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2019-02-01 -Land of the Free
Navy Destroyer USS Michael Monsoor Commissioned
[VictoryGirlsBlog] On Saturday, January 26, 2019, the United States Navy commissioned it’s newest Destroyer. The ship, DDG-1001 is a Zumwalt-class destroyer named after Navy PO2 (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor, KIA September 29, 2006. This destroyer is cutting edge technology and is sponsored by Sally Mansoor, mother of the late hero. According to Richard Spencer, Secretary of the Navy:

"USS Michael Monsoor is one of the most capable warfighting assets our nation has to offer. This ship will provide independent forward presence and deterrence for decades to come and I am confident the crew will operate this vessel with the level of expertise, courage and strength needed to overcome any challenge."

Michael Monsoor was only 25 years old when he died. What could he have possibly done in that time to be honored with a Navy Destroyer? Below is the video honoring this laid back, hard charger:


Continued from Page 4


I’m not crying. You’re crying. What an admirable young man! Four months before his death, Monsoor-

carried a rucksack full of communications equipment in addition to his machinegun and full ammunition load-out. Collectively it weighed more than 100 pounds. He bore the weight without a single complaint, even in the midst of the 130 degree Western Iraqi summer.

and:

On May 9, 2006 Mike rescued a SEAL who was shot in the leg. 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. For this brave action, he earned a Silver Star.

That such a man lived, joined the Navy, earned the Seal Trident and consciously gave his life for his brothers in arms should make us all stand up and salute every time the flag passes or the National Anthem is played. Yes, that was a clap at all of the millennial pukes like Colin Kapernick, Kenny Stills, Albert Wilson and anyone else who disrespects the flag of our Nation. Blah, blah, blah. I know First Amendment rights. Blah, blah, blah. Shut your piehole. This is my blog post.

Speaking of millennials, Michael Knowles wrote a piece for Fox News titled: What rudderless millennials could learn from Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor ‐ who gave his life for others. From the article:

Michael Monsoor lived and died selflessly, a testament to virtue and providence. Sadly, the memory of Michael Monsoor stands in stark contrast to the lives of young Americans today, whom surveys show to be the least patriotic, least religious, least loyal and least grateful generation in American history. Coincidentally, they’re also the most miserable, exhibiting higher rates of anxiety, stress, depression and even suicide than any of their forebears.

A recent study from Arizona State University found that a full quarter of American college students have suffered symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the 2016 presidential election.

The study’s lead researcher, Melissa Hagan, described the impetus for her study: "I taught two classes the day after the election: one undergraduate class and one graduate class," she explained. "In both classes, students were visibly upset, with some crying." One suspects that none of those students serves in our armed forces, where the rigors involve more than micro-aggressions.

Now, I don’t disagree with Mr. Knowles. Except the past few years when the Knoxville Covenant Health Half Marathon finish line was in the checkerboard endzone of Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee, I have assiduously avoided being on a college campus. What used to be places of disciplined learning are now purveyors of anti-science, racism, anti-capitalist, fascism and envy. They give degrees in areas that shouldn’t even be serious areas of inquiry. All colleges that is except my son’s alma mater, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina (and, I am not the least bit proud.). We (our boy included) got our money’s worth out of that school.

I do not blame the millennials. I blame their self-absorbed, ever-adolescent baby boomer parents. That’s right. I blame my generation. I have never particularly cared for the zeitgeist of my generation. Mostly, I suppose because I have a rather strong personality and march to my own beat. My generation sucked at being parents. The child was born, the cord was cut and either the kids were on their own or over scheduled and helicopter parented unto suffocation.

I do disagree with Mr. Knowles about the military service. There are so many other ways to get a strong sense of self discipline. I lived and breathed ballet (Vaganova, R.A.D. and Cecchetti, if you care.) classes from the time I was four until I was in my early twenties. My daughter in law teaches Dressage, trains horses and competes. Undisciplined people cannot get near a horse.

All those poor college students triggered and depressed by the election of President Donald Trump are going to get oopsed upside the head by reality sooner or later. They will either learn or fail. That’s life. "That’s what all the people say. Riding high in April. Shot down in May." (Thank you Dean Kay and Kelly Gordon.)

In the meantime, if you have small children, be involved and make sure they have a passion and self-discipline. Raise your son’s and daughters to be more like Michael Monsoor. Raise your child so that he/she can say of something, "I will defend". For his parents’ sake, it’s the least we can do.
Posted by 746 2019-02-01 00:11|| || Front Page|| [10 views ]  Top

#1 

Michael A. Monsoor

Medal of Honor citation

"The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
MASTER AT ARMS SECOND CLASS, SEA, AIR and LAND
MICHAEL A. MONSOOR
UNITED STATES NAVY
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. 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. In the early morning, insurgents prepared to execute a coordinated attack by reconnoitering the area around the element's position. Element snipers thwarted the enemy's initial attempt by eliminating two insurgents. The enemy continued to assault the element, engaging them with a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. 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. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. 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. 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.[12][13]



Michael A. Monsoor

Silver Star citation

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. Petty Officer Monsoor was the Platoon Machine Gunner of an overwatch element, providing security for an Iraqi Army Brigade during counter-insurgency operations. While moving toward extraction, the Iraqi Army and Naval Special Warfare overwatch team received effective enemy automatic weapons fire resulting in one SEAL wounded in action. 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. He continued to provide effective suppressive fire while simultaneously dragging the wounded SEAL to safety. Petty Officer Monsoor maintained suppressive fire as the wounded SEAL received tactical casualty treatment to his leg. He also helped load his wounded teammate into a High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle for evacuation, then returned to combat. 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.[13]



Michael A. Monsoor

Bronze Star citation

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. On 11 different operations, Petty Officer Monsoor exposed himself to heavy enemy fire while shielding his teammates with suppressive fire. He aggressively stabilized each chaotic situation with focused determination and uncanny tactical awareness. Each time insurgents assaulted his team with small arms fire or rocket propelled grenades, he quickly assessed the situation, determined the best course of action to counter the enemy assaults, and implemented his plan to gain the best tactical advantage. His selfless, decisive, heroic actions resulted in 25 enemy killed and saved the lives of his teammates, other Coalition Forces and Iraqi Army soldiers. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer Monsoor reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.[14]

Michael A. Monsoor

Seal Team Three

Posted by Neville Dark Lord of the Wee Folk7365 2019-01-31 16:36||   2019-01-31 16:36|| Front Page Top

#2 Nothing to say after all that. Thank you for finding and posting this, Neville Dark Lord of the Wee Folk7365.
Posted by trailing wife 2019-01-31 19:56||   2019-01-31 19:56|| Front Page Top

#3 We should roll this over to tomorrow.
Posted by Bright Pebbles 2019-01-31 21:57||   2019-01-31 21:57|| Front Page Top

#4 We should roll this over to tomorrow.

That would be good.
Posted by SteveS 2019-01-31 22:58||   2019-01-31 22:58|| Front Page Top

#5 Motion made by Bright Pebbles, seconded by SteveS. The Ayes have it — and done. Enjoy!
Posted by trailing wife 2019-02-01 00:22||   2019-02-01 00:22|| Front Page Top

#6 Nice 8 min. video embedded in the Victory Girls blog. If I were more clever, I'd embed it in the comment.
Posted by Bobby 2019-02-01 15:42||   2019-02-01 15:42|| Front Page Top

#7 You are "clever" enough to blog and post here. You're certainly in the upper 2%.
Posted by Besoeker 2019-02-01 15:47||   2019-02-01 15:47|| Front Page Top

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