THE STORY OF NAVY SEAL MICHAEL A. MONSOOR with Mike Sarraille & Rey Baviera

This week’s Team Never Quit Podcast guests, Mike Sarraille and Rey Baviera bring a gut-wrenching, firsthand account of their collective 35 years of military service as Navy SEALs - most notably witnessing the valor and heroism of fellow SEAL Michael A Monsoor, who willingly jumped on a grenade to save those around him. While the story is heart-wrenching, it is equally heart-warming to know the source of “Mikey’s” character and moral fabric. Michael A. Monsoor When US Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor sacrificed his life by throwing his body on a live grenade to save his comrades during Operation Iraqi Freedom, he inspired thousands around the world and reminded us that freedom is never free. On September 29, 2006, Michael Monsoor and three SEAL snipers watched vigilantly for enemy activity from their rooftop post in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. When a grenade thrown from insurgents bounced off Michael’s chest, he could have escaped. Instead, he threw himself onto the live grenade, shielding his fellow soldiers from the immediate explosion. Michael died thirty minutes later, having made the ultimate sacrifice. Defend Us in Battle is cowritten by Michael’s father George Monsoor, who is himself a Marine veteran, and Rose Rea. It also includes a foreword by Dr. Donald C. Winter, former Secretary of the Navy. Through interviews, military documents, and eyewitness accounts, the authors detail Michael’s remarkable military career and devotion to God and others. The book highlights how Michael prepared for this selfless act all his life-a life that will inspire readers to have a similar generosity of heart. Michael grew up a quiet boy in California, but his childhood of asthma and being bullied made him a staunch defender of justice and passionate about never quitting. It was because of that passion that he achieved his dream of becoming a Navy SEAL and saved numerous lives throughout his deployment. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Michael received a Silver Star, a Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart for his years serving his country. But his greatest legacy is in the hearts of those he inspired to live, and even die, for the sake of brotherly love. “Michael Monsoor was an exemplary SEAL-a man of great integrity, a skilled warrior, and a loyal teammate. That loyalty led to his willingness to sacrifice his life for his teammates.” -Dr. Donald C. Winter (Secretary of the Navy, 2006-2009) Mike Sarraille During his 20-year military career, Mike Sarraille served as a Recon Marine, Scout-Sniper, and U.S. Navy SEAL Officer. Much of his career was in the Special Operations community, including the elite Joint Special Operations Command. He now works with small businesses and Fortune 500 companies on the principles of leadership, teamwork, entrepreneurship, and living a life of balance and purpose. Rey Baviera Rey Baviera served almost 15 years in the SEAL Teams, with multiple deployments and operations in violent urban environments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also worked as an intelligence and targeting officer at the Special Operations Command Pacific. He co-founded VTH Consulting, with the intent of bridging the gap between medical providers and veterans, helping veterans fight for the VA disability claims they morally, ethically, and legally deserve.
May the memory of Michael Monsoor never die.
Purchase the book honoring “Mike” - Defend Us in Battle, wherever books are sold: www.amazon.com/dp/0785290591/...
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Special Thanks / Credits
Executive Producer & Artwork - Andrew Brockenbush
Audio Engineer - Joey Garza
Video Editor - John Fritzsching
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About TNQ Podcast:
Each week join Retired Navy SEAL and Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell, Morgan Luttrell, and Producer Andrew Brockenbush as they’ll take you into the “briefing room” to chat with incredible guests who share their greatest never quit stories. This humorous, heartfelt, and entertaining podcast is changing lives and has become a beacon of hope and resilience to those who are facing the impossible. One of the best ways we can support our community is to share their stories so that we might inspire others to Never Quit.
We’re bringing you real-life stories of men and women who took life’s toughest challenges and met them head-on, radically changing their own lives and inspiring others to do the same.

[@jenf9994]

I went to high school with Mike. I burst into cry-laughter when you said Mikey hated bullies. Mike beat up a bully (M) to defend me (F) when I was a sophomore and he was a senior. We were just acquaintances sharing a math class before that, but Mike saw the relentlessness of this bully, repeatedly warned him to stop, and just beat him one day when he wouldn’t stop running his mouth. Mike and I didn’t become close friends after that, but we were casual pals and I always held him in the highest regard. I only found this video because I was sharing that story with a friend and had to look up the year Mike died. Thank you for the video and for your service and sacrifice.

