In the following transcript, Veterans Radio host Jim Fausone talks with Rose about Michael, his family, his faith, and his sacrifice. Ramadi at the time was the epicenter of the insurgency in Iraq, a city filled with peril. . Market data provided by Factset. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Instead, I smile at the Iraqi children when we pass them by. 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 . On September 29, 2006, an insurgent threw a grenade onto a rooftop where Monsoor and several other SEALs and Iraqi soldiers were positioned. The 25-year-old California native died in 2006 . Your act and demonstrated honor is a high standard for all of us. [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. He had three SEALs with him and I think there's one or two Iraqi interpreters. Those memories will always be within those children, which I love. April 5, 1981 - Sept. 29, 2006. Rea: It was my pleasure and it's been such a joy speaking with you. Monica Hellstrm; THE RESCUE Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, John Battsek, P. J. van . Michael Anthony Monsoor was born on 5 April 1981 in Long Beach, CA, the third of four children born to George and Sally Monsoor. The Navy's newest Zumwalt-class destroyer, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), was commissioned Jan. 26 at Naval Air Station North Island, California. Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor was killed in battle in Iraq in September 2006, and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in April. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest and fell onto the floor. Each time I read of Michael's sacrifice I'm so amazed & heartbroken. All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. 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. Petty Officer Monsoor's actions could not have been more selfless or clearly intentional. I am Michael Monsoor. Mission and Vision. They said no to me Jim, for two years, because they're so private. 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. I know why Michael continued to foster this relationship. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. I miss my mother, my father, my sister, and my brothers. I had no idea. Mike and his fellow SEALs accounted for 84 enemy fighters killed in action and the detainment of numerous insurgents. 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. The sad thing is that Michael was ready to die at any time and I'm sure a lot of those guys were, Jim. Posted by 7 years ago. I think that was the way that it was always meant to be. These men who are in the field with the Warriors give great counsel, and great solace. Tell us about finding those guys and in some measure pulling the stories out to make "Defend Us in Battle.". Kirsten Wang. Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Master At Arms "A" School. And look at also the actual battle scenes in there were actually taken from after-action reports. [5][6], A grenade was thrown onto the rooftop by an insurgent on the street below. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 29 September 2006. I thought that was just so powerful. Market data provided by Factset. As we trained and prepared to deploy to Iraq, everyone learned that Mike was an incredible person. Exactly with that weapon, he was providing cover fire. 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. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. 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 . 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. It was the Army, the first of the 506 Battalion. 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 Her prayers for her son are just a reflection of what every mother is doing when their boys are overseas, or daughters are overseas. This voice says to me: I am patrolling through the streets of Ramadi. He was a loyal friend and exceptional SEAL, and he is sorely missed by his brothers in Task Unit Bravo. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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. During the funeral of Navy SEAL Michael A. Monsoor, every Navy SEAL on the West Coast came to the funeral, took off their golden trident off of their own uniform and slapped it onto his wooden coffin covering the whole coffin in golden tridents. Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured . Of the three SEALs on that rooftop corner, he had the only avenue of escape away from the blast, and if he had so chosen, he could have easily escaped. On that day, Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi Army (IA) soldiers. October 14, 2019 | Fort Sam Houston, TX. Michael fought and fought and fought, even since he was little, to beat his ailment. He was one of the best men I've ever met and although we were merely colleagues, I still mourn his every Memorial Day and September 29th. 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. Jim Fausone:We want to welcome to Veterans Radio today, Rose Rea. The text of his citation reads: For service as set forth in the following. As suspected, his parents wouldn't have known about it but probably gave them great comfort once they learned. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Rea: I know. He was operating with I think eight of them total left out of a normal size of 15 to 20. On January 26, 2019, the U.S. Navy commissioned a ship named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001). The U.S. Navy's newest vessel, a guided-missile destroyer named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), commissioned on January 27, 2019. Monsoor died approximately 30 minutes later from wounds sustained from the blast. Mike was also a SEAL communicator. 