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. He said he died in the state of grace and for what Catholics believe, with the sacraments and what else. Ismaili community leaders continued to report concerns about what they called the exclusion of Ismailis from other positions of political authority. BECOMING COUSTEAU Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan; COW Andrea Arnold, Kat Mansoor; FLEE Jonas Poher Rasmussen. 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. So the majority of the platoon will get ready, they'll pack up, they'll get things on their containers to head home and they'll start getting ready to phase out and the new team will come back in. 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. He is survived by his parents, an older sister and two brothers. [1] He enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training BUD/S class 250 in 2004. ALTHOUGH ONLY HE COULD HAVE ESCAPED THE BLAST, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR CHOSE INSTEAD TO PROTECT HIS TEAMMATES. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Due to expected enemy action, the officer in charge repositioned him with his automatic heavy machine gun in the direction of the enemy's most likely avenue of approach. Legal Statement. 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. 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? But we fight onfor the men to our left and rightwe fight on. It is heart breaking to hear that, he is gone. 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. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. Instead, I smile at the Iraqi children when we pass them by. 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. 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. Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor was killed in battle in Iraq in September 2006, and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in April. On September 29, 2006, Ramadi, Iraq was considered the most dangerous city on planet earth for American servicemen. 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:. In the Ma'laab district, Michael perfected his skills as an urban machine gunner. He gave his life to protect comrades . Michael the Archangel by Guido Reni, Santa Maria della Concezione, Rome, 1636. He attended Catholic Mass devotionally before operations, and often spoke lovingly of his family - his older brother, a police officer and former Marine for whom he held great respect; his sister, a nurse; and his younger brother, a college football player. MASTER AT ARMS SECOND CLASS, SEA, AIR and LAND The guys talk about the weight you carry, the extra weight. Thank you so much for having me and for filling your listeners in a little bit. Funeral. Bless their hearts. Fausone: I think again, another very important part because of a mother's concern and pain you sort of mention. 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. 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 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. Your act and demonstrated honor is a high standard for all of us. You see those friendships that were deep in there. These men who are in the field with the Warriors give great counsel, and great solace. During Mike Monsoor's funeral in San Diego, as his coffin was at the grave site at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, SEALs were lined up on both sides of the pallbearers route . 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. 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. Close. He aggressively stabilized each chaotic situation with focused determination and uncanny tactical awareness. 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. Twenty Gold Star families and four Medal of Honor recipients witnessed the second Zumwalt-class destroyer enter the fleet. Monica Hellstrm; THE RESCUE Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, John Battsek, P. J. van . 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. Delta Platoon was sent to . He will inspire the crew, just as he inspired his teammates. He really wanted to protect them. 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. It was the Army, the first of the 506 Battalion. So, Michael willingly volunteered to stay and continue operating. MICHAEL A. MONSOOR He was gifted at everything he did, hard-working, funny, and selfless. [19], There is a U.S. I believe I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Monsoor there. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. May you always rest in peace knowing that we remember you and your sacrifice. New guys are like the bottom of the barrel, right? I wasn't just a random person off the street. Thank you for all that you are doing to bring awareness to our wonderful veterans. 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. Those memories will always be within those children, which I love. 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. 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. May the Lord continue to comfort you. 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. Petty Officer Monsoor maintained suppressive fire as the wounded SEAL received tactical casualty treatment to his leg. 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 . They weren't Navy SEALs. The U.S. Navy's newest vessel, a guided-missile destroyer named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), commissioned on January 27, 2019. I can't speak for him, but I assume that's why he kept it to himself. Michael inspired and looked out for his friends his whole life. Through this ship: Michael Monsoor will still represent the very best our country has to offer. President's 13 Year Old Daughter Spent Spring Break in Mexico-Truth. I enlisted because of people like him, because of people who are willing to fight and die for their fellow man. He graduated in September 2004 and joined SEAL Team 3 in 2005. It was such an honor and they felt safe with me because I wasn't just a reporter. Three Ismaili Muslims were members of parliament, down one from 2019, and State Minister for Peace Sadat Mansoor Naderi is also an Ismaili Muslim. He was not afraid. 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. The grenade exploded seconds later and Monsoor's body absorbed most of the force of the blast. On the flip side, such gratitude. 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. 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. Monsoor yelled, Grenade! and dropped on top of the grenade prior to it exploding. And death. 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. For these actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Multiple times that we shared in the book. 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. The hardened enemy was bent on destruction; they fought with ruthlessness, constantly on the attack with machine guns, mortars, grenades, and IEDs. You had a chance to talk to some of these men. The sad thing is that Michael was ready to die at any time and I'm sure a lot of those guys were, Jim. In the morning, his team observed four enemy fighters armed with AK-47s reconnoitering from roads in the sector to conduct follow-on attacks. Posted by 7 years ago. 