Navy SEAL Michael A. Monsoor-Someone You Should Know

Posted By Froggy

Last Friday in Ramadi, Iraq SEAL Team THREE lost its second SEAL in combat, SO2 Michael A. Monsoor.  Mike was from Garden Grove, CA and having failed to complete BUD/S training his first time around, Mike was undeterred.  He came back through and made it this time.  Details of the operation he was involved in have yet to be released by the Navy, but all of the verbal reports that I have received from friends still on active duty indicate that it is probably time to rename the Galley at NAB Coronado and stand by for a Medal of Honor nomination.

My understanding thus far is that during some sort of combat engagement a terrorist was able to toss a grenade into a room occupied by Mike and at least two other SEALs.  Recognizing the danger to his fellow SEALs, Mike selflessly placed himself in a position to block the blast of the grenade with his own body and saved the lives of his platoonmates. 

Sympathy cards to Michael's family are being collected by the great people at Soldier's Angels. Thanks Richard and Adele!

Family of Michael A. Monsoor

C/O Patriot Support

716 Centre of New England Blvd. #173

Coventry, RI 02816

Editorial time:  I have been consistently frustrated with the Navy and the NSW leadership's seeming unwillingness to adequately award and nominate enlisted SEALs for their consistent valorous conduct.  I do not want to go into any specifics here, but suffice it to say that the enlisted SEAL community and this blog in particular will be watching what happens with Michael Monsoor. 

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If Froggy at BLACKFIVE is correct, and he usually is, then the SEAL community has lost another member, SO2 Michael A. Monsoor:My understanding thus far is that during some sort of combat engagement a terrorist was able to toss a [Read More]

Comments

[frogsister]

RIP SO2 Monsoor....damn, it's hard to believe that we have yet another loss in our small community.

I'll be saying a prayer for Michael, his family, brothers and friends.

[adele]

What do you expect from someone like him? That is some selfless act.

I am so sorry for your loss and the loss in your community. Many prayers sent his family's way.

To all serving and to those who have served, keep safe. You are appreciated more than you know.

[Tincan Sailor]

Wars come and go people are born and die,but one
thing that will never change is the Courage of
the American Soldier,Sailor,Airman,Marine and
Coastie, this time it was SO2 Michael Monsoor
61 years ago in Manila,Philippine Island 2/5/45
Lt Robert Viale fell on a granade to save his
men and some civilians, no higher Honor could
be said than "Brothers In Arms" May your road be
smooth,may the wind be at your back,and may the
sun shine on you always...God speed,God speed
Gentelman!!

[Theresa, MSgt (ret), USAF]

God speed SO2 Monsoor.

[Pops]

To the family of SO2 Monsoor,
I know your pain! I known by now that you realize the commitment of the SEAL community and that you do not have to do this alone, but that does not lessen the loss. GOD love your Son and may he be welcomed into HEAVEN.
Words fail me now for I grow weary of having to come up with words, when we contunie to loose those that mean so much to us and whom we know are so very, very special!
The Admiral of all SEALS will be there for you as will an entire contiguent of the finest youg men in the world to help you through this toughest of times. Be strong and keep the faith in America and our Fighting Men!
Hoo Ya SO2 MoonSoor
POPS OUT!

[HomefrontSix]

Godspeed SO2 Monsoor. Our prayers are with you, your family, and the entire SEAL community. I'm sure this loss hits hard.

Froggy ~ thanks for sharing him with us. And I agree with your opinion in the "editorial" section. It's time we properly recognize our SEALs for their incredible contributions to this country.

Pops ~ prayers for you and yours as well.

[Tincan Sailor]

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there... I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow...
I am the diamond glints on snow...
I am the sunlight on ripened grain...
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of gentle birds in circling flight...
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry—
I am not there... I did not die...

[Tracy]

an incredible sacrifice by an incredible man.

[Caleb]

God Speed CO2 Monsoor. Not surprizing for a member of the SEAL teams. The members of all the Spec. Ops groups of all the service branchs are singularly heroic first class men among the best of our nation. Whether they be Army Green Berets or Rangers, or Navy SEALS, or the Air Force Spec. Operators, or Marine Recon they are too damn valuable to waste in a damn PC fight. What the hell are such high value assets doing in ongoing urban combat instead of the stealthy, lightning fast, high lethality projects that they are the most proficient in. Oh well, just an old fart's observation. Each of the groups, in each of the services, is excellently trained in particular special tactics and operating environments. They are NOT just better trained trigger pullers than the rest of the military.

