Statement from George J. Tenet, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

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 Michael ‘Mike’ Spann, who worked in the Directorate of Operations, was where he wanted to be: on the front line serving his country. Mike was in the Qala-i-Janghi fortress in 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 the CIA in June 1999. A young man – only thirty-two 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 careeer 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 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 from the menace of terrorism. Johnny Michael Spann was the husband of Sharon 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.

 

Go as a pilgrim and seek out danger

Far from the comfort and the well lit avenues of life,

Pit your very soul against the unknown

And seek stimulation in the company of the brave.

Experience cold and hunger, heat and thirst,

And survive to see another challenge and another dawn.

Only then will you be at peace with yourself,

And be able to know and say

I looked down on the farthest side of the mountain

And fulfilled, and understanding all, and truly content

I lived a life that was my own.

We are the pilgrims, master: we shall go

Always a little further: it may be

Beyond the last blue mountain barred with snow,

Across that angry or that glimmering sea.

UK Special Forces poem (anon)

The last four lines are extracted from James Elroy Flecker,

‘The Golden Journey to Samarkand’