Mikey is out front. So the majority of the platoon will get ready, they'll pack up, they'll get things on their containers to head home and they'll start getting ready to phase out and the new team will come back in. I want to hold my nephews and nieces again. The enemy could not deter Michael and his SEAL platoon. Michael Monsoor, a Navy Seal, sacrificed his life for his buddies on Sept 29th. All rights reserved. As his Task Unit Commander, I was asked to speak at a ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., where his parents were presented with the Medal of Honor Flag. Monsoor was a Navy SEAL deployed to Iraq in April 2006. Not everyone has made a comprehensive story yet, so the sacrifice lives on I think in the sense of these guys and his parents. May you always rest in peace knowing that we remember you and your sacrifice. I mean, you can imagine Michael who gave everything he had to have to hang up and quit and ring that bell and be viewed by all of his classmates as a quitter. The 25-year-old California native died in 2006 . Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. Most of you probably have never heard of it, and we're going to tell it a little bit because Rose went through talking to all of his buddies in the Navy. George Monsoor (Michael's father) and Rose Rea detail in their book, "Defend Us in Battle", Michael had prepared for this selfless act his whole life - a life that inspires us to have a similar generosity of heart. The ultimate friend. His face is calm, almost smilingdespite the obvious chaos and danger around him. So my husband brings this book home and there's one paragraph - that's all it was - one paragraph. During their deployment, Mike and his fellow SEALS came under enemy attack on 75 percent of their missions. Monsoor quickly smothered the grenade with his body, absorbing the resulting explosion and saving his comrades from serious injury or death. There was only one access point for entry or exit and Monsoor was the only one who could have saved himself from harm. Fausone: And he gave them a gift, just like he gave a lot of people who have heard the story this gift. His life and unfortunate death are . Michael definitely inspired him in that, Michael was a SEAL first. Monsoor died about 30 minutes later from wounds caused by the grenade explosion. 190126-N-XN177-1115 SAN DIEGO (Jan. 26, 2019) Sailors stand in formation during the commissioning ceremony for the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), Jan. 26, 2019. Jim Fausone:We want to welcome to Veterans Radio today, Rose Rea. Monsoors body shielded the others from the brunt of the fragmentation blast and two other SEALs were only wounded by the remaining blast., One of the key aspects of this incident was the way the overwatch position was structured. People want to know everything all the time. Did you get that sense? Around midday, the exterior of the building was struck by a single rocket propelled grenade (RPG), but no injuries to any of the overwatch personnel were sustained. You got a chance to talk to his Navy buddies before he became a SEAL and importantly after he became a SEAL and served in Iraq. Naval Sea Cadet Corps unit named the "Michael A. Monsoor Battalion" based in Camp Pendleton, California. It was communion, it was Eucharist, it was confession. Once he and his men established a sniper overwatch position, he deftly transitioned to his role as a SEAL communicator calling in tank support and transmitting enemy situation reports to the 1-506 PIR Commander. Through this ship: Michael Monsoor will still represent the very best our country has to offer. He immediately leapt to his feet and yelled "grenade" to alert his teammates of impending danger, but they could not evacuate the sniper hide-sight in time to escape harm. President Bush on Tuesday said, "The Medal of Honor is America's highest decoration for military valor. This was one of the last missions, which is just even worse. Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor was killed in battle in Iraq in September 2006, and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in April. DDG 1001 TOP STORY. May 7, 1976 - June 28, 2005. Over the next five months, Monsoor and his platoon frequently engaged in combat with insurgent forces. You had middle school classes want to make videos and learned about his story. Monsoor was the . I know because my father and brother were also gruntsproud Marine riflemen. I try to honor his life and death by remembering his example and trying to emulate it because even when he was faced with some of the least September 22, 2018 | Arlington, WA | Military. [2][4] When he was a child, Monsoor was afflicted with asthma but strengthened his lungs by racing his siblings in the family's swimming pool. For those of us who were there, that picture of Mike captures all of this. Again, a great story about a terrific young man who made the ultimate sacrifice for his mates - a selfless act. Clyde B. Jones Funeral Home and Versus Legal Attorneys-at-Law specially invite you to attend. The symbolic display moved many, included Bush, who during his speech in April's Medal of Honor ceremony spoke about the incident. Petty Officer Second Class Michael Anthony Monsoor was born April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, Calif. Michael grew up in Garden Grove, Calif., as the third of four children of George and Sally Monsoor. April 5, 1981 - Sept. 29, 2006. People need to know what he gave for his country, what he gave up willingly and so that started everything. On March 31, 2008, the United States Department of Defense confirmed that Monsoor would posthumously receive the Medal of Honor. Instantly and without regard for his own . October 14, 2019 | Fort Sam Houston, TX. His quiet demeanor and dedication to his friends matched the "Silent Warrior" SEAL mentality that was to become his calling in life. Though well-acquainted with enemy tactics in Ar Ramadi, and keenly aware that the enemy would continue to attack, the SEALs remained on the battlefield in order to carry out the mission of guarding the western flank of the main effort. You have to ask yourself what makes a man do this. Mike and his fellow SEALs accounted for 84 enemy fighters killed in action and the detainment of numerous insurgents. Legal Statement. The ship honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of . Home Haller Motorworx & Farm Equipment Magazine, AR 479 969-6464. In September 2006, Michael laid down his life for his brothers in arms. Monica Hellstrm; THE RESCUE Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, John Battsek, P. J. van . He was killed in the line of duty while serving in Iraq on September 29, 2006.He died after throwing himself on a grenade to prevent it from killing others whom he had been assigned to protect on a rooftop. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for diving onto a grenade to save his teammates in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on September 29, 2006. Rea: I think that is one of my favorite parts because even thinking about writing those words. [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. 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. Bullet holes cover the rubbled buildings. He took a lot on and it says a lot about his character. Over the years, many who have received the medal have given their lives in the action that earned it. Immediately, Petty Officer Monsoor, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in order to provide suppressive fire and fight his way to the wounded SEAL's position. But he didn't give up, he quit but he didn't give up. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. On September 29, 2006, Michael Monsoor and three SEAL snipers watched vigilantly for enemy activity from a rooftop post in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. Camp Morena. The Moving Funeral of Petty Officer Mike Monsoor-Truth! 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. The new destroyer is named for Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his .