michael monsoor funeral

Monsoor yelled, Grenade! and dropped on top of the grenade prior to it exploding. 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. 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. In the picture, his brother SEALs are nearbybut Mikey is out front. In the following transcript, Veterans Radio host Jim Fausone talks with Rose about Michael, his family, his faith, and his sacrifice. He is survived by his parents, an older sister and two brothers. He never gave up. Strengthening him to do his job was the sacraments - what Catholics use as a Sacrament. Michael Anthony Monsoor (April 5, 1981 - September 29, 2006) was a United States Navy SEAL who was killed during the Iraq War and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. All of the rest of the men, three SEALs, and the Iraqi interpreters, survived because of what Michael did for them willingly. Rea: It was my pleasure and it's been such a joy speaking with you. Rea: I know. 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. An incredible athlete, Mike enjoyed snowboarding, body boarding, spear fishing, motorcycle riding, and driving his Corvette. Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, 25, was killed in combat Sept. 29 in Ramadi, Iraq, west of Baghdad. [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]. All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. 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. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. Ramadi had been a violent and intense area for a very strong and aggressive insurgency for some time. 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. Quote job ref. 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. You quit. They fought in 35 heated firefights; during these incidents Mike shot tens of thousands of 7.62 millimeter rounds to cover Delta Platoon's movement through streets that seemed to be paved with fire. Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island. I and the other members of SEAL Team Three, Task Unit Bruiser, had the honor of participating in the commissioning ceremony. An insurgent closed in and threw a fragmentation grenade into the overwatch position. "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. Fausone: And again, that's the lesson to learn. Two other SEALs next to him at the time were injured by the explosion but survived. His life and unfortunate death are . Together, we live in dust and dirt and filth. His teammates recall his sense of loyalty to God, family, and his team. And then from George and Sally's perspective, knowing bits and pieces people do know. Home Haller Motorworx & Farm Equipment Magazine, AR 479 969-6464. 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. The other thing, not everyone's going to understand the gravity of this, but he was a new guy. Naval Air Station North Island. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! I think George will fight for his son and stand up for his memory his whole life. Petty Officer Monsoor was subsequently awarded the Bronze Star as the Task Unit Ramadi, Iraq Combat Advisor from April to September 2006. This was a fitting send-off for a warrior hero. 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. Michael was the closest one where he could have jumped away from it, but the other three could not have. DDG 1001 TOP STORY. In April 2008, Michael Monsoor . In the early afternoon, enemy fighters attacked his position with automatic weapons fire from a moving vehicle. Mike was also a SEAL communicator. AS ENEMY ACTIVITY INCREASED, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR TOOK POSITION WITH HIS MACHINE GUN BETWEEN TWO TEAMMATES ON AN OUTCROPPING OF THE ROOF. Everyone in the unit knows Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor's career history and shares it with all new cadets. Instead, he threw himself onto the live grenade, shielding his fellow soldiers from the immediate explosion. He was a member of the elite branch of the Navy called SEALS, which stands for SEa, Air and Land. His leadership, guidance and decisive actions during 11 different combat operations saved the lives of his teammates, other Coalition Forces and Iraqi Army soldiers. Close. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. [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 a boy. May you always rest in peace knowing that we remember you and your sacrifice. It is a city devastated by war. A very uneventful day at first, Jim. 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 met Mike Monsoor when he checked into SEAL Team Three as a new, highly-motivated young frogman. He was operating with I think eight of them total left out of a normal size of 15 to 20. I want to point out, it also happens to be Saint Michael the Archangels Feast Day. Petty Officer Monsoor's actions could not have been more selfless or clearly intentional. 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. I think there's a lesson for all of us here, isn't there? 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. BECOMING COUSTEAU Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan; COW Andrea Arnold, Kat Mansoor; FLEE Jonas Poher Rasmussen. On September 29, 2006, Ramadi, Iraq was considered the most dangerous city on planet earth for American servicemen. Monsoor was born April 5, 1981, in Long Beach, California, the third of four children of Sally Ann (Boyle) and George Paul Monsoor. 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. Monsoor was protecting other SEALs, two of whom were 15 feet away from him. But I know that, he died doing something he loved. It represents the three aspects of SEAL special operations, sea, air, and land. 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. They got him evacuated off the rooftop, and got him as fast as they could back to base, but that's where he passed away. 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. They are willing to go to the ends of the Earth. And that's what it is. He graduated in September 2004 and joined SEAL Team 3 in 2005. 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. 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. 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. [5], During an engagement on May 9, 2006, Monsoor ran into a street while under continuous insurgent gunfire to rescue an injured comrade. You have to ask yourself what makes a man do this. In fact, he would continue to agree to do more. He wanted him, and to make sure anyone else who wanted to would get home, so he stayed. Thank you for all that you are doing to bring awareness to our wonderful veterans. They divided into two groups of four and they were providing bounding sniper overwatch for their Brothers in Arms. 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. In that split second, which is all that he had, he jumped on top of it and shielded the blast with his own body. Ramadi at the time was the epicenter of the insurgency in Iraq, a city filled with peril. It is my honor to make it for him." I am far away from home. For those of us who were there, that picture of Mike captures all of this. JN-052022-5602908. You had middle school classes want to make videos and learned about his story. I was part of their community. So George got to talk with him about sacrifice. The ultimate friend. The SEALs fired back and stood their ground. One of them belongs to Michael Monsoor. Fausone: I think that's one of the lessons, right? This gun is nicknamed "The Pig" because of its squealing sound and because there's so much force when they're shooting it. 