[@j0hnnykn0xv1lle]

Really jealous you knew him. Godspeed.

[@j0hnnykn0xv1lle]

Navy boot camp, 2009, Division 355 - I put on my hard card I joined because of Michael Monsoor and Michael Murphy - out of the blue as the DIV LPO, AE1 Foreman asks me to explain to the division who Michael Monsoor and Michael Murphy were - still one of my prouder moments in life. I just visited Mikey and C4 this past weekend on vacation in San Diego. Godspeed. and Rest in Peace Sally Monsoor.

[@bcamp6088]

God bless these men, your service and sacrifice won't be forgotten.

[@supt529]

I run a Fire Center of 120 Wildland Firefighters in California. I bought "Defend us in Battle" for our reading library at work. What an amazing man Michael Monsoor is and a great family who raised him. One of my crewmembers is reading it now and is going to write a paper on it to present to our group. Thank you for your service

[@user-yd6cl3ue8m]

Sounds like you run an amazing house my man.

[@Tootsie-yj1rz]

RIP Mikey and Sally Monsoor (Mikey’s mother) 🙏🏻

[@pimpdown2696]

Thank you for all of y’all service. One thing…..when you ask a guest to tell their story…let them tell it. No interruptions. Almost as annoying as all of these sponsorships while I’m trying to watch the video.

[@christopherchesler2763]

I’ve heard of Mikey’s story before but this is the most impactful version because the man was there thank you for service and sharing this story

[@lovingmymamalighter102]

I thank all u men and Mike Monsoor for protecting our country and our personal freedoms!! We love u ALL!!! God Bless all our servicemen and woman.

[@davidrahbany]

What a privilege to be able to hear this story. Unbelievable.

[@jessbertsch1018]

I just listened to jockos podcast with mikeys dad! Amazing guys just amazing

[@DabBerDan47210]

That was such a good episode

[@jeremyressler8082]

Crazy how we watched the same podcast

[@peterc8021]

Love how Mrs. Luttrel asks the guys to give the viewers a lay of the land from time to time. Most of the population has no idea what it was like. God Bless Boys!

[@danlindenberger4865]

Watching living legends is something special. Hero’s and warriors who sacrificed everything for the good of humanity and to protect the home front. Unconditional love from the bottom of my heart to you men who are here today to tell the stories and solidify history. May God continue to bless you all and your families. Thank you for being you.

[@Nunya_Binness]

Happy Veterans Day! Thank y’all for your service and sacrifice for this great nation! 🫡🇺🇸

[@fluff2001]

Thank You for your service everyone .......... RIP Mr Monsoor .............

[@mr.tall-man1573]

Damn Mike thanks for the background on the story. I've heard about it since it happened but you gave quite the insight. This was a great conversation to have, and for me, to listen to. Thanks.

[@michaelchurgin7027]

Thank all you guys and gals! God bless America 🇺🇸 🙏 ❤️ U all!!

[@markzap5131]

Thank you warriors for your blood, sacrifice, sweat and tears. Sincerely appreciate you men.

[@brandimyhren6317]

So brave and courages. He wanted everyone to get home to their families and kids he gave his life for his brothers. He saved more lives than we know by sharing his stories. All of them. God protect the courages and those willing to die for justice and freedom and families. We all need our fathers in our lives. Thank you Mikey .

[@davewylie654]

RIP MIKE!!!! My family cannot thank you and your family enough for your sacrifice, its warriors like you that allow Americans to live the life we live.

[@d.c-jr8015]

I have nothing against Black History Month, so Mike Sarraille has an excellent point. Memorial Day should be Memorial Month for the simple fact that our country should be honoring the men and women who have served our country and the others that made the ultimate sacrifice. This needs to be proposed to congress and the senate or whoever is responsible for making this a reality.

[@outlawandtattoos9481]

A hero Thank you for service and sacrifice god bless 🇺🇸🕊️

[@scottvolage1752]

Thank you for everything you have done. Never forgotten. Never forget.

[@ericfleming347]

Legends and Hero's America 🇺🇸 is so lucky to have men like this !

