Sandwiched here between Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day, it only seems fitting to honor a true American hero. Michael Anthony Monsoor –  a son, brother, and U.S. Navy SEAL — is the epitome of what a man should be. Not only did he courageously serve his country, but he also served his fellow Navy brothers on the battlefield.

On September 29, 2006, Monsoor and two fellow SEALs were positioned on a rooftop in Ramadi, Iraq. Having been there for some time, engaging in gunfire very sporadically, Monsoor was hit in the chest with a hand grenade. With a fuse-time of only 5 or 6 seconds, Monsoor could only utter the single word, "grenade!," before he threw himself on the live explosive, saving his Navy brothers from the full brunt of the blast. However, 30 minutes later, Michael Monsoor would die, having sacrificed his own life for his brothers. You see, Michael had the only opportunity of the three to avoid the blast, but instead "embraced" it.

Michael is said to have been a special and determined man, even in early life, but his fervent determination to become a U.S Navy SEAL was one that surprised even his own family. On April 8, 2008, Monsoor was posthumously rewarded, by President George W. Bush,  America's greatest military award, the Medal of Honor.

This country and this world is a much better place for God's gift of Michael Monsoor. We all should thank Him, as we sleep soundly in our beds tonight.

MASTER AT ARMS SECOND CLASS, SEA, AIR and LAND
MICHAEL A. MONSOOR
UNITED STATES NAVY