michael monsoor funeral

Anticipating further attacks, Monsoor, three SEAL snipers and three Iraqi Army soldiers took up a rooftop position. 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: I think again, another very important part because of a mother's concern and pain you sort of mention. 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. Market data provided by Factset. [3][5], Monsoor was described as a "quiet professional" and a "fun-loving guy" by those who knew him. Thank-you for raising such a great son. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President George W. Bush to Monsoor's parents on April 8, 2008. Element snipers thwarted the enemy's initial attempt by eliminating two insurgents. Fausone: There are a number of lessons, and I think we hold these men who receive the Medal of Honor so highly that we can learn some lessons. Petty Officer Monsoor was subsequently awarded the Bronze Star as the Task Unit Ramadi, Iraq Combat Advisor from April to September 2006. 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. or redistributed. He is survived by his parents, an older sister and two brothers. Not out of any sort of reason other than just letting us be. Michael obviously knew what was going down, as he was operating on this nightly basis. His funeral in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego was attended by nearly every SEAL on the West Coast, President Bush said. His face is calm, almost smilingdespite the obvious chaos and danger around him. As someone that had the pleasure of knowing Mikey as a friend, and had the honor of serving with him on the battlefield, this photograph tells me a story. It was this cool relationship, almost this Brotherhood camaraderie too, between this Navy chaplain priest and Michael. The Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) and the Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) arrived at theTom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Oregon to kick-off Portland Rose Festival and Fleet Week 2022, June 9., Installations. Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island. 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. We put in the story what he told his mom or brother - he said you'll have to drag my dead body off the beach before I quit again. Monsoor was the . All of the rest of the men, three SEALs, and the Iraqi interpreters, survived because of what Michael did for them willingly. The name of Petty Officer Michael Anthony Monsoor will now be among them. [5][6], Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy on March 24, 2001, and attended Basic Training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois. Mike was one of the bravest men on the battlefield, never allowing the enemy to discourage him. Regional exposure by managing/leading projects by handling projects. It's still hard for the men he saved - I would say 100% they feel a sense of guilt. Faced with the choice to save his comrades or save himself, Monsoor threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the impact. 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. Perry, Tony, "Destroyer To Bear O.C. 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. The enemy could not deter Michael and his SEAL platoon. By June 21, 2022 springhill elementary school calendar on michael monsoor funeral June 21, 2022 springhill elementary school calendar on michael monsoor funeral IN THE EARLY MORNING, INSURGENTS PREPARED TO EXECUTE A COORDINATED ATTACK BY RECONNOITERING THE AREA AROUND THE ELEMENTS POSITION. George's son, Michael, is a recipient of the Medal of Honor and we're going to tell Michael's story. [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. 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. [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. His life and unfortunate death are inspiring. Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor was killed in battle in Iraq in September 2006, and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in April. Monsoor enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in 2004. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest and fell onto the floor. And death. Monsoor died about 30 minutes later from wounds caused by the grenade explosion. Live Well Plan Well Rest Well A half day breakfast seminar on Saturday March 18th, 2023, at the . Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, 25, was killed in combat Sept. 29 in Ramadi, Iraq, west of Baghdad. There was only one access point for entry or exit and Monsoor was the only one who could have saved himself from harm. This was one of the last missions, which is just even worse. He was Catholic and he found this incredible priest. 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. The vessel was adrift in the Gulf of Aden for three days due to an engine. By his courageous and selfless actions, he saved the lives of his two fellow SEALs and he is the most deserving of the special recognition afforded by awarding the Medal of Honor. US Navy Medal of Honor recipient (19812006), Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor, Garden Grove High School Memorial Stadium. The Navy has operated on the 1,300 plus acres since the early 1960s, and is seeking to set aside an additional 4,486 acres of federal . The guy who made this special box - almost like a shadow box, but it's a decorative box - he said, "No I want to do this, don't pay me a cent. He chose them.. [3] His father is of Lebanese and Irish descent, and his mother has Irish ancestry. Taking Offense Religion, Art, and Visual Culture in Plural Configurations Ramadi at the time was the epicenter of the insurgency in Iraq, a city filled with peril. 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. From the US Navy: Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Anthony Monsoor. Michael the Archangel by Guido Reni, Santa Maria della Concezione, Rome, 1636. 190126-N-XN177-1481 SAN DIEGO (Jan. 26, 2019) The crew of the Zumwalt-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) brings the ship to life during its commissioning ceremony, Jan. 26, 2019. Rea: Michael had a crazy deployment and super high tempo operating throughout the whole thing, and then they were finally starting to wind down after about six months. 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. All rights reserved. Monsoor yelled, Grenade! and dropped on top of the grenade prior to it exploding. . Some sort of bonding and love of your fellow man deepens in those situations. The U.S. Navy's newest vessel, a guided-missile destroyer named the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), commissioned on January 27, 2019. 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 . But then they started to take fire which happened pretty fast, and ultimately, a grenade was thrown on the rooftop. I've done a lot of projects. "We were at a SEAL bar in San Diego called McP's, and we were having a wake for one of our guys that just died, I believe it was Michael Monsoor. The grenade exploded seconds later and Monsoor's body absorbed most of the force of the blast. 