He was 25-year-old Michael Monsoor. This is what I said: Ladies and gentlemen. Praying for the loved ones of the fallen this weekend especially. 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 symbolic display moved many, included Bush, who during his speech in April's Medal of Honor ceremony spoke about the incident. Fausone: And again, that's the lesson to learn. Fausone: I think again, another very important part because of a mother's concern and pain you sort of mention. MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT MICHAEL A. MONSOOR - Navy Tell us about finding those guys and in some measure pulling the stories out to make "Defend Us in Battle.". That picture says so much. The grenade exploded seconds later and Monsoor's body absorbed most of the force of the blast. Three Ismaili Muslims were members of parliament, down one from 2019, and State Minister for Peace Sadat Mansoor Naderi is also an Ismaili Muslim. It's still hard for the men he saved - I would say 100% they feel a sense of guilt. Able to work in a promising business revenue and product pipeline organization. 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. The Navy has its own traditions. During Operation Kentucky Jumper, a combined Coalition battalion clearance and isolation operation in southern Ar Ramadi, he served as automatic weapons gunner in a combined SEAL and Iraqi Army (IA) sniper overwatch element positioned on a residential rooftop in a violent sector and historical stronghold for insurgents. During their deployment, Mike and his fellow SEALS came under enemy attack on 75 percent of their missions. He was only the second SEAL to die in Iraq since the war began. Fact Check: General story of e-mail on sailor's funeral is true - Source Positioned next to the single exit, Monsoor was the only one who could have escaped harm. 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. Over the next five months, Monsoor and his platoon frequently engaged in combat with insurgent forces. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The Navy on Saturday christened the guided missile destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), named in honor of a Navy SEAL who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in Iraq. But there was more of a story there. Thank-you for Michael's service & his and your sacrifices. The U.S. Navy's newest vessel, a guided-missile destroyer named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), commissioned on January 27, 2019. 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. I believe I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Monsoor there. and jumped onto the grenade, covering it with his body. Her prayers for her son are just a reflection of what every mother is doing when their boys are overseas, or daughters are overseas. Medal of Honor - Michael Monsoor's Story | Military.com Rea: It's no small thing. "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. 120. Imperial Beach Outlying Landing Field. 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 is survived by his mother Sally, his father George, his sister Sara, and his two brothers James and Joseph. 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. Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Monsoor, a 25-year-old gunner, was killed in the explosion in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. [6], On September 29, 2006, Monsoor's platoon engaged four insurgents in a firefight in Ramadi, killing one and injuring another. Just let them have their brother. US Navy Medal of Honor recipient (19812006), Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor, Garden Grove High School Memorial Stadium. From April to Sept. 29, 2006, Mike served as a heavy weapons machine gunner in Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. The overwatch couldnt tell where the RPG came from and didnt return fire., Read Michael Monsoors Summary of Action for September 29th, 2006. His life and unfortunate death are . Michael A. Monsoor and Operation Kentucky Jumper He knew some of these guys were going home early, it's called turnover. You may print and distribute in quantity for all non-profit, educational purposes. 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. He was a boy. Fausone: I think that's the bonding that occurs that maybe the civilian population doesn't necessarily appreciate. The Early Years. 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. And from a mother's perspective, it's heartbreaking. Silver Strand Training Complex. [1] He enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training BUD/S class 250 in 2004. This was one of the last missions, which is just even worse. Together, we live in dust and dirt and filth. He will safeguard our families, as he safeguarded his own family. One of Navy's new stealthy destroyers enters Puget Sound for visit U.S. Navy via Getty Images . In the book, "Defend Us in Battle: The True Story of MA2 Navy SEAL Medal of Honor Recipient Michael A. Monsoor". 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. 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. He had three SEALs with him and I think there's one or two Iraqi interpreters. Michael inspired and looked out for his friends his whole life. Rea: I don't think we'll ever understand, Jim. The trident is a U.S. Navy special warfare badge worn by SEALs. But he didn't give up, he quit but he didn't give up. On May 9, 2006 Mike rescued a SEAL who was shot in the leg. I remember his mom telling me she said, "Michael you can't do everything," because he just continued to carry the extra load, the extra weight. He's heading into his 20th year of service this summer. In September 2006, Michael laid down his life for his brothers in arms. I feel like it was about a hundred pounds extra the guys were telling me from bullets from his SAW Gun, which you probably could go into more specifics about, but I meant it was a huge automatic weapon. He was gifted at everything he did, hard-working, funny, and selfless. