Local Veterans to Honor Fallen Navy SEAL

A fallen hero is being honored by a local veteran’s organization, which has named its post after a decorated Navy SEAL who was killed in 2006 in the Iraq War.

Post 2082 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will hold a dedication ceremony Saturday in its main hall to unveil its new name—Michael A. Monsoor Post 2082.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for an act of heroism that sacrificed his life to save the lives of others. He died Sept. 26, 2006, shielding his comrades from a grenade blast in Ramadi, Iraq.

The Navy SEAL was honored in 2010 with a plaque placed on the Mt. Soledad Veteran’s Memorial. The ceremony was attended by his family and was capped off with a flyover.

Members of Monsoor’s family are expected to attend the VFW ceremony Saturday, featuring the presentation of colors by U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, a presentation of new banners for the post and auxiliary, guest speakers, dignitaries, city leaders and military officials. Members of the City Council will be on hand for the dedication, as will Rear Adm. Sean Pybus, Commander Naval Special Warfare Command, and Rear Adm. Garry Bonelli Deputy Commander Naval Special Warfare Command.

The public is invited to join the celebration, which will start at 1 p.m. at the VFW, 2885 Lemon Grove Ave. Refreshments will be served.

Monsoor, a native of Long Beach, CA,  was 25 when he died. He served the Navy five years. He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.