• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Text: CIA Confirms Death of Officer in Afghanistan

(Mike Spann died in prison uprising at Mazar-e Sharif fortress) (590)
Central Intelligence Director George Tenet announced November 28 that
32-year-old Central Intelligence Agency officer Mike Spann was killed
in the uprising at Mazar-e Sharif fortress in Afghanistan where
Taliban prisoners were being held and questioned.
"Although these captives had given themselves up, their pledge of
surrender -- like so many other pledges from the vicious group they
represent -- proved worthless," Tenet said.
"Their prison uprising -- which had murder as its goal -- claimed many
lives, among them that of a very brave American, whose body was
recovered just hours ago."
According to news reports, Spann is the first American to be killed in
combat in Afghanistan.
(begin text)
28 November 2001
STATEMENT BY GEORGE J. TENET, DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE, ON THE
DEATH OF A CIA OFFICER IN AFGHANISTAN
It is my sad duty to announce that one of our officers at the Central
Intelligence Agency has died in the line of duty in Afghanistan.
Johnny Micheal "Mike" Spann, who worked in the Directorate of
Operations, was where he wanted to be: on the front lines serving his
country.
Given the nature of the CIA's mission, I can publicly discuss his
activities and the circumstances surrounding his death only in broad
terms.
Mike was in the fortress of Mazar-e Sharif, where Taliban prisoners
were being held and questioned. Although these captives had given
themselves up, their pledge of surrender-like so many other pledges
from the vicious group they represent-proved worthless.
Their prison uprising -- which had murder as its goal -- claimed many
lives, among them that of a very brave American, whose body was
recovered just hours ago.
Mike joined CIA in June 1999. A young man -- only 32 years old -- he
was no stranger to challenge or daring. He came to us from the United
States Marine Corps, whose traditions he loved and whose values of
courage and commitment he carried with him to the end.
Quiet, serious, and absolutely unflappable, Mike's stoicism concealed
a dry sense of humor and a heart of gold. His brand of leadership was
founded not on words, but on deeds -- deeds performed in conditions of
hazard and hardship.
His was a career of promise in a life of energy and achievement. A
precious life given in a noble cause. Mike fell bringing freedom to a
distant people while defending freedom for all of us here at home.
Mike Spann was an American hero, a man who showed passion for his
country and his Agency through his selfless courage. Mike Spann will
live forever in our memories. May God grant him eternal peace and give
his wonderful family the strength to carry on.
His CIA family, too, is in mourning. But just as we grieve together,
we work together to continue the mission that Mike Spann held sacred.
And so we will continue our battle against evil-with renewed strength
and spirit.
We owe that to Mike and to every man and woman who dreams of a future
free of the menace of terrorism.
Johnny Micheal "Mike" Spann was the husband of Shannon Spann, and is
survived by his infant son, two young daughters, and two sisters. He
was the son of Johnny and Gail Spann of Winfield, Alabama.
Details about memorial services and funeral arrangements have not yet
been determined.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)