Monday, October 16, 2006
This is posted at CENTCOM, reproduced here in full:
Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor, 25, of Garden Grove, Calif., died Sept. 29 while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Ramadi, Iraq.
Monsoor was a Navy SEAL assigned to a West-Coast based command. 
Monsoor gave his life in order to save the lives of his brothers in arms. An Iraqi insurgent threw a grenade into a position occupied by Monsoor and three other SEALS. According to a report in the Associated Press Monsoor was struck in the chest by the grenade. Monsoor immediately threw himself on top of the grenade saving the lives of the other three. Two other SEALs where injured and the fourth was unhurt.
From Rear Adm. Joe Maguire, USN - Commander Naval Special Warfare Command, "On behalf of the entire Naval Special Warfare community, we mourn the loss of Master at Arms Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor, who died conducting some of our military's most important missions. It's been said that we
cannot decide whether we live or die - we know one day we will die - but as people, as men and warriors, we can only decide what we will die for. This Sailor along with our two wounded teammates chose a life of significant meaning -- to defend freedom and protect America and its allies from terrorism. We grieve with and support the family and friends who support our warriors on a daily basis. We hope that in time Michael's family is comforted in knowing that he died fighting for what he believed in and we will not forget his sacrifice."
According to The Navy Times, Monsoor was a native of Garden Grove, Calif., and joined the service in March 2001, according to Navy records. He was a member of BUD/S class 250, and had been serving with SEAL Team 3 since April 2005.
Monsoor is the second SEAL to die in Iraq.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor, the definition of the word hero.
Puts things into perspective, humbling. I first read of Monsoor at this Iraq the Model post, another one which places things into perspective. The Monsoor ref. was in the comments.
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 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!!!!!!
I heard of PO Monsoor last night January 17, 2007 while watching ABC News Nightline in a feature on heroism. The first thought I had was "Greater love has no man than to give his life for his friends" and I said a short prayer for him before I hit the rack. While empty words cannot replace a man of his caliber I sincerely hope is is a comfort to his family, friends and unit to know how proud and in awe I am of his act of selfless bravery and sacrifice. Rest easy SEAL, the fight continues with your inspiration to us all.
Sincerely,
Frank Lakat
Brooklyn New York
I heard of PO Monsoor last night January 17, 2007 while watching ABC News Nightline in a feature on heroism. The first thought I had was "Greater love has no man than to give his life for his friends" and I said a short prayer for him before I hit the rack. While empty words cannot replace a man of his caliber I sincerely hope is is a comfort to his family, friends and unit to know how proud and in awe I am of his act of selfless bravery and sacrifice. Rest easy SEAL, the fight continues with your inspiration to us all.
Sincerely,
Frank Lakat
Brooklyn New York