[@anthonyf.9170]

Incredible story. God bless every one of you for your services. God bless our Nation’s War Fighters. 🇺🇸❤️💪

[@brendanriley1968]

Appreciate the way Mike S. opened up during this podcast.✨🙏🇺🇸 Truly.

[@bobdixon4998]

This ongoing conversation with Team never quit, is really necessary for the public and person's like myself to connect with you guys, and know you! It brings so much to the subscriber. I can't thank you all enough for the intimate experience of these podcasts that help me really understand you. I have always been proud of our soldiers. My brother was in the third Marines 3rd engineers in Vietnam from January 27 1968 to July 69. In con Thien, cam lo, the Rock pile and camp Carrol. East of Khe Sanh on route 9.

[@TheSickassmick]

Just ordered a copy. Thank you for all you have done and sacrificed for this country! We love y’all and god bless!!!

[@RickPena777]

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Great job Rey rey!

[@code3responsevideos872]

I was never in the military so I understood about 2% of this until Mrs. Lutrell started asking more detailed questions to get a clearer picture. Thanks for your service guys! And Gal

[@brianwilkerson191]

Blown away... best podcast so far!

[@petecastle5762]

I love hearing stories from Marcus and Morgan , and I envy them for their bravery and sacrifice to our country . However and with much respect I don’t think Marcus wife needs to be on the show, a lot of times she answers questions that only a soldier could answer and she makes statements as if she was the hero that lived through operation redwings when she’s not . Keep it 100% military .

[@Swordofmichael333]

She was super annoying to listen too

[@animula6908]

This is a truly moving story.

[@internet_internet]

You’re not crying, I’m crying.

[@BrerRabbit68]

Thanks for putting Melanie on the front shop camera angle. Love ya Mel

[@brianbeaupre8493]

This story and many others would make a real honest movie war stories would bring the reality of war home

[@user-vg3yc6gk5f]

Melanie, respectfully, let the people who were there tell their story

[@ph00z00]

good podcast. thanks.

[@BrerRabbit68]

Great questions Melanie

[@kevinzhang6623]

General Clark is a badass, Jocko has got to interview him sometime

[@doc79h]

Love the wife in this conversation. She keeps us out of the weeds that don't understand all of the jargon and military process

[@BrerRabbit68]

Kid greatness in Action!

[@user-lc6bc6bz7f]

Great Americans!! Thank you guys

[@flexmasterson4297]

That our guys were sent into battle without a medic and morphine is so very troubling. Damn. Maddening. Mikey put meaning to the word, Teams. Wow.

[@kevinzhang6623]

According to Kevin Lacz in "The Last Punisher", most SEALs were getting ready to leave Iraq and their corpsman like most of the SEALs was packing up during the op. Unfortunate. Doc Crispin: "Dauber, what's your blood type?" Kevin Lacz: "O-pos, why?" Crispin: "Delta got contacted on an op. One of their guys is hurt pretty bad" Kevin: "What? Who is it?" Crispin: "Muj threw a grenade over the rooftop. Mike Monsoor took the worst of it. It doesn't look good." Kevin: "Who the fuck is the corpsman?" Crispin: "I don't know. I gotta go."

[@mrbigw100]

Another awesome podcast guys Evan in Australia we know about all u guys and mike I’ve been trying to find the complete story On what happened that day so thank you Which interview was with the green beret that treated Marcus on the mountain?

[@jonboy8639]

u guys and gal are awesome

[@mikelee7876]

Dave was best host ever

[@chloepichon7883]

I am sure it wasn't lost on Michael Monsoor's Catholic family that September 29th, the day of his passing, is also the Feast Day in the Catholic Church of St. Michael the Archangel the traditional leader of the heavenly armies

[@happinesshotel5375]

Yeah he seemed like he was about to cry telling the store when the grenade first went off. Super sad!

[@burkehayes5150]

Thank you for your service. I too believe in a Spirit: The Holy Spirit.

[@d.c-jr8015]

Mike is a hero without a doubt, I'm saddened to hear the outcome of this. He definitely loved his brothers to selflessly jump on a grenade for his teammates. That's a hero, I'm proud to be an American and even more proud knowing we have warriors like Mike A. Monsoor. 🙏🏻 Godbless men like Mike and Marcus, it takes a special man to put aside their own safety for others. I will never not support our armed forces.