Sorry, just one of my pet peeves, and has been ever since Korea.

[Blackfive]

Godspeed, SEAL Michael Monsoor.

And, Pops, thanks for your words. We owe the families of SEALs for raising and supporting our best warriors. Please let me know if there's anything that we can do or if there's anything that the Monsoor's need.

And thanks to Froggy for posting this entry.

[arrowhead]

God Bless this brave young man and bring comfort to his family, friends and fellow Navy Seals.

[Richard]

Godspeed to this HERO. We will keep his family and fellow SEALs in our prayers.

Richard

[bill]

How do you know it was a terrorist and not someone driven by nationalism, patriotism or something similar?

[Tincan Sailor]

Bill,
If you have to ask...

[Jeff Crawford]

Man hath no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.

Godspeed Mr. Monsoor, My deepest regards to his family.

[Easy]

Autumn Rain

Do not stand by my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints upon the snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain and
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am that swift uplifting rush,
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand by my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

-Unknown Author

RIP, hero and warrior for all of us.

-Easy
"That Others May Live"

[Peg C.]

My deepest sympathies to the young hero's family. I have to agree somewhat with Caleb. I know these super human beings will do anything and everything asked and demanded of them, but what a waste of superb talent, training, conditioning and skill. Or maybe not. Reading milblogs educates us somewhat, reading the drive bys is virtually useless, and what these operators are doing over there is not for public consumption in any case unless and until one of them dies doing it.

Truly a hero and what a sacrifice, something I am sure every one of them would do to save his teammates. And something in fact which we know Marines and others have done.

Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Indeed.

[Eric]

I can see Shark Base from my hooch here on Camp Ramadi; let the Engineers know if we can help.

[Janine Robinson]

On behalf of the Monsoor family, I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and condolences. It means so much to us to know that he meant so much to so many people.

To know Michael was to love him. He will be missed terribly and the void in our family will be heavy in our hearts.

While he was in Iraq, he e-mailed family and friends on a regular basis. He was always upbeat and in great spirits.
He never spoke of the WHAT IF'S; he lived life to the fullest.

One of his requests while in Iraq was to receive some bandanas to wear. I had sent him about 35 bandanas (in every color). Being Michael, he made sure his brothers had some too. He e-mailed me after he received them. He said thet the next day he was scheduled for a meeting and when he entered the room, it looked like a Tupac convention"

We are saddened by his loss and greatful for everyones prayers and sympathy, I'd like everyone to pray for the safe return of Michaels brothers in arms.

Thank you again for your kind words and best wishes.

[JanG]

It is at moments like this that I am so incredibly proud to be a member of the navy family. God blessed us with the presence - for a while - of this heroic, courageous and entirely selfless man, SO2 Michael A. Monsoor. Now God has taken him home to a place of honor were he will await other heroes and his loved ones and friends. "No greater love hath any man than this, that he would lay down his life for his friends". My prayers are with his family and his friends in their loss. Be comforted - it is not goodbye, just so long, be seeing you!

[BenW]

Godspeed Michael and God bless your family. A true man. My heart is full and words won't come to express my respect or condolences. Prayers and thoughts.

Ben

[Pops]

Bill,
How do we know that it wasn"t you? This is no place for your bullshit! Get on board or go to Bagdad and figure it out for yourself!

[diana]

There are not enough words. God keep watch over this family in their time of need and God bless the rest of us. Let us never forget his sacrifice and please let us be worthy of such men and women.

[Ben Bauman]

SO2 Michael Monsoor we pray for all of you (and your families) that have served us with the ultimate sacrifice. You by now have joined a fellow Comrade, LCPL James Chamroeun (Marine), whom we buried yesterday in our small community.

"Go tell the Spartans, thou that passeth by here,
That here, obedient to their laws, we lie."
--inscription at Thermopylae

VFW Post 9949
Peachtree City, GA

[Desert Frog]

Mikey was a man that stood apart. I feel much sarrow for his lost and miss him every day. I am proud to have served with him in combat and to have known him as a good friend. I miss you man! Bro's forever.

