michael monsoor funeral

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. As for his family, please accept my deepest sympathy. 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). Let's let certain things be, right? Give us a little bit about how George is thinking about this, how the rest of the family is thinking about this? The sad thing is that Michael was ready to die at any time and I'm sure a lot of those guys were, Jim. The four had been working with Iraqi soldiers providing sniper security while U.S. and Iraqi forces conducted missions in the area. Rea: It did after and he was able to say that to them when they met him after he had passed away. [19], There is a U.S. [3][5], Monsoor was described as a "quiet professional" and a "fun-loving guy" by those who knew him. 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 . 2006 Some of details in the email are inaccurate.Petty Officer Second Class Mike Monsoor was a US Navy SEAL assigned to Task Unit Bravo in Ar Ramadi in Iraq. 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. Rea:Right. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, fighting together. The Mountain Warfare Training Facility Camp Michael Monsoor is located 50 miles east of San Diego, near the city of Campo. Again, a great story about a terrific young man who made the ultimate sacrifice for his mates - a selfless act. It is obviously very humbling to be here today, as it was humbling to be on the battlefield of Ramadi with my fellow SEALs and 2/28 Brigade Combat Team, the Iron Soldiers, and then 1/1 AD, the Ready First Combat Team, which was formed up by our brothers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines and included such hallowed units as the 1st of the 506th Band of brothers, the 1-37 Bandits, and the 3/8 Marines. I think that was the way that it was always meant to be. It's been a very colorful and challenging life to live, but we're so grateful for our military men and women that serve us. I mean that's crushing. Market data provided by Factset. The 40th annual San Francisco Fleet Week kicked-off Oct. 4 with ship arrivals bringing together the San Francisco community, Marines, Coastguardsmen and Sailors to . It was this cool relationship, almost this Brotherhood camaraderie too, between this Navy chaplain priest and Michael. 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. Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPACT) 2022. As we trained and prepared to deploy to Iraq, everyone learned that Mike was an incredible person. Mike and his platoon operated in a highly contested part of Ramadi city called the Ma'laab district. Instead, I smile at the Iraqi children when we pass them by. 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. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Demitrius J. Williams). Rea: So, so powerful. Collectively it weighed more than 100 pounds. On September 29, 2006, in the war-torn city of Ramadi, Iraq, Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, or Mikey as we called him, smothered a grenade with his body to save three of his teammates. The Early Years. Not everyone can step in and do it that well, that fast. He went back. A very uneventful day at first, Jim. In September 2006, Michael laid down his life for his brothers in arms. 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. 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. [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. When Mike died, a picture of him circulated the news. You had a chance to talk to some of these men. The overwatch couldnt tell where the RPG came from and didnt return fire., Read Michael Monsoors Summary of Action for September 29th, 2006. One of the lessons here that I think folks learned, and it's kind of interesting, is Michael had asthma as a kid and had to overcome all the medical challenges that go through childhood when you can't breathe when you have an asthma problem. And I'm like, who is this? President's 13 Year Old Daughter Spent Spring Break in Mexico-Truth. On May 9, 2006 Mike rescued a SEAL who was shot in the leg. On September 29, 2006, an insurgent threw a grenade onto a rooftop where Monsoor and several other SEALs and Iraqi soldiers were positioned. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 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. 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? 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. He's heading into his 20th year of service this summer. It does cause you to say, every time I read one of these stories, how do you do that? Lt. Michael P. Murphy, fondly referred to by friends and family as "Murph," was born May 7, 1976 in Smithtown, N.Y. and grew up in the New York City commuter town . All of the rest of the men, three SEALs, and the Iraqi interpreters, survived because of what Michael did for them willingly. It is my honor to make it for him." His quiet demeanor and dedication to his friends matched the "Silent Warrior" SEAL mentality that was to become his calling in life. In fact, he would continue to agree to do more. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. I love my country, my fellow SEALs, and the men fighting alongside us. And death. The hardened enemy was bent on destruction; they fought with ruthlessness, constantly on the attack with machine guns, mortars, grenades, and IEDs. USS Michael Monsoor is the second of three Zumwalt-class destroyers ordered by the Navy. 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. Your act and demonstrated honor is a high standard for all of us. They really didn't - it was definitely something. It is the first Navy combat ship named for fallen Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, who was posthumously . Who was I named after? Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. Delta Platoon was sent to Iraq in April 2006 and assigned to train Iraqi Army soldiers in Ramadi. 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. They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. 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. Because there is nothing more important to me than my family. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President George W. Bush to Monsoor's parents on April 8, 2008. A couple of powerful statements. or redistributed. Element snipers thwarted the enemy's initial attempt by eliminating two insurgents. Thank you for all that you are doing to bring awareness to our wonderful veterans. What we do have preserved in the book are all those stories she shared, gems, so many she hadn't shared with the world. Commander, Navy Installations Command | 716 Sicard Street SE Suite 1000 | Washington DC, 20374-5140 Official U.S. Navy Website Rea: I know. So many guys have named their kids after him because they just loved him so much. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. And then it just goes on from there, with the building of this ship. Thank-you again for Michael's service and your sacrifice. I mean this really is a story about Brotherhood and father/son. Margaret Louise Monsoor, our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away in her sleep on August 8, 2021. An official website of the United States government, VA Vet Center (Supports vets, service members, and their families), Bush Confers Highest Military Decoration on Fallen Navy SEAL, Navy SEAL to Receive Medal of Honor Posthumously, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Fausone: I think that's the bonding that occurs that maybe the civilian population doesn't necessarily appreciate. These men who are in the field with the Warriors give great counsel, and great solace. The ultimate friend. I had no idea. 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. Talk a little bit about the role and responsibility that goes with being that automatic weapon operator. 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. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. I miss my mother, my father, my sister, and my brothers. Over the next five months, Monsoor and his platoon frequently engaged in combat with insurgent forces. This voice says to me: I am patrolling through the streets of Ramadi. Bullet holes cover the rubbled buildings. President Bush on Tuesday said, "The Medal of Honor is America's highest decoration for military valor. 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. You may print and distribute in quantity for all non-profit, educational purposes. Rea: Yes. Not much is known of the circumstances surrounding his death, family members said . Exploit isn't the right word - that happens right? He knew some of these guys were going home early, it's called turnover. Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor was killed in battle in Iraq in September 2006, and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in April. [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. I want to hold my nephews and nieces again. Who has the courage to do that? 1927-2021. He attended Dr. Walter C. Ralston Intermediate School and Garden Grove High School in Garden Grove, California and played tight-end on the school's football team, graduating in 1999. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor patrols the streets of Iraq while deployed in 2006. 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. You have to ask yourself what makes a man do this. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Silver Strand Training Complex. [10] Monsoor's parents, Sally and George Monsoor, received the medal on his behalf at an April 8, ceremony at the White House held by the President. Get email updates about Michael A. Monsoor delivered directly to your inbox. You tell the story of Michael improving himself and getting through BUD/S. Funeral. 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. But he didn't give up, he quit but he didn't give up. 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. The text of his citation reads: For service as set forth in the following. Instead, he dropped onto the grenade to shield the others from the blast. 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. He was operating with I think eight of them total left out of a normal size of 15 to 20. It's not always a religious thing, sometimes it's just that you have somebody safe you can express your fears with. In the book, "Defend Us in Battle: The True Story of MA2 Navy SEAL Medal of Honor Recipient Michael A. Monsoor". I was part of their community. 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. Although only . WHAT RUDDERLESS MILLENNIALS COULD LEARN FROM NAVY SEAL MICHAEL MONSOOR -- WHO GAVE HIS LIFE FOR OTHERS. He was gifted at everything he did, hard-working, funny, and selfless. In the picture, his brother SEALs are nearbybut Mikey is out front. There's a healthy level of mystery or privacy. 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. He continued to provide effective suppressive fire while simultaneously dragging the wounded SEAL to safety. Monsoor died on Sept. 29, 2006, and was buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. And Michael turned all of that away, Jim because he believed in a bigger ideal. 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. Only you guys, only the men, and women who have served in these stressful situations can attest something happens. A brotherhood bound by sweat and blood and tears. On January 26, 2019, the U.S. Navy commissioned a ship named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001). He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. He was 25-year-old Michael Monsoor. And then from George and Sally's perspective, knowing bits and pieces people do know. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. . He will safeguard our families, as he safeguarded his own family. 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. 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. They said no to me Jim, for two years, because they're so private. It is a city devastated by war. Through this ship: Michael Monsoor will still represent the very best our country has to offer. A mutually supporting SEAL/IA position also killed an enemy fighter during the morning hours.

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