[@TheRDW710]

I love the Lonesome Dove sign in the background. Where was that purchased?

[@davidnixon5832]

if you haven't seen it, check out Jocko's podcast with Mikey's dad, George...

[@jfox3508]

God damnit god for you, Marcus. All the shit you’ve been through and still here doin it with your wife and team brothers

[@RollTide24-7]

Thank you for serving our beautiful country, allowing us ALL to be FREE! MUCH RESPECT and love to ALL service Men and Woman!

[@BrerRabbit68]

Silver fox❤️🙌🤪love it

[@Allison_Chaynes]

Cheers to all these men. I couldn't have more respect for any other men than people who put their lives on the line. Cheers! 🍻🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jacobdavis9654]

MOD is fire !!!!

[@jamesvitale3325]

Excellent podcast. Why don’t you do a podcast to talk about your CCT that you had embedded with you and your Jtack and your PJs

[@ajcook7777]

They have...

[@johnbalog122]

Great conversation, Ty Melanie for asking the questions to break it down and clarify the " Team" lingo ! Lmao it's almost a language all in its own , and your Texan drawl " Y'all " 😊 is cute . Ty to all for their service and their family's for there support . John B in NYC 👍🏻

[@timothythomas9748]

There was a guy who made Hawaiian pizza in Baghdad. He was outside VBC and he was from Pennsylvania. It was awesome.

[@milpo8176]

Ramadi 06 baby…1/506th Outlaw grunt from OP Trotter down the street from Corrigador and the COP…Ramadi was the one trip in my deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan where minus storming a beach or a combat jump, you saw every aspect of combat!

[@d.c-jr8015]

Never Quit Podcast with Marcus and Melanie Luttrell. It's honoring Michael Monsoor with Mike Sarraille and Ray Baveria. This man would purposely take extra ammo instead of water, so he made sure that he had the extra fire power in the event he wouldnt run out of ammo. The obvious ultimate sacrifice he made by jumping on a grenade to save 2 or 3 of his Team Guys who had families back at home in the States. He was only 25 and actually had his return to the States to only give his team member his position because he knew his boy was expecting a new baby. Mikey's dad said that " dad if i die over here its gonna be my decision how i go". Im so complete moved by this man and honestly I wish at 25 i had only a fraction of his poise and maturity. Michael had parents and siblings which doesn't make it any less of a loss. I've been completely moved by this man for his selfless choice. His choice made sure his boys went home to kids and wives. What makes a man make that split decision to sacrifice himself? I dont know if we will ever know what drove a man to do that. Marcus you and Mirgan are complete studs as well. On a lighter note the story of Marcus living with Governor Rick Perry. THAT IS ABSOLUTELY F**KING HILIARIOUS AND THE INTERVIEW FROM Governor Rick Perry makes it as funny as it can be knowing Marcus went through hell to recover from his ordeal. Bottom line all of you men are SUPER HEROES TO ME.

[@trey9971]

Pineapple on pizza? I'd be getting divorced over that

[@danielbaugher826]

Jesus ✝️ said there’s no greater love than this , anyone who lays down there life for there friends , JESUCRISTO 🙏✝️💚🇺🇸BENDIGA MIKE MONSOOR

[@tanksherman9875]

Bro this audio. Where’s The Wizard when you need him.

[@klutch4198]

did rut leave? ive been out of the loop for a bit

[@bobdixon4998]

Oh!!! I just noticed Gus McCray's hat creek cattle company sign! I don't rent pigs either!!! But that motto might be inviting people to rob you! I'm a big lonesome dove fan!

[@alexstosssucks4032]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@chriscarroll641]

"what's your fav pizza topping" is the best question??? Looks like someone is moderating the questions and only giving the ones that are safe lmmfao. What cowards. If I didn't believe "red wings" was a lie. I for sure do after watching 2 podcasts and seeing him

[@codystout5353]

I don't know why but those Hawaiian guys make some of the best soldiers. When I was training to go to Iraq I started out assisting a 240 gunner. He said I changed his out look on the military and the deployment. He said the way I didn't let anything get to me I was always quick to a joke. He is a UH-60 pilot and flying all over the place for the Army.

[@willdanks9399]

Pepperoni, and jalapeños!! If I’m feeling crazy I throw a lil pineapple on that dude!

