[3] His father is of Lebanese and Irish descent, and his mother has Irish ancestry. He really wanted to protect them. Rea: Michael had a crazy deployment and super high tempo operating throughout the whole thing, and then they were finally starting to wind down after about six months. Words seem insufficient to recognize him as the most honorable, decent, unselfish, brave man who gave his life to save others. It represents the three aspects of SEAL special operations, sea, air, and land. Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Master At Arms "A" School. The Mountain Warfare Training Facility Camp Michael Monsoor is located 50 miles east of San Diego, near the city of Campo. Faced with the choice to save his comrades or save himself, Monsoor threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the impact. 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 . On April 8, 2008, Master at Arms, 2nd Class Michael Anthony Monsoor (4/5/81 to 09/29/06) , a Navy EOD Technician, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for jumping on a grenade . When I started reading the memorials at the back of the book, I could feel how meaningful different memorials would have been to Michael. Fausone: "Defend Us in Battle" is on the Harper Horizon imprint. It's really a selfless sacrifice and you end up giving this gift to those who are spared. 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. 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. Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island. Monsoor was born April 5, 1981, in Long Beach, California, the third of four children of Sally Ann (Boyle) and George Paul Monsoor. On January 26th, 2019, the Zumwalt class destroyer. Fausone: I think that's the bonding that occurs that maybe the civilian population doesn't necessarily appreciate. On September 29, 2006, an insurgent threw a grenade onto a rooftop where Monsoor and several other SEALs and Iraqi soldiers were positioned. 190126-N-XN177-1481 SAN DIEGO (Jan. 26, 2019) The crew of the Zumwalt-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) brings the ship to life during its commissioning ceremony, Jan. 26, 2019. 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. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. [1] He enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training BUD/S class 250 in 2004. Duval's Top 10 September real estate: Queen's Harbour Colonial goes for $3.5 million. During the funeral, as the coffin was moving from the hearse to the grave site, Navy SEALs were lined up forming a column of twos on both sides of the . Delta Platoon executed a broad spectrum of combat operations in and around Ramadi. However, I was patient but I just kept nudging and saying this is such a profound story. Petty Officer Second Class Michael Anthony Monsoor was born April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, Calif. Michael . Not everyone can step in and do it that well, that fast. Monsoor described as an "outgoing guy" by his grandfather, George Monsoor, Sr. was killed on Sept. 29, 2006. Fausone: Go ahead and set us up for what happened on September 29, 2006 when Michael and three other snipers were there. 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. 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. Her prayers for her son are just a reflection of what every mother is doing when their boys are overseas, or daughters are overseas. He was the ultimate teammate. The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to. Shortly thereafter, an enemy fighter shot a rocket-propelled grenade at his building. He had this unbreakable little will at such a young age and it was so inspiring. Live Well Plan Well Rest Well A half day breakfast seminar on Saturday March 18th, 2023, at the . In the picture, his brother SEALs are nearbybut Mikey is out front. [5], During an engagement on May 9, 2006, Monsoor ran into a street while under continuous insurgent gunfire to rescue an injured comrade. Who was I named after? All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. The guys talk about the weight you carry, the extra weight. 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. Michael inspired and looked out for his friends his whole life. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. TIL during the funeral of Navy SEAL Michael A. Monsoor, every Navy SEAL on the West Coast came to the funeral, took off their golden trident off of there own uniform and slapped it onto his wooden coffin covering the whole coffin in golden tridents. 'MI5 exists to stop atrocities. The four had been working with Iraqi soldiers providing sniper security while U.S. and Iraqi forces conducted missions in the area. Mike and his fellow SEALs accounted for 84 enemy fighters killed in action and the detainment of numerous insurgents. 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. They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. Home Haller Motorworx & Farm Equipment Magazine, AR 479 969-6464. He aggressively stabilized each chaotic situation with focused determination and uncanny tactical awareness. Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in 2004. Instead, knowing what the outcome would be, he fell on the grenade to save the others from harm. The new guys still can do some fun things, but for him to step into this role and provide such wonderful, tactical awareness and to do his job so well, it was just a huge, huge testament to him throwing himself in and giving his all. U.S. Navy file photo of the Medal of Honor certificate presented by President George W. Bush to George and Sally Monsoor on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. 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. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Anthony Monsoor. They weren't Navy SEALs. I think Michael probably got some of his good leadership principles from following along Lieutenant Commander Willink. 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 . You had middle school classes want to make videos and learned about his story. Twenty Gold Star families and four Medal of Honor recipients witnessed the second Zumwalt-class destroyer enter the fleet. ALTHOUGH ONLY HE COULD HAVE ESCAPED THE BLAST, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR CHOSE INSTEAD TO PROTECT HIS TEAMMATES. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. There is a lot that goes into naming the ship. Get email updates about Michael A. Monsoor delivered directly to your inbox. Then you read about these guys in the story when Michael was in Italy and he was in this waiting pattern to go back to get a second chance. Monsoor was severely wounded and although evacuated immediately, he died 30 minutes later. I love my country, my fellow SEALs, and the men fighting alongside us. Legal Statement. This electronic book is available for free download and printing from www.homeofheroes.com. Market data provided by Factset. A warship that proudly bears his name. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. Kind of related to how that gift continues to ripple forward. I met Mike Monsoor when he checked into SEAL Team Three as a new, highly-motivated young frogman. and jumped onto the grenade, covering it with his body. Because there is nothing more important to me than my family. Ramadi at the time was the epicenter of the insurgency in Iraq, a city filled with peril. Unrelated, Chris Kyle operated on the far western side of the city in support of additional special warfare operations; he reportedly killed 84 insurgents. This gun is nicknamed "The Pig" because of its squealing sound and because there's so much force when they're shooting it. Tell us about this day that will always be remembered. During combat patrols he walked behind the platoon point man with his Mk 48 machinegun so that he could protect his platoon from a frontal enemy attack. 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. Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy March 21, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Released). Can you talk to us a little bit about learning that part of the story, which I suspect his parents knew nothing about when he was over in Iraq? The guy who made this special box - almost like a shadow box, but it's a decorative box - he said, "No I want to do this, don't pay me a cent. 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. 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. I had no idea. Ramadi had been a violent and intense area for a very strong and aggressive insurgency for some time. Funeral. Monica Hellstrm; THE RESCUE Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, John Battsek, P. J. van . Margaret Louise Monsoor, our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away in her sleep on August 8, 2021. Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured; another who was 10 to 15 feet from the blast was unhurt. Positioned next to the single exit, Monsoor was the only one who could have escaped harm. During the battle, a grenade bounced off Monsoors chest and landed on the roof. So I thought it was a nice touch to add that all in. And his story offers some perspective on the long war in Iraq and the chaos there today. Fausone: Another person in the book that I think reflects Michael's character is Father Halladay. Those memories will always be within those children, which I love. Such an amazing man! 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. Monsoor yelled, Grenade! and dropped on top of the grenade prior to it exploding. Legal Statement. In the Ma'laab district, Michael perfected his skills as an urban machine gunner. The hardened enemy was bent on destruction; they fought with ruthlessness, constantly on the attack with machine guns, mortars, grenades, and IEDs. 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. I am far away from home. Figure out what you need to do to get better and get through that challenge. The Early Years. You record a conversation that George told you he had with Michael. BY HIS UNDAUNTED COURAGE, FIGHTING SPIRIT, AND UNWAVERING DEVOTION TO DUTY IN THE FACE OF CERTAIN DEATH, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR GALLANTLY GAVE HIS LIFE FOR HIS COUNTRY, THEREBY REFLECTING GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND UPHOLDING THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE. Michael Monsoor was there in the midst of it all. That picture says so much. Copyright 2023 Navy SEALs. Monsoor . 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. He will inspire the crew, just as he inspired his teammates. 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. October 14, 2019 | Fort Sam Houston, TX. Rea: So, so powerful. Even before I jumped into really writing the story, I had no idea that he quit BUD/S once. And then from George and Sally's perspective, knowing bits and pieces people do know. Bullet holes cover the rubbled buildings. April 5, 1981 - Sept. 29, 2006. 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. Really what Michael appreciated over there was strength. They made him an honorary Chief because if he was alive, he still would have been. All of the rest of the men, three SEALs, and the Iraqi interpreters, survived because of what Michael did for them willingly. ELEMENT SNIPERS THWARTED THE ENEMY'S INITIAL ATTEMPT BY ELIMINATING TWO INSURGENTS. 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. Fausone: And he gave them a gift, just like he gave a lot of people who have heard the story this gift. Thank-you for raising such a great son. Michael Anthony Monsoor was born on 5 April 1981 in Long Beach, CA, the third of four children born to George and Sally Monsoor. You had a chance to talk to some of these men. Rest in peace, Michael Monsoor. And from a mother's perspective, it's heartbreaking. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest and fell onto the floor. But there was more of a story there. [19], There is a U.S. And then it just goes on from there, with the building of this ship. You may print and distribute in quantity for all non-profit, educational purposes. Rea: Well, they're super private, so even the children are not a big fan of media and they didn't want to really be involved in this book at the time. Fausone:Yes and it's a huge honor. It's so painful, but George knew his son was set to do this, was set to go to this war-torn area and he wasn't afraid. 