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. or redistributed. Element snipers thwarted the enemy's initial attempt by eliminating two insurgents. and jumped onto the grenade, covering it with his body. Although only . The SEALs fired back and stood their ground. He has an older brother James and older . The Early Years. As we bridge this, Father Halladay, Michael's faith, and the family's faith. All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. Instantly and without regard for his own . This is what I said: Ladies and gentlemen. He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. His valorous conduct, exemplary leadership, and extraordinary self-sacrifice for his fellow service members have earned him the highest respect and gratitude of his fellow SEALs, the Navy, and our nation. He ran out into the street with another SEAL, shot cover fire and dragged his comrade to safety while enemy bullets kicked up the concrete at their feet. This was one of the last missions, which is just even worse. May the Lord comfort you. I think there's a lesson for all of us here, isn't there? Aviation_Intel. 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 not afraid. We all hit those challenges in life and it's so easy to ring the bell which you do to get out of the BUD/S and SEAL training. He lived for 30 minutes longer, they were providing aid as fast as they could. Dunbar, Monsoor, SEALS, Monsoor funeral. Rea: Yeah. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. I can't speak for him, but I assume that's why he kept it to himself. And then he had communications equipment. 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? Legal Statement. He bore the weight without a single complaint, even in the midst of the 130 degree Western Iraqi summer. 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. On September 29, 2006, Ramadi, Iraq was considered the most dangerous city on planet earth for American servicemen. 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. "The procession went on nearly half an hour," Bush said. All of the older guys get fun jobs. He said he died in the state of grace and for what Catholics believe, with the sacraments and what else. He took a lot on and it says a lot about his character. They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. Delta Platoon was sent to . His funeral in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego was attended by nearly every SEAL on the West Coast, President Bush said. He has a grateful nation forever in his debt! While vigilantly watching for enemy activity, an enemy fighter hurled a hand grenade onto the roof from an unseen location. I met Mike Monsoor when he checked into SEAL Team Three as a new, highly-motivated young frogman. You talk in the book about how he got into sports - hockey and football - and pushed himself to overcome this medical challenge. By June 21, 2022 springhill elementary school calendar on michael monsoor funeral June 21, 2022 springhill elementary school calendar on michael monsoor funeral 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. Rose Rea: Yes, it is a powerful one. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, The unit symbol is composed of Petty Officer Monsoor's Medal of Honor, SEAL Trident, and Master-at-Arms shield. MASTER AT ARMS SECOND CLASS, SEA, AIR and LAND As a communicator and machine-gunner on patrols, Monsoor carried 100 pounds (45kg) of gear in temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. Rea: I don't think we'll ever understand, Jim. People want to know everything all the time. 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. Fausone: And again, that's the lesson to learn. Rea: Yes. In April 2008, Michael Monsoor . She co-wrote a book with George Monsoor. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. On April 8, 2008, Master at Arms, 2nd Class Michael Anthony Monsoor (4/5/81 to 09/29/06) , a Navy EOD Technician, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for jumping on a grenade . He is survived by his parents, an older sister and two brothers. 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. box of lies online generator michael monsoor funeral. Rea: I think that is one of my favorite parts because even thinking about writing those words. I love my country, my fellow SEALs, and the men fighting alongside us. [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. The ultimate friend. On September 29, 2006, Michael Monsoor and three SEAL snipers watched vigilantly for enemy activity from a rooftop post in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3.[3][7]. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Palatial properties along the Intracoastal Waterway, the St. Johns and the Beaches dominated the list of . May the Lord continue to comfort you. She was 94 years old. 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. Acting as the senior leader by leading a team of 3. The ship honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who . He will safeguard our families, as he safeguarded his own family. Silver Strand Training Complex. 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. "He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs'' lives, and we owe him." Monsoors body shielded the others from the brunt of the fragmentation blast and two other SEALs were only wounded by the remaining blast.. Thank-you for raising such a great son. 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. 