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. 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. Fausone: Again, it's one of those things that demonstrates his character. The parents of Master-At-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor accepted the nation's highest military honor on behalf of their son during a White House ceremony April 8, 2008. 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. The trident is a U.S. Navy special warfare badge worn by SEALs. They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. Lieutenant Commander Jocko Willink, Navy SEAL. 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. STEVE INSKEEP, host: The White House is about to bestow the highest military award on a Navy SEAL from Southern California. Fausone: I think that's one of the lessons, right? Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPACT) 2022. Monsoor's position made him the only SEAL on the rooftop with quick access to an escape route. I just thought that was so incredible. On January 26th, 2019, the Zumwalt class destroyer. That picture says so much. 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? 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. "The procession went on nearly half an hour," Bush said. He was there to offer him whatever assistance Michael needed. 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 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. Delta Platoon was sent to . 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. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. 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. It is my honor to make it for him." [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". His quiet demeanor and dedication to his friends matched the "Silent Warrior" SEAL mentality that was to become his calling in life. He's such a cool dude, he's so masculine, so strong, and he was there. From April to Sept. 29, 2006, Mike served as a heavy weapons machine gunner in Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. 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. His parents had no idea that he was operating on a nightly basis and the type of danger that he was in. The Moving Funeral of Petty Officer Mike Monsoor-Truth! SAN DIEGO - The Navy's newest Zumwalt-class destroyer, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), was commissioned Jan. 26 at Naval Air Station North Island.. Twenty gold star families and four Medal of Honor recipients witnessed the Navy's second Zumwalt-class destroyer enter the fleet. He has an older brother James and older sister Sara, and a younger brother Joseph. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Naval Sea Cadet Corps unit named the "Michael A. Monsoor Battalion" based in Camp Pendleton, California. The unit symbol is composed of Petty Officer Monsoor's Medal of Honor, SEAL Trident, and Master-at-Arms shield. Portrait of Medal of Honor recipient Michael Monsoor. Those memories will always be within those children, which I love. 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. In the picture, his brother SEALs are nearbybut Mikey is out front. Mikes gun is at the ready. Instead, knowing what the outcome would be, he fell on the grenade to save the others from harm. [9], The display moved many attending the funeral, including President Bush, who spoke about the incident later during a speech stating: "The procession went on nearly half an hour, and when it was all over, the simple wooden coffin had become a gold-plated memorial to a hero who will never be forgotten."[9]. 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. As for his family, please accept my deepest sympathy. On 11 different operations, Petty Officer Monsoor exposed himself to heavy enemy fire while shielding his teammates with suppressive fire. The 25-year-old California native died in 2006 . George's son, Michael, is a recipient of the Medal of Honor and we're going to tell Michael's story. 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. Let's let certain things be, right? Fausone: He was the automatic weapons operator carrying the MK-48 and all that extra weight, there's a responsibility to the other guys because you're carrying that weapon to protect them. Silver Strand Training Complex. 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 . Naval Air Station North Island. They said no to me Jim, for two years, because they're so private. He aggressively stabilized each chaotic situation with focused determination and uncanny tactical awareness. Legal Statement. Rose, thanks for bringing this story to life and adding it to the library of literature on Medal of Honor recipients. I think that was the way that it was always meant to be. Legal Statement. Instead, he threw himself onto the live grenade, shielding his fellow soldiers from the immediate explosion. Thank-you again for Michael's service and your sacrifice. "He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs'' lives, and we owe him." UNITED STATES NAVY Monsoor was severely wounded and although evacuated immediately, he died 30 minutes later. Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor had been near the only door to the rooftop structure Sept. 29 when the grenade hit him in the chest and bounced to the floor, said four SEALs who spoke to The Associated Press this week on condition of anonymity because their work requires their identities to remain secret. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. He was only the second SEAL to die in Iraq since the war began. And from a mother's perspective, it's heartbreaking. And in this shipand in its crewMikeys spirit will live on. 1. You quit. So, Michael willingly volunteered to stay and continue operating. Imperial Beach Outlying Landing Field. It was this cool relationship, almost this Brotherhood camaraderie too, between this Navy chaplain priest and Michael. 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. During their deployment, Mike and his fellow SEALS came under enemy attack on 75 percent of their missions. To me, they're worth dying for, because there's a bond between brothers, and that bond transcends blood. 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. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. He remained fearless while facing constant danger, and through his selfless nature and aggressive actions, saved the lives of coalition soldiers and his fellow SEALs. Market data provided by Factset. 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. The thing is, for these boys who served with Michael, this matters to them, too, because their children want to know who Uncle Mikey was. He was operating with I think eight of them total left out of a normal size of 15 to 20. 'MI5 exists to stop atrocities. He said he died in the state of grace and for what Catholics believe, with the sacraments and what else. 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. Hi, I was a volunteer at the Bob Hope USO @ LAX for ten years and currently on occasion volunteer at the USO in San Diego. 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. On April 8, 2008, Monsoor was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously officiated by President George W. Bush in a ceremony at the White House . 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. "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. And Michael turned all of that away, Jim because he believed in a bigger ideal. They had been through enough. An insurgent closed in and threw a fragmentation grenade into the overwatch position. It really is, because all you want for your child is a long life, happiness, is comfort. Rea: It's no small thing. Rea: So, so powerful. Rea: Yeah. ALTHOUGH ONLY HE COULD HAVE ESCAPED THE BLAST, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR CHOSE INSTEAD TO PROTECT HIS TEAMMATES. