Topic: Johnny Michael Spann

Johnny Micheal "Mike" Spann (March 1, 1969 – November 25, 2001) was a paramilitary operations officer in the Central Intelligence Agency's Special Activities Division. Spann was the first American killed in combat during the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.

Johnny Micheal Spann was originally from the small town of Winfield, Alabama, the son of a real estate agent. Spann had a strong religious upbringing and graduated in 1987 from Winfield City High School, where he played football. At 17, he earned his Private Pilot License and later became a certified rescue diver and parachutist.

In December 1991, while attending Auburn University, he joined the Marine Corps Reserve. After graduating from Auburn with a bachelor of science in criminal justice/law enforcement in 1992, Spann attended the Marines' Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia. He had originally wanted to go into aviation, but served with Marine ANGLICO, specializing in how to direct indirect fire and close air support. He served six years with the United States Marine Corps, including tours in Okinawa, Japan and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, eventually achieving the rank of Captain. He joined the CIA in June 1999 and went on to serve in the Special Operations Group of the CIA's Special Activities Division.