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? During Mike Monsoors funeral in San Diego, as his coffin was being moved from the hearse to the grave site at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, SEALs were lined up on both sides of the pallbearers route forming a column of twos, with the coffin moving up the center. So George got to talk with him about sacrifice. Because there is nothing more important to me than my family. A couple of other things that I think go to his character, which ultimately leads to him making the ultimate sacrifice, his commanding officer in Ramadi in the Spring of 2006 was Lieutenant Commander Jocko Willink. 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? Palatial properties along the Intracoastal Waterway, the St. Johns and the Beaches dominated the list of . His sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. 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 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). Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. He never gave up. They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. A very uneventful day at first, Jim. 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. And every day, brave men continued to push forward, into the fray. Michael Monsoor was there in the midst of it all. That picture says so much. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Fausone: Again, it's one of those things that demonstrates his character. He will safeguard our families, as he safeguarded his own family. He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs lives, and we owe him., 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. It is my honor to make it for him." He was the ultimate teammate. Fausone: Another person in the book that I think reflects Michael's character is Father Halladay. The 1,063 acre site has a firing range, an administration building, and a dormitory. 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 trapezoidal-shaped USS Michael Monsoor came to Naval Station Everett on Friday, where the ship . All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. Your act and demonstrated honor is a high standard for all of us. Michael Monsoor, a Navy Seal, sacrificed his life for his buddies on Sept 29th. The Early Years. Ramadi had been a violent and intense area for a very strong and aggressive insurgency for some time. Close. MASTER AT ARMS SECOND CLASS, SEA, AIR and LAND Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Naval Sea Cadet Corps unit named the "Michael A. Monsoor Battalion" based in Camp Pendleton, California. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Released). 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. At his Oct. 12 funeral, as the e-mail states, Navy SEALs took their trident pins and pounded them . 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. Not everyone can step in and do it that well, that fast. 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. Delta Platoon was sent to Iraq in April 2006 and assigned to train Iraqi Army soldiers in Ramadi. Michael just took all that on and he was never one to back down from anything. Because why my brother and not me? 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. Tell us about this day that will always be remembered. 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 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. The Navy's newest Zumwalt-class destroyer, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), was commissioned Jan. 26 at Naval Air Station North Island, California. He gave his life to protect comrades . 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. As the coffin passed each SEAL, they slapped down the gold Trident each had removed from his own uniform and deeply embedded it into the wooden coffin. Monsoor was protecting other SEALs, two of whom were 15 feet away from him. 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. I am far away from home. He had three SEALs with him and I think there's one or two Iraqi interpreters. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Fausone: I think that's one of the lessons, right? In that split second, which is all that he had, he jumped on top of it and shielded the blast with his own body. SEAL snipers from his roof engaged two of them which resulted in one enemy wounded in action and one enemy killed in action. The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3.[3][7]. or redistributed. And look at also the actual battle scenes in there were actually taken from after-action reports. 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. As we trained and prepared to deploy to Iraq, everyone learned that Mike was an incredible person. I met Mike Monsoor when he checked into SEAL Team Three as a new, highly-motivated young frogman. . 120. So many guys have named their kids after him because they just loved him so much. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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 force said. DDG 1001 TOP STORY. 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. And in this shipand in its crewMikeys spirit will live on. Together, we live in dust and dirt and filth. 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. His leadership, guidance and decisive actions during 11 different combat operations saved the lives of his teammates, other Coalition Forces and Iraqi Army soldiers. [5][6], A grenade was thrown onto the rooftop by an insurgent on the street below. People want to know everything all the time. 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. What we do have preserved in the book are all those stories she shared, gems, so many she hadn't shared with the world. This was a fitting send-off for a warrior hero. After further training he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team Three. 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. How many times? Copyright 2023 Navy SEALs. Michael Monsoor joined the United States Navy in about March of 2001. The SEALs fired back and stood their ground. It was the Army, the first of the 506 Battalion. In the morning, his team observed four enemy fighters armed with AK-47s reconnoitering from roads in the sector to conduct follow-on attacks. Petty Officer Second Class Michael Anthony Monsoor was born April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, Calif. Michael . SAN DIEGO - The Navy's newest Zumwalt-class destroyer, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), was commissioned Jan. 26 at Naval Air Station North Island.. Twenty gold star families and four Medal of Honor recipients witnessed the Navy's second Zumwalt-class destroyer enter the fleet. On September 29, 2006, Ramadi, Iraq was considered the most dangerous city on planet earth for American servicemen. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, In September 2006, Michael laid down his life for his brothers in arms. I know these grunts are not just Soldiers and Marines, but fathers and brothers and sons. When we encounter Iraqi families, I treat them with respect and dignity. Thank you for all that you are doing to bring awareness to our wonderful veterans. Home Haller Motorworx & Farm Equipment Magazine, AR 479 969-6464. 