And from a mother's perspective, it's heartbreaking. I am Michael Monsoor. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. His quiet demeanor and dedication to his friends matched the "Silent Warrior" SEAL mentality that was to become his calling in life. On September 29, 2006, Ramadi, Iraq was considered the most dangerous city on planet earth for American servicemen. 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 . Named for a Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) will be commissioned Jan. 25.Ahead of the ceremony, Master-At-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor's teammates . Security services could have stopped Manchester Arena attack if they acted on intelligence, and bomber's own family 'holds significant responsibility' for his radicalisation, damning report finds You got a chance to talk to his Navy buddies before he became a SEAL and importantly after he became a SEAL and served in Iraq. 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. As for his family, please accept my deepest sympathy. Instantly and without regard for his own . Anticipating further attacks, Monsoor, three SEAL snipers and three Iraqi Army soldiers took up a rooftop position. I mean, you can imagine Michael who gave everything he had to have to hang up and quit and ring that bell and be viewed by all of his classmates as a quitter. Mike Cirelli, one of the men he saved, named his son Michael Anthony after Michael Anthony Monsoor. So my husband brings this book home and there's one paragraph - that's all it was - one paragraph. 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 . Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Master At Arms "A" School. . The overwatch couldnt tell where the RPG came from and didnt return fire., Read Michael Monsoors Summary of Action for September 29th, 2006. 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. [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]. Fausone: I think that's one of the lessons, right? Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. Actually, there is a neat little memorial section in the back of the book that, yes there are these incredible memorials to him, but what I thought to point out is that the most powerful memorials right now are of all the sons of the brothers he saved who were named after him. 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. And that's what it is. Although only . This gun is nicknamed "The Pig" because of its squealing sound and because there's so much force when they're shooting it. Immediately, Monsoor yelled "Grenade!" Michael attended Dr. Walter C. Ralston Intermediate School and Garden Grove High School where he played tight end on the Argonaut football team and graduated in 1999. Over the next five months, Monsoor and his platoon frequently engaged in combat with insurgent forces. They had lost their son and it's been a lot. On January 26, 2019, the U.S. Navy commissioned a ship named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001). He really wanted to protect them. Silver Strand Training Complex. "He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs'' lives, and we owe him." "The procession went on nearly half an hour," Bush said. In the following transcript, Veterans Radio host Jim Fausone talks with Rose about Michael, his family, his faith, and his sacrifice. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. Instead, I smile at the Iraqi children when we pass them by. 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. All rights reserved. Our strength is our brotherhood. Two other SEALs next to him at the time were injured by the explosion but survived. He will receive the award for his actions in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on Sept. 29, 2006. Michael the Archangel by Guido Reni, Santa Maria della Concezione, Rome, 1636. Requiescate in pace. 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. Taking Offense Religion, Art, and Visual Culture in Plural Configurations Talk a little bit about the role and responsibility that goes with being that automatic weapon operator. However, I was patient but I just kept nudging and saying this is such a profound story. Only you guys, only the men, and women who have served in these stressful situations can attest something happens. 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. In the morning, his team observed four enemy fighters armed with AK-47s reconnoitering from roads in the sector to conduct follow-on attacks. The text of his citation reads: For service as set forth in the following. The enemy continued to assault the element, engaging them with a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. Regional exposure by managing/leading projects by handling projects. From there, God willing, I had the connections because I was a SEAL wife and I was able to reach out to Naval Special Warfare and they put me in touch with Michael's parents. This was one of the last missions, which is just even worse. The vessel was adrift in the Gulf of Aden for three days due to an engine. Rea: I think that is one of my favorite parts because even thinking about writing those words. What we do have preserved in the book are all those stories she shared, gems, so many she hadn't shared with the world. The men fighting alongside us in the streets are infantrymengrunts. I thought that was beautiful and respectful. Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island. 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). Together, we live in dust and dirt and filth. Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. They divided into two groups of four and they were providing bounding sniper overwatch for their Brothers in Arms. On that day, he was on a rooftop over-watch in . The sad thing is that Michael was ready to die at any time and I'm sure a lot of those guys were, Jim. [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. As we bridge this, Father Halladay, Michael's faith, and the family's faith. Live Well Plan Well Rest Well A half day breakfast seminar on Saturday March 18th, 2023, at the . The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest before falling to the ground. It was this cool relationship, almost this Brotherhood camaraderie too, between this Navy chaplain priest and Michael. Delta Platoon was sent to Iraq in April 2006 and assigned to train Iraqi Army soldiers in Ramadi. The trapezoidal-shaped USS Michael Monsoor came to Naval Station Everett on Friday, where the ship . Market data provided by Factset. On January 26th, 2019, the Zumwalt class destroyer. They had been through enough. May the Lord comfort you. Really what Michael appreciated over there was strength. 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. They are willing to go to the ends of the Earth. It is the first Navy combat ship named for fallen Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, who was posthumously . Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor was killed in battle in Iraq in September 2006, and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in April. 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. USSMichael Monsoor (DDG-1001), the second ship in the Zumwalt class of guided missile destroyers, was also named in his honor. On May 9, 2006 Mike rescued a SEAL who was shot in the leg. Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor. [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. Get the recap of top opinion commentary and original content throughout the week. They were down below, I think they're reinforcing some fencing with security measures and whatnot and then Michael and the other SEALs were on rooftops. Unrelated, Chris Kyle operated on the far western side of the city in support of additional special warfare operations; he reportedly killed 84 insurgents. 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. 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. Rose Rea: Yes, it is a powerful one. Monsoor's position made him the only SEAL on the rooftop with quick access to an escape route. 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. 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. And every day, brave men continued to push forward, into the fray. They really didn't - it was definitely something. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. On the flip side, such gratitude. Imperial Beach Outlying Landing Field. Click to see a video showing the SEALs' tribute to Monsoor on YouTube. This act of valor is based on Michael Monsoor's unselfish act that saved his teammates lives and saw him posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. [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 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, As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. Thank you for all that you are doing to bring awareness to our wonderful veterans. 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. Death is everywhere. 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. Sally recently passed away, and they were married for 49 years, so that is very heartbreaking. 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 . Ismaili community leaders continued to report concerns about what they called the exclusion of Ismailis from other positions of political authority.