CIA officer Johnny Spann remembered in poignant and patriotic memorial

By MARK NIESSE
Associated Press Writer

WINFIELD, Ala. – In a mix of patriotism, religion and poignant remembrance, a rural Alabama town paid tribute Thursday to CIA officer Johnny "Mike" Spann, the first known U.S. combat casualty in the Afghanistan war.

The written words of his 9-year-old daughter, Alison, summed up the feelings of many: "Thank you, Daddy, for making the world a better place. I love you."

Some 700 people packed the Winfield Church of Christ for a memorial service for Spann, who will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday. He was killed Nov. 25 in an uprising by pro-Taliban prisoners at Mazar-e-Sharif.

Spann's father, Johnny Spann, read some of the last words he received from his son, an e-mail sent Sept. 19: "Just support your government and military, especially when the bodies start coming home."

Around the town of some 4,500, American flags flew from lamp poles and hung at half-staff from government buildings. Hundreds arrived at the church early to get a seat. Many viewed the service from a big screen television in an adjacent room.

Marine Lt. Col. Justin Orabona, who trained with Spann during 1996-1998, fought back tears as he remembered his friend, who had set his sights on a career with the Marine and CIA in his teens in Winfield, about 65 miles northwest of Birmingham.

"We lived together, we trained together, and we jumped out of planes together. And believe me, there's no greater bond," Orabona said.

Orange and blue flowers were displayed outside the church, sent by Auburn alumni in New York City. "With deepest gratitude, you'll always be remembered," a note said. A Marine contingent fired a 21-gun salute.

Spann's wife, Shannon, and three children joined other family members at the service.

A graduate of Winfield High School and Auburn University, Spann served in the Marine Corps prior to joining the CIA in 1999.

Spann's high school football coach, Joe Hubbert, said he was the kind of person young people could look up to as a role model.

"A lot of kids these days don't know what they're going to be doing at that age, and Michael did," Hubbert said.

AP-WS-12-06-01 1747EST