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer Monsoor reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. [3] His father is of Lebanese and Irish descent, and his mother has Irish ancestry. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. In September 2006, Michael laid down his life for his brothers in arms. Instantly and without regard for his own . 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. 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 reason I learned a little bit about it is my husband is an active-duty SEAL. 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 hardened enemy was bent on destruction; they fought with ruthlessness, constantly on the attack with machine guns, mortars, grenades, and IEDs. . However, I was patient but I just kept nudging and saying this is such a profound story. I am Michael Monsoor. Not everyone can step in and do it that well, that fast. But George got to talk to Michael and tell him, "Hey, don't be a hero" and Michael responded, "I have no regrets." Michael Anthony Monsoor (5 April 1981 - 29 September 2006) was a U.S. Navy SEAL killed during the Iraq War. He took a lead position to protect the platoon from frontal assault and the team was frequently involved in engagements with insurgent fighters. SEAL snipers from his roof engaged two of them which resulted in one enemy wounded in action and one enemy killed in action. A very uneventful day at first, Jim. box of lies online generator michael monsoor funeral. Words seem insufficient to recognize him as the most honorable, decent, unselfish, brave man who gave his life to save others. I wasn't just a random person off the street. Each time I read of Michael's sacrifice I'm so amazed & heartbroken. Petty Officer Monsoor entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, Calif., and subsequently graduated with Class 250 on Sept. 2, 2004 as one of the top performers in his class. Monica Hellstrm; THE RESCUE Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, John Battsek, P. J. van . 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. U.S. Navy via Getty Images . His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. 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. Rea: I think that is one of my favorite parts because even thinking about writing those words. Michael was the closest one where he could have jumped away from it, but the other three could not have. On May 9, 2006 Mike rescued a SEAL who was shot in the leg. 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. On 15 operations, he carried a rucksack full of communications equipment in addition to his machinegun and full ammunition load-out. 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. Rea: It did after and he was able to say that to them when they met him after he had passed away. For those of us who were there, that picture of Mike captures all of this. 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. Bless their hearts. Home Haller Motorworx & Farm Equipment Magazine, AR 479 969-6464 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 Being the wife of a SEAL, quitting is the worst thing you can ever do, and Michael quit. 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. Perry, Tony, "Destroyer To Bear O.C. [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. Michael Monsoor, a Navy Seal, sacrificed his life for his buddies on Sept 29th. Close. Get the recap of top opinion commentary and original content throughout the week. Over the next five months, Monsoor and his platoon frequently engaged in combat with insurgent forces. 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. So my husband brings this book home and there's one paragraph - that's all it was - one paragraph. Margaret Louise Monsoor, our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away in her sleep on August 8, 2021. Fausone: I think again, another very important part because of a mother's concern and pain you sort of mention. USSMichael Monsoor (DDG-1001), the second ship in the Zumwalt class of guided missile destroyers, was also named in his honor. Such an amazing man! Rea: I don't think we'll ever understand, Jim. 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. Rose Rea: Yes, it is a powerful one. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. His life and unfortunate death are . Anticipating further attacks, Monsoor, three SEAL snipers and three Iraqi Army soldiers took up a rooftop position. He was 25-year-old Michael Monsoor. I think there's a lesson for all of us here, isn't there? Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Sally Monsoor, mother of Michael Monsoor and the ship's sponsor, is escorted on stage during the commissioning ceremony for the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) on Jan. 26 . MICHAEL A. MONSOOR Don't consider yourself a loser. The Early Years. By June 21, 2022 springhill elementary school calendar on michael monsoor funeral June 21, 2022 springhill elementary school calendar on michael monsoor funeral Thank you so much for having me and for filling your listeners in a little bit. I was part of their community. I want to hold my nephews and nieces again. USS Michael Monsoor is the second of three Zumwalt-class destroyers ordered by the Navy. This voice says to me: I am patrolling through the streets of Ramadi. And then from George and Sally's perspective, knowing bits and pieces people do know. The ship honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of . Monsoor described as an "outgoing guy" by his grandfather, George Monsoor, Sr. was killed on Sept. 29, 2006. Michael just took all that on and he was never one to back down from anything. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. I am so proud to be a part of this Band of Brothers. So I thought it was a nice touch to add that all in. And that's what it is. Over the years, many who have received the medal have given their lives in the action that earned it. While vigilantly watching for enemy activity, an enemy fighter hurled a hand grenade onto the roof from an unseen location. Figure out what you need to do to get better and get through that challenge. The enemy could not deter Michael and his SEAL platoon. Talk a little bit about the role and responsibility that goes with being that automatic weapon operator. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. 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. Exploit isn't the right word - that happens right? When a grenade thrown by insurgents bounced off Michael's chest, he could have escaped. The 610-foot, 15,000 ton USS Michael Monsoor is the U.S. Navy's second Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyer and named after fallen Navy SEAL. And look at also the actual battle scenes in there were actually taken from after-action reports. Everyone in the unit knows Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor's career history and shares it with all new cadets. You had middle school classes want to make videos and learned about his story. Kind of related to how that gift continues to ripple forward. Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island. 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. Most notably, the Army Infantry, Navy SEAL and Iraqi Army combined force helped to pacify the most violent city in Al Anbar province setting conditions for the Sunni Awakening.