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. October 14, 2019 | Fort Sam Houston, TX. Margaret Louise Monsoor, our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away in her sleep on August 8, 2021. He was gifted at everything he did, hard-working, funny, and selfless. You had winemakers make a special wine for him. 0:36. [11] Monsoor became the fourth American servicemember and second Navy SEAL each killed in the line of duty to receive the United States' highest military award during the War on Terrorism. 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. 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. They said no to me Jim, for two years, because they're so private. Mikes gun is at the ready. Instead, Monsoor chose to protect his comrades by the sacrifice of his own life. The Navy has operated on the 1,300 plus acres since the early 1960s, and is seeking to set aside an additional 4,486 acres of federal . And even the siblings of course, because they don't know all the operations he went on either. A Navy SEAL sacrificed his life to save his comrades by throwing himself on top of a grenade Iraqi insurgents tossed into their sniper hideout, fellow members of the elite . Many of my brothers have fallen. 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. 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. As a communicator and machine-gunner on patrols, Monsoor carried 100 pounds (45kg) of gear in temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. Michael Anthony Monsoor (5 April 1981 - 29 September 2006) was a U.S. Navy SEAL killed during the Iraq War. 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. Those memories will always be within those children, which I love. The grenade detonated as he came down on top of it, mortally wounding him. 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. Mike and his platoon operated in a highly contested part of Ramadi city called the Ma'laab district. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, WHILE THE SEALS VIGILANTLY WATCHED FOR ENEMY ACTIVITY, AN INSURGENT THREW A HAND GRENADE FROM AN UNSEEN LOCATION, WHICH BOUNCED OFF PETTY OFFICER MONSOORS CHEST AND LANDED IN FRONT OF HIM. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The sad thing is that Michael was ready to die at any time and I'm sure a lot of those guys were, Jim. 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. WHAT RUDDERLESS MILLENNIALS COULD LEARN FROM NAVY SEAL MICHAEL MONSOOR -- WHO GAVE HIS LIFE FOR OTHERS. Anticipating further attacks, Monsoor, three SEAL snipers and three Iraqi Army soldiers took up a rooftop position. A mutually supporting SEAL/IA position also killed an enemy fighter during the morning hours. A fellow Navy Seal who knew and trained with Monsoor told TruthorFiction.com that he had already earned a Silver Star for Bravery and a Bronze Star for separate acts of valor. 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. Let me set this up a little bit. 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. The Early Years. Like most fighting ships, its namesake will be woven into . 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. So my husband brings this book home and there's one paragraph - that's all it was - one paragraph. 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. He's such a cool dude, he's so masculine, so strong, and he was there. There is a lot that goes into naming the ship. It was this cool relationship, almost this Brotherhood camaraderie too, between this Navy chaplain priest and Michael. A brotherhood bound by sweat and blood and tears. [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. His selfless, decisive, heroic actions resulted in 25 enemy killed and saved the lives of his teammates, other Coalition Forces and Iraqi Army soldiers. 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. 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). In September 2006, Michael laid down his life for his brothers in arms. As suspected, his parents wouldn't have known about it but probably gave them great comfort once they learned. 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. Only you guys, only the men, and women who have served in these stressful situations can attest something happens. 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. 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. Michael fought and fought and fought, even since he was little, to beat his ailment. And every day, brave men continued to push forward, into the fray. After further training he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Released). You record a conversation that George told you he had with Michael. Our strength is our brotherhood. 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. 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. Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. 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. [19], There is a U.S. Did you get that sense? Click to see a video showing the SEALs' tribute to Monsoor on YouTube. Rea: I think that is one of my favorite parts because even thinking about writing those words. On 15 operations, he carried a rucksack full of communications equipment in addition to his machinegun and full ammunition load-out. As we trained and prepared to deploy to Iraq, everyone learned that Mike was an incredible person. We were doing his wake after the funeral there. Give us a little bit about how George is thinking about this, how the rest of the family is thinking about this? 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 . Although only . 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. Rea: It did after and he was able to say that to them when they met him after he had passed away. I am Michael Monsoor. April 5, 1981 - Sept. 29, 2006. April 5, 1981 - Sept. 29, 2006. Her prayers for her son are just a reflection of what every mother is doing when their boys are overseas, or daughters are overseas. May the Lord continue to comfort you. 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. Named for a Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) will be commissioned Jan. 25. Home Haller Motorworx & Farm Equipment Magazine, AR 479 969-6464 In the book, "Defend Us in Battle: The True Story of MA2 Navy SEAL Medal of Honor Recipient Michael A. Monsoor". 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. 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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Multiple times that we shared in the book. 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 . Delta Platoon was sent to . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Rea: It's so true. After further training he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team Three. 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. [3][5], Monsoor was described as a "quiet professional" and a "fun-loving guy" by those who knew him. 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. Though he carried himself in a calm and composed fashion, he constantly led the charge to bring the fight to the enemy. Being the wife of a SEAL, quitting is the worst thing you can ever do, and Michael quit. "He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs'' lives, and we owe him." As for his family, please accept my deepest sympathy. 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.

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