All of the older guys get fun jobs. Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, 25, was killed in combat Sept. 29 in Ramadi, Iraq, west of Baghdad. And from a mother's perspective, it's heartbreaking. Mike and his fellow SEALs accounted for 84 enemy fighters killed in action and the detainment of numerous insurgents. But there was more of a story there. 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. They flew him back over to do the honors. 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. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Petty Officer Monsoor reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. "We were at a SEAL bar in San Diego called McP's, and we were having a wake for one of our guys that just died, I believe it was Michael Monsoor. Rea: So, so powerful. Able to work in a promising business revenue and product pipeline organization. Michael definitely inspired him in that, Michael was a SEAL first. Funeral. MASTER-AT-ARMS SECOND CLASS (SEA, AIR AND LAND) MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, MA2 MICHAEL A. MONSOOR, USN with sailors on his tour. 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. They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. Not everyone has made a comprehensive story yet, so the sacrifice lives on I think in the sense of these guys and his parents. Her prayers for her son are just a reflection of what every mother is doing when their boys are overseas, or daughters are overseas. 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. He's such a cool dude, he's so masculine, so strong, and he was there. Death is everywhere. 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. Each time I read of Michael's sacrifice I'm so amazed & heartbroken. The text of his citation reads: For service as set forth in the following. Acting as the senior leader by leading a team of 3. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The Early Years. USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) will be commissioned into Navy service. Ahead of the ceremony, Master-At-Arms 2nd Cl. Copyright 2023 Navy SEALs. Home Haller Motorworx & Farm Equipment Magazine, AR 479 969-6464. 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. His quiet demeanor and dedication to his friends matched the "Silent Warrior" SEAL mentality that was to become his calling in life. I thought that was beautiful and respectful. 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. New guys are like the bottom of the barrel, right? Petty Officer Monsoor was subsequently awarded the Bronze Star as the Task Unit Ramadi, Iraq Combat Advisor from April to September 2006. Rea: It did after and he was able to say that to them when they met him after he had passed away. Michael the Archangel by Guido Reni, Santa Maria della Concezione, Rome, 1636. It was such an honor and they felt safe with me because I wasn't just a reporter. Michael Anthony Monsoor was born on 5 April 1981 in Long Beach, CA, the third of four children born to George and Sally Monsoor. 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 ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. SEAL snipers from his roof engaged two of them which resulted in one enemy wounded in action and one enemy killed in action. However, I was patient but I just kept nudging and saying this is such a profound story. It's still hard for the men he saved - I would say 100% they feel a sense of guilt. Those chaplains of whatever denomination are doing great work with our men and I was really interested to read that Michael Monsoor, this Medal of Honor recipient, had that kind of relationship with that kind of chaplain when he was in Iraq. Aviation_Intel. Being the wife of a SEAL, quitting is the worst thing you can ever do, and Michael quit. The Mountain Warfare Training Facility Camp Michael Monsoor is located 50 miles east of San Diego, near the city of Campo. Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPACT) 2022. 0:36. Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor was killed in battle in Iraq in September 2006, and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in April. 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. [6], On September 29, 2006, Monsoor's platoon engaged four insurgents in a firefight in Ramadi, killing one and injuring another. 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. 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. Contact. Duval's Top 10 September real estate: Queen's Harbour Colonial goes for $3.5 million. He knew some of these guys were going home early, it's called turnover. So many guys have named their kids after him because they just loved him so much. Rose Rea: Yes, it is a powerful one. He was the ultimate teammate. 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. 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. As the coffin passed, video shows each SEAL slapping down the gold Trident from his uniform and deeply embedding it in Monsoor's wooden coffin. All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. Monsoors body shielded the others from the brunt of the fragmentation blast and two other SEALs were only wounded by the remaining blast.. As suspected, his parents wouldn't have known about it but probably gave them great comfort once they learned. Ramadi at the time was the epicenter of the insurgency in Iraq, a city filled with peril. 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. Fausone: And again, that's the lesson to learn. President's 13 Year Old Daughter Spent Spring Break in Mexico-Truth. This voice says to me: I am patrolling through the streets of Ramadi. or redistributed. 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. A brotherhood bound by sweat and blood and tears. So my husband brings this book home and there's one paragraph - that's all it was - one paragraph. Michael Anthony Monsoor (April 5, 1981 - September 29, 2006) was a United States Navy SEAL who was killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Click to see a video showing the SEALs' tribute to Monsoor on YouTube. The Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) and the Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) arrived at theTom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Oregon to kick-off Portland Rose Festival and Fleet Week 2022, June 9., He was operating with I think eight of them total left out of a normal size of 15 to 20. AS ENEMY ACTIVITY INCREASED, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR TOOK POSITION WITH HIS MACHINE GUN BETWEEN TWO TEAMMATES ON AN OUTCROPPING OF THE ROOF. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 29 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. And then, as you know, at the end of the book who says that powerful prayer at the end, who's able to be there and the huge commissioning of bringing his ship to life but Father Paul Halladay. [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. For this brave action, he earned a Silver Star. On that day, Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi Army (IA) soldiers. And because of that, his men were able to get to safety. Immediately, Monsoor yelled "Grenade!" You may print and distribute in quantity for all non-profit, educational purposes. 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. For service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Automatic Weapons Gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 29 September 2006. He was a member of the elite branch of the Navy called SEALS, which stands for SEa, Air and Land. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. 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. Monsoor died on Sept. 29, 2006, and was buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. They made him an honorary Chief because if he was alive, he still would have been. You see those friendships that were deep in there. President Bush presents the Medal of Honor to Sally and George Monsoor, parents of Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, during an East Room ceremony on Tuesday. He had this unbreakable little will at such a young age and it was so inspiring. [21][22][23], Michael Monsoor is mentioned in the book of Rorke Denver "Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior".[24]. Thank you so much for having me and for filling your listeners in a little bit. 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. To all those whose lives were forever changed on that awful night: I am so sorry that MI5 did not prevent the attack at the Manchester Arena,' Mr McCallum said The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest before falling to the ground. Faced with the choice to save his comrades or save himself, Monsoor threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the impact. "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. Rea: Yes. He was at SEAL Team 3 when they commissioned this absolutely breathtaking missile-guided destroyer - they call it a super stealth missile-guided destroyer - that was named after Michael Monsoor. On May 9, 2006 Mike rescued a SEAL who was shot in the leg. His teammates recall his sense of loyalty to God, family, and his team. 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 . The grenade hit him in the chest and bounced onto the deck. Who has the courage to do that? Monsoor quickly smothered the grenade with his body, absorbing the resulting explosion and saving his comrades from serious injury or death. I met Mike Monsoor when he checked into SEAL Team Three as a new, highly-motivated young frogman. Sally recently passed away, and they were married for 49 years, so that is very heartbreaking. Fausone: Another person in the book that I think reflects Michael's character is Father Halladay. "The procession went on nearly half an hour," Bush said. Fausone: I think that's one of the lessons, right? 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. 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. He will safeguard our families, as he safeguarded his own family. 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). The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest and fell onto the floor. . Let me set this up a little bit. October 14, 2019 | Fort Sam Houston, TX. In April 2008, Michael Monsoor . This gun is nicknamed "The Pig" because of its squealing sound and because there's so much force when they're shooting it. Your parents and family are also remembered, as they too have borne the pain of your absence. As for his family, please accept my deepest sympathy. George's son, Michael, is a recipient of the Medal of Honor and we're going to tell Michael's story. Thank-you for Michael's service & his and your sacrifices. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, All Major Military Award Recipients (PDF), Medal of Honor Recipient's Story of Overcoming Obstacles and Sacrifice, Transcript of Veterans Radio Host Jim Fausone's Interview with. 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. Michael Monsoor joined the United States Navy in about March of 2001. Only you guys, only the men, and women who have served in these stressful situations can attest something happens. And his story offers some perspective on the long war in Iraq and the chaos there today. All rights reserved. Petty Officer Monsoor was the Platoon Machine Gunner of an overwatch element, providing security for an Iraqi Army Brigade during counter-insurgency operations. On 11 different operations, Petty Officer Monsoor exposed himself to heavy enemy fire while shielding his teammates with suppressive fire. 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 On March 31, 2008, the United States Department of Defense confirmed that Monsoor would posthumously receive the Medal of Honor. [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. PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 5, 2020) Seaman Davon Ramos, from New York, looks through binoculars while standing watch on the port bridge wing aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) during a vertical replenishment with Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Regan (CVN 76). The SEALs fired back and stood their ground. Ramadi had been a violent and intense area for a very strong and aggressive insurgency for some time. From April to Sept. 29, 2006, Mike served as a heavy weapons machine gunner in Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor. 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.