Posted on 11/24/2002 2:05:17 PM PST by SAMWolf
WINFIELD, Ala.(11/19/02) -- A breeze blew the crisp, freshly fallen leaves about the feet of friends and family members as they gathered together to honor their fallen hero -- a hero not only because he died for his country, but also because he had dedicated his life to ensure his family and friends could continue to enjoy the freedoms of being an American.
Johnny Micheal Spann Memorial Park was dedicated here in his hometown, Nov. 19. The former Marine captain, turned CIA operative, was killed in Afghanistan one year ago, the first American war casualty of Operation Enduring Freedom.
During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Larry S. Taylor, Deputy Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, spoke about the war on terrorism and reminded everyone that the enemy doesn't hate Americans for what they do, but for who they are.
"Mike Spann never forgot who he was. He never changed," said Taylor. "Even though he was no longer on active duty in the Marine Corps, he still signed off on his computer 'Semper Fi,' short for 'Semper Fidelis'-- always faithful."
Taylor also quoted the words of Spann's widow Shannon who said at his funeral, "My husband was not a hero because of the way he died, but rather for the way he lived."
Major Tray Ardese, a close friend who had served with Spann, shared a few of his memories. He and Spann often discussed the world and things going on in it. He recalled Spann saying, "Somebody has to do the jobs that no one else wants to do."
"Mike's not afraid to do these jobs, and he was doing them long before we really even knew that we needed them done," Ardese said. "Nobody forced him to join the Marine Corps, and nobody force him to join the CIA. That's just who Mike was."
Other dignitaries, including Alabama Governor Don Siegelman, U.S. Rep. Bob Riley, U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, and state Sen. Curt Lee gave their condolences to Spann's family.
A hush fell over the crowd as Winfield Mayor Bill West unveiled the black granite memorial, which identified Spann as the 79th CIA agent killed in the line of duty.
Afterward, Spann's father, Johnny Spann, recollected some words his granddaughter Alison had said to her father before he left for Afghanistan.
"'Daddy I don't want you to go. I'm afraid you won't come back,' she said. Her father's response was, 'If every dad said 'I don't want to go, who would go?'"
He also shared some words Shannon had told them about a discussion she and Mike had about him getting out of the CIA and settling down with his family. Mike simply said, "People like me do the things I do, so that people like you can continue to do the things you do."
If it were just a contrived name (like Condoleeza) I would say nothing, but this goes right back to very fundamental Hebrew characters involved in foundational world things, including the numerical value of the name [101] and its meaning "He who is like God."
May God be with his family and his soul is my prayer.
He also shared some words Shannon had told them about a discussion she and Mike had about him getting out of the CIA and settling down with his family. Mike simply said, "People like me do the things I do, so that people like you can continue to do the things you do."
Can't think of anything to say, so I'll just politely bump this article (with a lump in my throat).
Thank you Mike!
Prayers for his family to find closure and healing.
He also shared some words Shannon had told them about a discussion she and Mike had about him getting out of the CIA and settling down with his family. Mike simply said, "People like me do the things I do, so that people like you can continue to do the things you do."
That part jumped out at me too.
Thanks Mike.
HERO
Sad Bump. 
I'm sure he said Semper Fi with the same sincerity as he told his wife, "I love you, Darling"
Let's hope his mold is not gone forever.
(((SPOOKIE)))
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