[Robyne Meeker]

Michael, I know you are still with us, though we grieve to not see you physically. Your brave spirit reminds each of us to strive abit more to reach higher planes that make us want to be a better person spiritually through our actions here toward our fellow man. I am honored to have met you in Sicily when you served with my son, Matt Young, who loved you as a younger brother. God bless the family & friends of this hero who struggle with his loss. I will honor you each day in my thoughts & prayers.

[Ed Ray]

Semper Fi and God Bless you.

[Observer]

For the family left behind

It takes us back to brighter years,
to happier sunlit days
and to precious moments
that will be with us always.
And these fond recollections
are treasured in the heart
to bring us always close to those
from whom we had to part.

There is a bridge of memories
from earth to Heaven above...
It keeps our dear ones near us

It's the bridge that we call love.

[Colin Hayes]

Bill said "How do you know it was a terrorist and not someone driven by nationalism, patriotism or something similar?"

I don't care if you think we shouldn't be there. I don't care if you think you have a voice. Your voice should not be allowed on this forum. A brave man died, and you should have just a bit of respect for him and his family, apparently you don't. For you to come on this site and say what you said, I can't consider you to be American.

I'm not in the services, but I am American, and I have %100 percent respect for the men and women who serve this country. In my mind, the only problem with democracy is people like you. If you don't like this country, get out! I'm all about people having thier own opinion, but here, on this forum, you make me sick.

[Colin Hayes]

Bill, or anyone, if I didn't understand Bill's post, or if I'm out of line, I'm sorry. It's just that I was reading all of these posts to acknowledge a great man (before even checking in on what the site was), and what he did for his country and brothers. I got to this website because Michael Monsoor was on the most e-mailed photos, and I was reading the posts of everyone here, and that one just seemed anti-American. I could very well be wrong. Apparently, judging by this website, I am probably out of line, and I apoligize. I just love America, and get a little touchy when it seems that someone with-in is trying to bring us down.

[mike047]

Nothing else to say BUT:

MOH

[Abdallah]

He died for unjust war, for a corrupted goverment, and for lies by his president, and probably with blood of innocents on his hand...he will face his creator.

[amb]

Just Godspeed Mike...wow-don't know you or your family but ...nevermind--just rest rest in peace--sorry

[Jeremy Reynolds]

Abdallah, you can go KCUF yourself.
Our men that are fighting these wars are better than the both of us. Being out since 1999 I didnt have the balls to get back into it like these men are doing. I thank you Mike, and my family thanks you. On the walls of the halls at Ft Benning are the pictures of great Americans. These men will not be forgotten.
By the way Abdallah, stay the hell out of NY. Im sure I can fabricate something to through your sorry ass in jail. You need to check out stickdeath . com then think before you write something stupid.
Officer Jeremy Reynolds

[Linda K Erwin]

I am greatly sadden to hear of this loss. This is one of America's very best men. My heart goes out to family, friends and comrads. Those of you that are in or were in our special forces are so VERY SPECIAL. You are the VERY BEST the United States of America has. Please know that I appreciate the sacrifices that each and every one of you make or have made for my country, freedom and way of life. This young man should receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions, but damn I wish he could accept it in person.
I pray this is the last of you that will die in this war. America needs you too much to lose such galent men.

[Jean Rojas]

THE ARCHANGEL HAS FALLEN

crystal rains,
silent songs
an angel's breath.....
sweet fragrant memories,
amazing zeal
fragments of the past,
compassion,
and courage
the fire of grace
danger of the unknown
stepping inside a war zone
never to return
a young life cut short
snuffed out...
a body torn to pieces
hit directly
by the renegade grenade
what for, I ask...
it's not simply a task..
can anybody tell me why..
questions in marks
no one..but no one
can tell me why.....

the archangel has fallen
the sea has lost its seal
today the sky has no sparkle
the stars refuse to share their light
but the world still turns
and people will never really learn
history is bound to be repetitive
then all is forgotten
what was is what is...

the war cry has sounded
the wing of the angel hounded
his mellow heart wounded
in his flight ,he is grounded

goodbye archangel of our times
know that love in these rhymes
commemorates the bells in their chimes
when they lay you down to rest,
you sleep eternally in your best..

I shed a tear for you today
not knowing who you were..
we have met ,not in this lifetime
but somewhere in the metaphysical
world of spirits
far, far away where none can hurt us
I dream to see your smiling face again...

