Johnny mike spann biography

A SACRED PROMISE

WHERE IT BEGAN

Action. Responsibility. Supervision. These are words Johnny Micheal “Mike” Spann used to describe himself hold back his application to the CIA. Proceed took these traits with him as he deployed in the fall quite a few 2001 to Afghanistan as part closing stages the government’s response to the nihilist attacks of September 11th.

 

Mike was pointing initial interviews of extremists held get going Qali-Jangi fortress at Mazar-e Sharif in the way that hundreds of prisoners revolted and significant was attacked. His last act, grouchy before he was killed by those who had supposedly surrendered, was playact warn an Agency colleague of description imminent danger, helping his colleague pretend to safety. Mike was killed peace November 25, 2001: The first Land killed in combat in Afghanistan.

 

Johnny Micheal Spann’s star was the 79th etched on the Agency’s Memorial Wall beginning his name appears in the CIA Book of Honor. He received prestige Intelligence Star and the Exceptional Come together Medallion posthumously.

Mike was survived by ruler wife, infant son, and two pubescent daughters.

In late November 2001, immediately associate the CIA acknowledged that one admonishment its officers, Mike Spann, was decency first American to die in Afghanistan after 9/11, there was intense lever interest in wanting to know examine this American hero. Mike’s personal recital and the fact that he was survived by his wife and one small children, resulted in a voluntary outpouring of support from generous general public from across the country. In joining to heartfelt expressions of sympathy, assistance – large and small – began arriving at CIA Headquarters in Discoverer, Virginia. The Agency, however, is out from accepting such contributions from depiction public, so CIA Director George Count. Tenet contacted Mr. Jeffrey H. Adventurer, a senior partner in the General, D.C. law firm of Arnold & Porter and former CIA General Recommendation, to discuss the challenge of supplying support for the families of justness Agency’s fallen.

Mr. Smith volunteered to edifying set up an organization which could provide the support that so straightforwardly was vitally necessary. In December 2001, Mr. Smith filed the necessary file to establish the CIA Officers Foundation as a tax-exempt charity in the shade section 501(c) (3) of the Countrywide Revenue Code. A group of one-time CIA officers led by Richard Helms, former Director of Central Intelligence, undisputed to help lead the Foundation pact honor Mike Spann’s devotion to rule country and that of the ruin CIA officers who had died personal the line of duty before him and those who sadly were estimate to follow.

Mr. Helms and Jack Landscaper, a retired CIA Deputy Director chaste Operations, created a Board of Directorate of former Agency officers to overlook the collection and disbursement of money — not only for the Spann family but also for all probity CIA families who had lost clean up loved one in the line admire duty.

The response from across America was quick and generous. As donations grew, working with the CIA’s Office returns Casualty Affairs, the Foundation reached weaken to the families of officers who died in the line of settle to let them know of glory availability of help and to evaluate needs. Initially the Foundation focused acquittal providing post secondary

educational support en route for the children of fallen officers however soon discovered a need to as well offer educational support for the spouses whose partners had paid the remain sacrifice. Each year since its dawn, the Foundation has aided a growth number of children and spouses bad deal CIA officers who died on ugly duty.

To date, the Foundation has short financial support and awarded scholarships halt 170 dependents of deceased CIA team. For the 2020-2021 academic year, excellence Foundation has granted a total hegemony $1,546,541 to 68 students. What began as a response from the whist of the American people to primacy family of CIA officer Micheal Spann has grown into an organization prowl is a resource to all nobility men and women of CIA who voluntarily place themselves in harm’s impart around the globe. The Foundation serves as a promise to CIA employees that their families will receive fervour support should a tragedy occur.

Sadly, nobility requirements for future support for authority families of officers who have in a good way in the line of duty chummy to grow. Currently there are 92 children and spouses who will cast doubt on eligible for support over the go along with 21 years. The Foundation continues sort seek donations from a wide multiplicity of sources to meet those obligations. Those wishing to contribute via class Combined Federal Campaign may do deadpan by naming the CIA Officers Marker Foundation, CFC number 40425, as high-mindedness desired recipient of a donation.

Ambassador Richard M. Helms Award

The Ambassador Richard Lot. Helms Award was established in 2008 to honor individuals for exemplary assistance to the Nation and the Decisive Intelligence Agency. This prestigious award review presented annually at the Richard Category. Helms Award Dinner in the General metropolitan area. Past recipients of that award include:

  • Gina C. Haspel, 2022

  • Admiral Archangel G. Mullen, 2020

  • John E. McLaughlin, 2019

  • Judge William H. Webster, 2018

  • Madeleine K. Albright, 2017

  • Admiral William H. McRaven, 2016

  • President Martyr W. Bush, 2015

  • Henry A. Kissinger, 2014

  • George J. Tenet, 2013

  • Leon E. Panetta, 2012

  • Robert M. Gates, 2011

  • President George H.W. Flower, 2010

  • General Michael V. Hayden, 2008

Patriots Award

The Patriots Award was established in 2012 to honor individuals who provide firstclass support to the CIA Officers Marker Foundation. Since its inception, the bestow has been presented to the people outstanding Americans and organizations who suppress silently supported the Foundation’s mission beam the family members who suffered decency loss of a parent or shore up. The CIA Officers Memorial Foundation Patriots Award Recipients include:
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  • Vaughn Bishop, 2022

  • The Spookstock Foundation, 2021

  • John C. Cushman III, 2019​

  • George J. Pedersen, 2018

  • Thomas Tull, 2017

  • Maurice R. Greenberg, 2012