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. As I look at this picture, I hear a voice in a humble but confident tone. Act of Valor and the Navy SEALs that Inspired the Movie's Realism Fausone: One of the things you talk about is as Michael was going through and became a SEAL, he wanted to go on to sniper school. So many guys have named their kids after him because they just loved him so much. 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 . But I know that, he died doing something he loved. And while there is no way that a steel and iron ship can ever replace the flesh and blood that was Michael Monsoor, at the same time, there is no more fitting memorial to him than a warship. Lieutenant Commander Jocko Willink, Navy SEAL. Monsoor . All rights reserved. Just like Marine Corps Sgt Rafael Peralta before him he jumped on a grenade to save the lives of the other Navy Seals in his snipers nest:. This SEAL Was There the Night Chris Kyle Says He 'Knocked Out' Jesse 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. He went back. 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. April 5, 1981 - Sept. 29, 2006. Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor Over the years, many who have received the medal have given their lives in the action that earned it. Home Haller Motorworx & Farm Equipment Magazine, AR 479 969-6464 He chose them. Taking Offense Religion, Art, and Visual Culture in Plural Configurations 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. Monsoor was a Navy SEAL deployed to Iraq in April 2006. Quote job ref. You had middle school classes want to make videos and learned about his story. [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. Michael was so quiet. Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPACT) 2022. Requiescate in pace. Petty Officer Monsoor was the Platoon Machine Gunner of an overwatch element, providing security for an Iraqi Army Brigade during counter-insurgency operations. 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. Ramadi had been a violent and intense area for a very strong and aggressive insurgency for some time. In the early morning, insurgents prepared to execute a coordinated attack by reconnoitering the area around the element's position. 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. 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. They divided into two groups of four and they were providing bounding sniper overwatch for their Brothers in Arms. 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. The 1,063 acre site has a firing range, an administration building, and a dormitory. Without hesitation and showing no regard for his own life, he threw himself onto the grenade, smothering it to protect his teammates who were lying in close proximity. It was such an honor and they felt safe with me because I wasn't just a reporter. Michael Anthony Monsoor (5 April 1981 - 29 September 2006) was a U.S. Navy SEAL killed during the Iraq War. In that split second, which is all that he had, he jumped on top of it and shielded the blast with his own body. Talk a little bit about the role and responsibility that goes with being that automatic weapon operator. And Jesse Ventura was in thereI was at the other end of the bar, but he said something kind of derogatory toward us losing guys or whatever and . At his Oct. 12 funeral, as the e-mail states, Navy SEALs took their trident pins and pounded them . Instantly and without regard for his own . Market data provided by Factset. I am so proud to be a part of this Band of Brothers. Through this ship: Michael Monsoor will still represent the very best our country has to offer. And in this shipand in its crewMikeys spirit will live on. 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. A Fitting Tribute to a Slain Navy SEAL Gains Attention Copyright 2018 by Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC Monsoor yelled, Grenade! and dropped on top of the grenade prior to it exploding. The ship honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who . So, Michael willingly volunteered to stay and continue operating. But, he didn't give up. michael monsoor funeral - optimization-world.com When Mike died, a picture of him circulated the news. I think there's a lesson for all of us here, isn't there? USS Michael Monsoor: The Ship and The Namesake - Military Machine 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. Monsoor was the . [5][6], Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy on March 24, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois. Monsoor described as an "outgoing guy" by his grandfather, George Monsoor, Sr. was killed on Sept. 29, 2006. "And when it was all over, the simple wooden coffin had become a gold-plated memorial to a hero who will never be forgotten.. On the flip side, such gratitude. The 25-year-old California native died in 2006 . 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. But we fight onfor the men to our left and rightwe fight on. 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. Who was I named after? From the US Navy: Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Anthony Monsoor. 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 . The grenade detonated as he came down on top of it, mortally wounding him. They really didn't - it was definitely something. Close. . Fausone: Go ahead and set us up for what happened on September 29, 2006 when Michael and three other snipers were there. I met Mike Monsoor when he checked into SEAL Team Three as a new, highly-motivated young frogman. [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. When I started reading the memorials at the back of the book, I could feel how meaningful different memorials would have been to Michael. Named for a Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) will be commissioned Jan. 25. 