(In Memory of: PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS MICHAEL A. MONSOOR)
14 October, 2006

[paul]

A brave and selfless man. We are at a loss...
Fair winds and following seas.
MOH

[Gloria]

For Michael A. Monsoor and SEAL Team Three

Moonlight glints on blackened steel
Silent signals
The pointman kneels
Our country sleeps in peace.

A sudden noise at the door
A hand grenade
Lands on the floor-
One moment to decide.

Die as one? Or die for all?
Love gave no choice-
They saw Mike fall.
Honor gained a new name.

The smoke cleared, and Mike was gone
In silent grief
They flee the dawn
Pursued by what they lost.

Brothers mourn and strangers weep
Unknown hero
In death you sleep
Yet still we hear your heart.

-Gloria J. Smith

[Shawn]

I had the honor of placing Mikes' cross at Arlington West in Santa Barbara this morning. I felt a deep honor in doing so. I would just like to know if this is something that his family approves of. If this is against their wishes I will do all I can to have it removed.
God Bless this young man and those like him. The responses I have read from his peers and the history of his familys' commitment to protecting all of us is truly remarkable. I thank his family for allowing and supporting his choice. We weep and mourn with all of you. Thank you again Mike Mansoor for your unselfish service to your country. Respectfully, Shawn Sprague

[Kaui]

Mike Monsoor was my Teammate and best friend. He saved my life and other teammates lives. you could count on him on and off the field. I am going to Miss you Mikey! Your legacy lives on with the Boys...

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself"

I was honored to be along side Mikey on and off the field...
I am here because of him... I am here to earn what he gave for all of us.

[Rohan]

The ultimate sacrifice from a true hero.

Lest we forget.

[ravana]

I am moved by Michael Monsoor's bravery in combat and my condolences go out to his family.

Monsoor is a Muslim name. I would like to know if Michael Monsoor was, or his family is, Muslim.

[Rachel]

Thank You Michael Monsoor for your sacrifice. To his Seal Team comrades, I am praying for your safety. Thank you for your service to this country. We support you!!

[bunk'em]

My son-in-law was one saved by Mike's instant courage under fire. He will rehab & live on with my daughter(his wife) & his children with memories forever of this greatest of the greatest human beings. Regardless of anyone's political, religious or social beliefs, Mike's actions that day are what we all want to believe everyone would do in the face of death, but only those touched by an angel actually can carry out. God & all other respectively worshiped supreme beings around the world know well Mikey Monsoor, as he already sits by all their sides as a body guard of the heavens! Love you Mikey--though we never met--yet!

[dennisomfs]

Revel in the life of a hero, one who did what had to be done, who stepped into the fire, onto the thin ice, faced the edge on the brink of eternity...but never returned. We are not hear to talk about the why's and what for's, rather to share in the heartfelt recognition of a young man whose split second decision saved the lives of other loved ones who will now perhaps get to hear the question "Daddy, what did you do during he war?" Thanks, Mike, from all our family to all of yours. As President Woodrow Wilson once said "No man has ever risen to the real stature of spiritual manhood until he has found that it is finer to serve somebody else than it is to serve himself" Mike was a MAN, a Navy Seal...

[Sean Simpson]

First off, thank you all for your kind words and honor of Michael Monsoor.

Mike was not only a great friend of mine, he was a brother. I am honored to have known this great person and am a better man for it. Mike was and will always remain my hero. I saw him placed to rest last Thursday and know that he will be meeting me at the gates of heaven one day.

Brother, we miss and love you.

Your boy,

Schmidty

[Billy]

I'm a 31 old man from the communist China but happen to be a solid and ardent pro-American, pro-freedom conservative out of my own conviction. I've just encountered the heroic story when surfing on the internet, and felt choke up as my eyes rolled down on those burning, heart-touching words.

I was almost moved to tears by the consummate dedication and selfless sacrifice of, and the unparalleled honor and valiance displayed by Mr. Monsoor. I salute this great man and his impeccable character and courage from the bottom of my heart and am ready to share his story with my friends.

My heart and prayers go to the great man and his families. He will not die in vain because he has already become an immortal and inspiring model for tens of thousands of people in America and worldwide including myself.

I've just observed one minute of silence for him. And I also copied his photo from online, made a memory card with it and put it into my notebook as a cherished item. This great man and true American hero has left an indelible print in my mind which I firmly believe will guide and inspire my life from now on. And finally, Kudos to Michael Monsoor and God bless! R.I.P.