[@HBO10-8]

🇺🇸

[@codystout5353]

We have the interservice rivalry but if you mess with one of us you mess with all of us

[@BrerRabbit68]

Hawaiin 👊✊🏿

[@kalebduggar4251]

Has the reason that Marcus was on the mission where he was rescued been released yet?

[@J-Bird88]

Hawkeye was actually the name of Jon Tumilsons dog. He laid by Jon’s casket at the funeral. ❤

[@BrerRabbit68]

Thanks for yo sacrifices Spiderman 🐸😂🤣👊✊🏿🔥🤪

[@winstonmonster]

You have to do this solo brother

[@codystout5353]

I don't even like pizza and they made me hungry

[@stackstheripper3056]

No to Pineapples on Pizza! Never!

[@joegagznos2312]

Bacon and pineapple pizza is the best

[@erinkissling5192]

There are no such things as coincidences. It’s all God’s sovereign timing.

[@justinsanchez6709]

Too many Damm ads man

[@anneliesevoelker2502]

I would like to talk to Alex west. I was told he is a seal and a friend or former friend of bobby voelker.

[@anneliesevoelker2502]

I'm looking for Alex west, I was told he was a navy seal. I'm bobby voelker's sister. Alex was friends with Bobby back in overland park Kansas. Another friend of theirs was Trevor. Trevors mom used to call our home drunk and apologizing. These boys did something in high school. I know Steven poverk pushed bobby down stairs at Shawnee mission south back in 1995. Poverik ran over somebody. Poverk is also in the military.

[@blakeivonne3017]

This guy sounds just like jocko

[@mpeugeot]

contact in 30 minutes or less, or the next RPG is free.

[@pixel956]

1:14:29

[@poolfool31021]

The world wants to know "what are your fav pizza toppings.. I'm done!

[@forgedinfidel6951]

I’m from Newhaven,CT Wish I could send you some pizza from this part Check it out best pizza in the country probably most of the world

[@GabbyMarra]

Yall don't even know what pizza is! When you're ready for real pizza, come back to CT and have your life changed - my treat! lol

[@richardawells7110]

I like peperoni pineapple cheese

[@robbyrobinson4500]

Why is it that all these seals seem to almost always talk about 4-5 seals that were killed in action, when so many seals died. I mean damn if y'all are family you would think that y'all would tell all their stories. I'm sure their family's disserve to be proud of the same commitment the others did

[@brendankelly610]

I’ve always wondered why does the military burn their soldiers shit while in Iraq or Afghanistan???

[@robbyrobinson4500]

Everyone of these seal or special ops podcast should start off with the great content they are about to talk about and how hard they really are, then tell the world how our Army and Marines did 90% of the ground work and ass kicking during both Iraq and Afghanistan. Absolutely no special ops guys were necessary in the overall outcome of the amount of territory America took over. That being said I guess absolutely no American soldiers was given a chance to kick ass and win those battles. Like Tony Eufretti, bad ass navy seal said put 200,000 marines and Army there and tell them to kick ass and we win.

[@robbyrobinson4500]

I'm not in any means knocking out Seals and other special forces. Just shouting out our other bad ass war fighters

[@kennethcurtis1856]

Jocko gives credit to the Army and Marine units he served with in operations. Keep your jock strap staight and tight.

[@SgtBama]

😂😂

[@robbyrobinson4500]

Marcus, let the guest answer your wifes questions. If she wanted you to answer she could ask your opinion at knight laying on the pillow. Love the pidcast guys, but damn Lutterll let em talk

[@earljohnson2676]

We love the wife but let them tell the story where not clueless idiots . I was a be of those army guys there I know I wanna hear about the high speed guys we all looked up to and when we saw them we where I. Awe

[@richardsak887]

I’m sorry I’m from NYC. I’m embarrassed and hate it here BUT in my mind NO ONE not from NY can talk about PIZZA. Domino’s or “Pizza Pizza” are not AND NEVER will be pizza. I WILL move out of NYC and not miss much but Pizza will be one. 😅

[@ajcook7777]

. Shampoo 🚿Hydrate 🚰

[@tunatalent4352]

As a island booyyy myself fighting in the surf is where you cut your teeth and learn to be a man!!!