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. Legal Statement. 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. 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? I just thought that was so incredible. 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. The unit symbol is composed of Petty Officer Monsoor's Medal of Honor, SEAL Trident, and Master-at-Arms shield. 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. Instead, he threw himself onto the live grenade, shielding his fellow soldiers from the immediate explosion. You had a chance to talk to some of these men. Thank you for all that you are doing to bring awareness to our wonderful veterans. 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. [17], In October 2008, United States Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced that the second ship in the Zumwalt class of destroyers would be named USSMichael Monsoor(DDG-1001) in honor of Petty Officer Monsoor. Monsoor was born April 5, 1981, in Long Beach, California, the third of four children of Sally Ann (Boyle) and George Paul Monsoor. Monsoor was the first Navy SEAL to earn the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq and the second Navy SEAL to receive the award since Sept. 11, 2001. But George got to talk to Michael and tell him, "Hey, don't be a hero" and Michael responded, "I have no regrets." It's really a selfless sacrifice and you end up giving this gift to those who are spared. Legal Statement. Monsoor was severely wounded and although evacuated immediately, he died 30 minutes later. 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 . 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. 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. After further training he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. Ramadi had been a violent and intense area for a very strong . This was a fitting send-off for a warrior hero. George eventually said okay, let's do it. It represents the three aspects of SEAL special operations, sea, air, and land. 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. Funeral. Instead, I smile at the Iraqi children when we pass them by. Rea: It's so true. All rights reserved. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Anthony Monsoor. While I only had talked to Monsoor for a brief time in BUD/s, he was in the BUD/s class ahead of me in Class 250, he was a dedicated and stand-up guy. 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. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest before falling to the ground. So I thought it was a nice touch to add that all in. Really what Michael appreciated over there was strength. 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. [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. 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. Bless their hearts. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, 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. Rea: It did after and he was able to say that to them when they met him after he had passed away. The name of Petty Officer Michael Anthony Monsoor will now be among them. Jocko is widely known today as a lecturer, coach, podcaster, and personality about the war in Iraq. Monica Hellstrm; THE RESCUE Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, John Battsek, P. J. van . I've done a lot of projects. Faced with the choice to save his comrades or save himself, Monsoor threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the impact. Rea: Yes. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor, United States Navy, distinguished himself through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Combat Advisor and Automatic Weapons Gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on 29 September 2006. Thank-you for raising such a great son. President Bush Attends Medal of Honor Ceremony for Petty Officer 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. Market data provided by Factset. And because of that, his men were able to get to safety. 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. What we do have preserved in the book are all those stories she shared, gems, so many she hadn't shared with the world. [2] His father also served in the United States military as a Marine. [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. BECOMING COUSTEAU Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan; COW Andrea Arnold, Kat Mansoor; FLEE Jonas Poher Rasmussen. The moving military funeral of Navy SEAL Mike Monsoor-Truth! Many of my brothers have fallen. Acting as the senior leader by leading a team of 3. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor patrols the streets of Iraq while deployed in 2006. As we approach the Anniversary of Mikey's sacrifice, I want to tell you about this man. Not out of any sort of reason other than just letting us be. May the Lord comfort you. 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. For these actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. [3][5], Monsoor was described as a "quiet professional" and a "fun-loving guy" by those who knew him. His quiet demeanor and dedication to his friends matched the "Silent Warrior" SEAL mentality that was to become his calling in life. Bullet holes cover the rubbled buildings. 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. U.S. Navy's newest stealth destroyer USS Monsoor christened - CNN In the picture, his brother SEALs are nearbybut Mikey is out front. 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. 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. 1. Navy Christens DDG-1001, Named For SEAL Michael Monsoor - USNI News