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. It was communion, it was Eucharist, it was confession. I miss my mother, my father, my sister, and my brothers. Let me set this up a little bit. And look at also the actual battle scenes in there were actually taken from after-action reports. We've talked a little bit about the reaction to this sacrifice, but does the family feel that the sacrifice going forward in a ripple effect, will that continue to go forward? As for his family, please accept my deepest sympathy. The enemy continued to assault the element, engaging them with a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. In the early afternoon, enemy fighters attacked his position with automatic weapons fire from a moving vehicle. He continued to provide effective suppressive fire while simultaneously dragging the wounded SEAL to safety. His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. 29, 2006, when he was killed . Rea: It's so true. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. So my husband brings this book home and there's one paragraph - that's all it was - one paragraph. Michael died thirty minutes later, having made the ultimate sacrifice. The future USS Michael Monsoor, named for Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Ramadi, Iraq, on September. 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. During the funeral, as the coffin was moving from the hearse to the grave site, Navy SEALs were lined up forming a column of twos on both sides of . Brave men died or were wounded every day. The 25-year-old California native died in 2006 . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, [6], On September 29, 2006, Monsoor's platoon engaged four insurgents in a firefight in Ramadi, killing one and injuring another. Acting as the senior leader by leading a team of 3. 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. He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. The sad thing is that Michael was ready to die at any time and I'm sure a lot of those guys were, Jim. It really is, because all you want for your child is a long life, happiness, is comfort. All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President George W. Bush to Monsoor's parents on April 8, 2008. I think that was the way that it was always meant to be. How many times? A brotherhood bound by sweat and blood and tears. While vigilantly watching for enemy activity, an enemy fighter hurled a hand grenade onto the roof from an unseen location. This story is so incredible so it really gives people a perspective and a glimpse into who was this boy that made this split-second decision that changed lives forever. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. But we are strong. [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. 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. [5][6], Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy on March 24, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 29 September 2006. 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. This was a fitting send-off for a warrior hero. From the US Navy: Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Anthony Monsoor. LATEST NEWS The 40th Annual San Francisco Fleet Week Begins. He took a lot on and it says a lot about his character. I believe I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Monsoor there. I thought that was beautiful and respectful. The slaps were reportedly heard across the cemetery. Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured . All Rights Reserved. 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. "He never took his eye off the grenade, his only movement was down toward it," said a 28-year-old lieutenant who sustained shrapnel wounds to both legs that day. And I'm like, who is this? It said who Michael Monsoor was, a little bit about him - just a titch - and something went off in my being, and it was like you've got to tell this boy's story. SEAL's Name", Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training, jumped onto the grenade, covering it with his body, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, "Complications Grow for Muslims Serving in U.S. Military", "Sailor Killed in Iraq Awarded Medal of Honor", "A Fitting Tribute to a Slain Navy SEAL Gains Attention", "Medal of Honor for Navy Officer in Iraq", "President Bush Attends Medal of Honor Ceremony for Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor, U.S. Navy", "U.S. Navy Recipients of the Silver Medal for Actions Since September 11, 2001", "Monsoor Avenue, Krulak Way at new vets cemetery", "SECNAV Names New Zumwalt-Class Destroyer USS Michael Monsoor", "Department of the Navy Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Budget Estimates Justification of Estimates February 2018", "Dedication event for Monsoor Stadium set", "Garden Grove High School dedicates new stadium in honor of fallen war hero", "Navy SEAL who sacrificed life for team honored at school in Southern California", "Navy SEAL's sacrifice earns Medal of Honor", "Pentagon-sourced video clip of White House ceremony honoring Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Michael_A._Monsoor&oldid=1135657594, United States Navy personnel of the Iraq War, United States Navy Medal of Honor recipients, American military personnel killed in the Iraq War, Burials at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Iraq War recipients of the Medal of Honor, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with dead external links from January 2018, Articles with permanently dead external links, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 26 January 2023, at 01:00. Rea: I know. Descripcin. Monsoor died on Sept. 29, 2006, and was buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. You see those friendships that were deep in there. Tell us about finding those guys and in some measure pulling the stories out to make "Defend Us in Battle.". Fausone: I've had the chance to write on and interview a number of chaplains. Delta Platoon was sent to Iraq in April 2006 and assigned to train Iraqi Army soldiers in Ramadi. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. He was only the second SEAL to die in Iraq since the war began. The 1,063 acre site has a firing range, an administration building, and a dormitory. During the first five months of deployment, that platoon from Team 3 was assigned to Camp Corregidor on the east side of Ramadi, led by then-Lieutenant Seth Stone, who also earned the Silver Star for his own actions on the same September 29, 2006 operation.
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