Stony Brook Honor Packs Leads Visit to Museum Honoring Local Military Hero

On June 28, 2005, Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, a United States Navy SEAL officer, led a four-man SEAL reconnaissance team in the Hindu Kush mountains tasked with locating a key Taliban commander. During the mission, the team was ambushed and heavily outnumbered by anti-coalition militia.

Under intense gunfire, Murphy exposed himself to open enemy fire to reach high ground and transmit a call for help. He was shot while on the phone, but successfully completed the transmission before returning to fight alongside his men. His sacrifice enabled one member of his squad, Marcus Luttrell, to evade capture and eventually be rescued.

Stony Brook University's Honor Pack - one of several Seawolves Resource Groups (SRG) - hosted a July 17 visit to the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum in West Sayville, New York, near Murphy's Long Island home. For Stony Brook visitors, the event was a meaningful tribute to a local hero and those who make selfless sacrifices to protect America.

Stony Brook's Honor Pack fosters a culture that embraces the campus workforce, welcomes veterans and military personnel, and celebrates their unique talents and experiences. Its goal is to promote and support others through training, awareness and collaborative events, as well as through career outreach. Membership is open to all employees.

"I deeply value being part of the Honor Pack, Military and Veterans SRG," said Liz Brady, senior manager of workforce planning in Stony Brook's Human Resources Department, lecturer in the School of Professional Development and chair of the Honor Pack. "We had attendees from across East and West Campus, representing 16 different departments. It's an understatement to say how honored we were that Michael P. Murphy's father, Dan Murphy, gave us a guided tour, took pictures with us, and answered all of our questions."

"We expected to tour a museum dedicated to one of our nation's heroes, but what made the experience unforgettable was having Michael's father personally guide us," added Jane York, assistant director of Military and Veteran Student Services and co-chair of the Honor Pack. "Hearing the stories directly from a father who has devoted so much of his life to preserving his son's legacy was deeply moving. It reminded us all that behind every Medal of Honor recipient is a family that has sacrificed tremendously. Events like this are important because they give our military-connected community an opportunity to reflect on the values of service, leadership, and sacrifice while strengthening the bonds we share with one another."

York is a member of the veteran community, serving in the United States Navy for 13 years, both on active duty and in the Selected Reserve.

"We formed this alliance just over a year ago and it is a privilege to be a part of this amazing group," said Brady. "We have numerous active and inspirational members from both sides of campus. Our first project as The Honor Pack was to create a video for our employees who may be deployed with support and information on how to prepare."

Activities include professional outreach, awareness training, collaborative campus events, and career development support. One of the primary contributions of the group is providing administrative and logistical support to military-connected individuals during transitions.

The Murphy Navy SEAL Museum tells the story, sacrifices, and legacies of the Special Operators of Naval Special Warfare Command from the frogman and Underwater Demolition teams of WWII and Korea to the birth of the SEALs in Vietnam, the War on Terror, Operation Redwings, and an exhibition hall dedicated solely to the SEAL Training program. There are seven exhibition halls, including a movie theater and a SEAL simulation ride to give the public a glimpse into the stories and lives of these very special men and heroes.

During his military career, Murphy received 11 different military decorations, including the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal. Since his death, the high school he attended, a post office in his home town, a park and a guided missile destroyer, the USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) have been named in his honor.

"I'm surprised and grateful that 21 years after his death that Michael's story still resonates with so many people," said guide Dan Murphy, Michael's father.

"Although Mike Murphy and I graduated from the same high school, I never had the opportunity to know him personally," said Maurice Escayg, enterprise service management specialist in Stony Brook's Division of Information Technology. "Visiting the museum was an incredible experience and gave me a much deeper appreciation for the history and accomplishments of such an extraordinary team. Until now, I had only known the story through the movies. Learning about Mike's life and having the privilege of meeting his parents was especially meaningful."

Escayg added that his daughter was recently commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy, making the event even more meaningful.

"I was particularly interested in learning more about someone our school's commander spoke of with such admiration and respect," said Escayg. "I also want to thank his parents and everyone who helped share Mike's story and preserve his legacy and that of his teammates. Their dedication ensures that future generations will understand the courage, sacrifice and character of these remarkable men. It was an honor to visit."

"One of the things I love most about Stony Brook's Honor Pack is that it brings together people from all corners of campus who might never have crossed paths otherwise," said York. "Whether someone served in the military, is part of a military family, or simply wants to support those who have served, everyone shares a common commitment to honoring service and giving back. For me personally, it's been incredibly rewarding to watch colleagues come together around a shared purpose." -Robert Emproto