P.S., To be absolutely candid and straightforward, I believe Iraq war is a mistake, an unnecessary and undeserved drain of American blood and treasure. Jorge Bush should bear the brunt of the grievous error, but all this by no means diminished the lofty and unrivaled heroism of Americans troops already in Iraq despite the wrong governmental policy. What I advocate is not cut-and-run, but the true America First spirit of only fighting and bleeding for what is truly vital for America’s life and freedom which Iraq wasn’t in the first place. Now I only pray they all come back home soon and safe from that sinking pit. To wish otherwise is the really un-American and unpatriotic.

[STEVE ILER]

NOT ONLY WAS MIKEY A SOLDIER, BUT HE WAS THE BESTEST FRIEND YOU COULD POSSIBLE HAVE! HE WAS MY BROTHERS BEST FRIEND. MIKEY, PAT, AND NICK CAME AND SPENT NEW YEARS 2001 IN VEGAS WITH MY FAMILY RIGHT BEFORE HE JOINED. THE ONLY THING HE COULD TALK ABOUT WAS BEING A NAVY SEAL. HALLOWEEN WAS HIS FAVORITE HOLIDAY, AND MY BROTHER AND OTHER OF HIS FRIENDS WERE PLANNING A PARTY FOR HIM ON HALLOWEEN. HE WAS THE TYPE OF PERSON THAT WOULD GIVE THE SHIRT RIGHT OFF HIS BACK TO ANYONE IN NEED. IT IS SORRY TO SEE HIM GO IN THIS WAY, ATLEAST HE DIDNT FEEL ANY PAIN! WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE AND REMEMBER HIM!! R.I.P MIKEY!!!!!!

[Frances]

I'm so glad to have found this site. I wanted to add something to all the thanksgiving for Michael Mansoor's life and self-sacrificial action.
I'm English and live in Germany and involved with the Royal Rangers. Yesterday afternoon we had our outpost meeting and I was doing the devotional. I'd read Michael's story in the internet and had kept it to tell the 55 youngsters.

You could have heard a pin drop. I'd drawn his picture which I copied from the internet and drew a sort of story-board sequence on wallpaper, gradually unravelling it as I told the story, linking it to what Jesus did for us. The older kids, who try to play cool and think stories are for babies, were rivetted.

This morning I heard from a mother, that her 12 year old daughter had come home, told her parents Michael's story and was so choked up she could hardly speak. Their four-year-old son said; 'that's just like Jesus, giving His life for us.'

I know that the other kids were similarly moved and I think it's unlikely any of them will forget what they heard. Nothing can compensate for losing a child, but I thought you ought to know that what he did will bear fruit in many other people's lives in the future.
Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit. (John 12:24)

With grateful thanks and deepest respect,
Frances Wessel

[Greg Hoo]

.How does our society worship meaningless celebrity when men of honor as M. Monsoor grace us with their presence however short a time. Yet perhaps these great souls would not be comfortable with the shallow "honor" imposed on these celebs. He was obviously a great man who we all should never forget. Men such as this should be the model for our youth yet they worship rap artists and actors. Well there are those of us who will never forget. God Bless and Protect all our armed forces as they serve and protect our Great nation. I can only humbly offer my Thanks and Prayers

[Katherine]

To all of Mike's friends and family you can see a picture of Michael, painted by Kaziah Hancock,(www.kaziahthegoatwoman.com) Project Compassion, which has been received by the Monsoor Family. We're keeping him alive and Kicking Ass! God Bless

[HM2 Cleveland]

Michael,
It was any other day in Iraq, where killing never ended. We got the call for a casevac, someone needed us! We ran out to the birds and spun up. Our flight to Combat Outpost was short, only about 8 min. The Army loaded 3 people onto our bird, and you were the last. The only part of your face that I could see was your eyelashes and below due to a heavy bandage. I did my best to keep you alive, and you were just that by the end of our flight. I didn't even know your name but your face was engrained into my memory and dreams forever. I later heard that you died of wounds.
I'm so sorry that I could not do more for you, but even God's greatest surgeons would ot be able to fix you. You will forever live in the hearts of the people you have touched, including mine. I know that you are at peace. You are a true hero, just doing your job but making the greatest sacrafice for your friends and your country. You will forever be remembered.

Marie