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. As I look at this picture, I hear a voice in a humble but confident tone. I have looked at this picture over and over again and it speaks to me. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Faith conquers all. A little-known tribute some Navy SEALs gave to a fallen comrade is gaining notice. USS Michael Monsoor is the second of three Zumwalt-class destroyers ordered by the Navy. On January 26th, 2019, the Zumwalt class destroyer. But we are strong. In the book, "Defend Us in Battle: The True Story of MA2 Navy SEAL Medal of Honor Recipient Michael A. Monsoor". Three Ismaili Muslims were members of parliament, down one from 2019, and State Minister for Peace Sadat Mansoor Naderi is also an Ismaili Muslim. During their deployment, Mike and his fellow SEALS came under enemy attack on 75 percent of their missions. He was a boy. Over the next five months, Monsoor and his platoon frequently engaged in combat with insurgent forces. He was only the second SEAL to die in Iraq since the war began. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Monsoor and the two injured were evacuated to the combat outpost battalion aid station where Monsoor died approximately 30 minutes after the incident from injuries sustained by the grenade blast., Also due to Monsoors selfless actions, the fourth man of the SEAL squad who was 10-15 feet from the blast, was unhurt. It showed Mike and his platoon mates in the war-torn streets of Ramadi, shrouded in a mist of greenish-yellow smoke, which was used to mask their movement from the enemy. They really didn't - it was definitely something. Additionally, a nearby mosque called insurgents to arms to fight Coalition Forces. Monsoor was protecting other SEALs, two of whom were 15 feet away from him. From April to Sept. 29, 2006, Mike served as a heavy weapons machine gunner in Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. Petty Officer Monsoor was subsequently awarded the Bronze Star as the Task Unit Ramadi, Iraq Combat Advisor from April to September 2006. - Source 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. 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. In the morning, his team observed four enemy fighters armed with AK-47s reconnoitering from roads in the sector to conduct follow-on attacks. A very uneventful day at first, Jim. Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured; another who was 10 to 15 feet from the blast was unhurt. And then from George and Sally's perspective, knowing bits and pieces people do know. Your parents and family are also remembered, as they too have borne the pain of your absence. 1. Rose, thanks for bringing this story to life and adding it to the library of literature on Medal of Honor recipients. His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. He had been assigned to protect fellow SEALs on a rooftop in Ramadi, Iraq, when a fierce firefight with insurgents broke out. or redistributed. In the picture, his brother SEALs are nearbybut Mikey is out front. 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. Michael obviously knew what was going down, as he was operating on this nightly basis. Legal Statement. 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. They made him an honorary Chief because if he was alive, he still would have been. The four had been working with Iraqi soldiers providing sniper security while U.S. and Iraqi forces conducted missions in the area. Petty Officer Monsoor maintained suppressive fire as the wounded SEAL received tactical casualty treatment to his leg. 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. Fausone: Another person in the book that I think reflects Michael's character is Father Halladay. 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. Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy March 21, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. 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. EVERETT One of the Navy's newest destroyers paid a visit to Puget Sound this weekend. Requiescate in pace. After the engagements, the local populace blocked off the roads in the area with rocks to keep civilians away and to warn insurgents of the presence of his Coalition sniper element. Get email updates about Michael A. Monsoor delivered directly to your inbox. He was 25 years old. 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 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. 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. [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. Some sort of bonding and love of your fellow man deepens in those situations. 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. 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. Mike was one of the bravest men on the battlefield, never allowing the enemy to discourage him. Click to read President Bush's full speech at Monsoor's Medal of Honor ceremony. 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. 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? The first, USS Zumwalt, is named after Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr., chief of naval operations from 1970 to 1974. Rest in peace, Michael Monsoor. 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. You quit. 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 . Petty Officer Monsoor was the Platoon Machine Gunner of an overwatch element, providing security for an Iraqi Army Brigade during counter-insurgency operations. . All Rights Reserved. 29, 2006, when he was killed . Our strength is our brotherhood. Fausone: Well sometimes this arc is just perfect, and I think that was a good example of it. I wasn't just a random person off the street. Quote job ref.