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. 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 . You had a chance to talk to some of these men. You had winemakers make a special wine for him. 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. Ramadi had been a violent and intense area for a very strong . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. [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. Monsoor was awarded the Silver Star for this action,[5][8] and was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Iraq. I mean this really is a story about Brotherhood and father/son. 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. Monica Hellstrm; THE RESCUE Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, John Battsek, P. J. van . The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, He continued to provide effective suppressive fire while simultaneously dragging the wounded SEAL to safety. The hardened enemy was bent on destruction; they fought with ruthlessness, constantly on the attack with machine guns, mortars, grenades, and IEDs. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. I and the other members of SEAL Team Three, Task Unit Bruiser, had the honor of participating in the commissioning ceremony. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. When I started reading the memorials at the back of the book, I could feel how meaningful different memorials would have been to Michael. Michael was the closest one where he could have jumped away from it, but the other three could not have. Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor. Instead, knowing what the outcome would be, he fell on the grenade to save the others from harm. But, he didn't give up. He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. 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. And even the siblings of course, because they don't know all the operations he went on either. He took a lot on and it says a lot about his character. In fact, he would continue to agree to do more. Everyone in the unit knows Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor's career history and shares it with all new cadets. From April to Sept. 29, 2006, Mike served as a heavy weapons machine gunner in Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3. box of lies online generator michael monsoor funeral. The trident is a U.S. Navy special warfare badge worn by SEALs. 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 . They said no to me Jim, for two years, because they're so private. 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. 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. 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. So it just marries together so many wonderful stories and memories. Michael Anthony Monsoor (5 April 1981 - 29 September 2006) was a U.S. Navy SEAL killed during the Iraq War. I thought that was beautiful and respectful. I want to point out, it also happens to be Saint Michael the Archangels Feast Day. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. Just let them have their brother. All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. 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. Dunbar, Monsoor, SEALS, Monsoor funeral. On 15 operations, he carried a rucksack full of communications equipment in addition to his machinegun and full ammunition load-out. Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor, United States Navy, distinguished himself through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Combat Advisor and Automatic Weapons Gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on 29 September 2006. A couple of powerful statements. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. He was there to offer him whatever assistance Michael needed. Rea: So, so powerful. Did you get that sense? BECOMING COUSTEAU Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan; COW Andrea Arnold, Kat Mansoor; FLEE Jonas Poher Rasmussen. [12][13], For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Platoon Machine Gunner in Sea, Air, Land Team THREE (SEAL-3), Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, Task Unit Ramadi, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 9 May 2006. In the early afternoon, enemy fighters attacked his position with automatic weapons fire from a moving vehicle. He deployed with his platoon to Iraq in April 2006 in support of OperationIraqi Freedom, and was assigned to Task Unit Bravo in Ar Ramadi. IN THE EARLY MORNING, INSURGENTS PREPARED TO EXECUTE A COORDINATED ATTACK BY RECONNOITERING THE AREA AROUND THE ELEMENT'S POSITION. 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. A relationship through how much they loved each other and then this brotherly love which ultimately grows and grows and then at the end, but after you saw how much he cared about his fellow squadmates didn't it almost make sense at the end as devastating as it was. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. It wasn't like someone said something, I meant these really happened. [18], A SEAL training facilitylocated about 50 miles (80km) east of San Diegowas renamed Mountain Warfare Training Camp Michael Monsoor. Thank-you for Michael's service & his and your sacrifices. Monsoor was engaged in a firefight in Ramadi when, according to the military report, he and another SEAL pulled a team member shot in the leg to safety while bullets pinged off the ground around them., 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. "He never took his eye off the grenade, his only movement was down toward it," said a 28-year-old lieutenant who sustained shrapnel wounds to both legs that day. Silver Strand Training Complex. - Source Who has the courage to do that? All rights reserved. He's heading into his 20th year of service this summer. 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. You see those friendships that were deep in there. When Mike died, a picture of him circulated the news. EVERETT One of the Navy's newest destroyers paid a visit to Puget Sound this weekend. 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. People need to know what he gave for his country, what he gave up willingly and so that started everything. STEVE INSKEEP, host: The White House is about to bestow the highest military award on a Navy SEAL from Southern California. Rea: Yeah. 1. [2] His father also served in the United States military as a Marine. I want to hold my nephews and nieces again. He had been assigned to protect fellow SEALs on a rooftop in Ramadi, Iraq, when a fierce firefight with insurgents broke out. Jim Fausone:We want to welcome to Veterans Radio today, Rose Rea. 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 . So, Michael willingly volunteered to stay and continue operating. Rea: It was my pleasure and it's been such a joy speaking with you. It represents the three aspects of SEAL special operations, sea, air, and land.