Johnny “Mike” Spann, Age 32                                                                                                                               October 5, 2001 with his children  the day he left for Afghanistan

Mike Spann was a Winfield, Alabama native and graduate of Auburn University. Mike served six years with the United States Marine Corps as a Field Artillery Officer before joining the CIA's Special Activity Division in 1999. Mike was one of the first Americans to go into Afghanistan after the 9-11 attacks. On November 25, 2001 - during a riot in a fortress in the Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif where he was interviewing captured soldiers allied with the Taliban militia - Mike was killed. As others fled, he remained and fought. His actions saved the lives of many, yet left his three children without a father.  Five weeks after Mike's death, his daughters lost their mother to cancer. Mike's father, Johnny, is now rearing them in Winfield, Alabama.

To honor Mike's memory, several folks have volunteered their time and talents to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Mike's sacrifice.  100 skydives will be made by a single skydiver to raise money to benefit his children's educational trust. The jumps will set a state record for jumps in a single day.  Mike's alma mater, Auburn University, will be announcing this event and honoring Mike during the Auburn-Alabama game (the Iron Bowl) on November 26.

November 25, 2011 - the day after Thanksgiving. The 10th anniversary of our first combat casualty in our war on terror.  A fitting day to remember Mike and show our thanks to his family on the 10th anniversary of his sacrifice for our nation. As you shop on Black Friday, remember and give thanks for the sacrifice of this young man. Please consider making a gift to the Johnny "Mike" Spann Memorial Trust this Thanksgiving in thanks of Mike's sacrifice to our nation and then join us at the Cullman Airport - Folsom Field.