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. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Demitrius J. Williams). They had lost their son and it's been a lot. 1927-2021. ELEMENT SNIPERS THWARTED THE ENEMYS INITIAL ATTEMPT BY ELIMINATING TWO INSURGENTS. Thank-you again for Michael's service and your sacrifice. 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 . Death is everywhere. [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. It's not always a religious thing, sometimes it's just that you have somebody safe you can express your fears with. US Navy Medal of Honor recipient (19812006), Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor, Garden Grove High School Memorial Stadium. On January 26th, 2019, the Zumwalt class destroyer. 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. 2006 Home Haller Motorworx & Farm Equipment Magazine, AR 479 969-6464 [3] His father is of Lebanese and Irish descent, and his mother has Irish ancestry. But we are strong. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. There was only one access point for entry or exit and Monsoor was the only one who could have saved himself from harm. 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 . WHAT RUDDERLESS MILLENNIALS COULD LEARN FROM NAVY SEAL MICHAEL MONSOOR -- WHO GAVE HIS LIFE FOR OTHERS. Only you guys, only the men, and women who have served in these stressful situations can attest something happens. They are willing to go to the ends of the Earth. The ship honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who . Rose, how did you get involved in helping write and shape this book? Like most fighting ships, its namesake will be woven into . 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. [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. On that day, Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi Army (IA) soldiers. Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in 2004. Because why my brother and not me? More importantly, how different groups whether it be at Fort Campbell or at Pendleton or in Norfolk, at churches, how wanted to make sure his name and his story in his sacrifice continued on. On 15 operations, he carried a rucksack full of communications equipment in addition to his machinegun and full ammunition load-out. The vessel was adrift in the Gulf of Aden for three days due to an engine. Some sort of bonding and love of your fellow man deepens in those situations. You quit. Sally recently passed away, and they were married for 49 years, so that is very heartbreaking. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. Petty Officer Monsoor's actions could not have been more selfless or clearly intentional. You have to ask yourself what makes a man do this. [21][22][23], Michael Monsoor is mentioned in the book of Rorke Denver "Damn Few: Making the Modern SEAL Warrior".[24]. Immediately, Petty Officer Monsoor, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in order to provide suppressive fire and fight his way to the wounded SEAL's position. 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. Not out of any sort of reason other than just letting us be. [5], During an engagement on May 9, 2006, Monsoor ran into a street while under continuous insurgent gunfire to rescue an injured comrade. Imperial Beach Outlying Landing Field. 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. All rights reserved. [5][6], A grenade was thrown onto the rooftop by an insurgent on the street below. Acting as the senior leader by leading a team of 3. Together, we live in dust and dirt and filth. 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. The symbolic display moved many, included Bush, who during his speech in April's Medal of Honor ceremony spoke about the incident. It's still hard for the men he saved - I would say 100% they feel a sense of guilt. It wasn't like someone said something, I meant these really happened. To this day, they still blows me away. He was a member of the elite branch of the Navy called SEALS, which stands for SEa, Air and Land. They really didn't - it was definitely something. Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Quartermaster "A" School, and then transferred to Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Italy for a short period of time. Named for a Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) will be commissioned Jan. 25. 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. An insurgent closed in and threw a fragmentation grenade into the overwatch position. They made him an honorary Chief because if he was alive, he still would have been. 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. It was communion, it was Eucharist, it was confession. But then they started to take fire which happened pretty fast, and ultimately, a grenade was thrown on the rooftop. As his Task Unit Commander, I was asked to speak at a ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., where his parents were presented with the Medal of Honor Flag. Rea: It did after and he was able to say that to them when they met him after he had passed away. A brotherhood bound by sweat and blood and tears. They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. Instead, Monsoor chose to protect his comrades by the sacrifice of his own life. Instantly and without regard for his own . by Norman Fulkerson May 22, 2008. 29, 2006, when he was killed . Michael obviously knew what was going down, as he was operating on this nightly basis. Fausone: Go ahead and set us up for what happened on September 29, 2006 when Michael and three other snipers were there. Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy March 21, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Her prayers for her son are just a reflection of what every mother is doing when their boys are overseas, or daughters are overseas. ELEMENT SNIPERS THWARTED THE ENEMY'S INITIAL ATTEMPT BY ELIMINATING TWO INSURGENTS. Rea: It was my pleasure and it's been such a joy speaking with you. I was part of their community. 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. I had no idea. Positioned next to the single exit, Monsoor was the only one who could have escaped harm. "And when it was all over, the simple wooden coffin had become a gold-plated memorial to a hero who will never be forgotten.. He was there to offer him whatever assistance Michael needed. The overwatch couldnt tell where the RPG came from and didnt return fire.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. USS Michael Monsoor is the second of three Zumwalt-class destroyers ordered by the Navy. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Who was I named after? 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. 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. The Moving Funeral of Petty Officer Mike Monsoor-Truth!