Gravely concerned about the current administration's political prosecution of intelligence operatives, Johnny Spann wrote a letter of appeal to AG Eric Holder, emphasizing the long term and deadly repercussions of a political prosecution.

Eric Holder
Attorney General of the Unites States
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001



Dear  Attorney General Holder,

My name is Johnny Spann, I am the father of Johnny Micheal Spann, CIA officer and a former Marine, who was the first American to die in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.  The day was November 25, 2001 and sadly, the eighth anniversary is fast approaching.

I am very concerned about the decision to reopen the criminal investigation of CIA interrogations that took place following the attacks of September 11, 2001. Career prosecutors determined four years ago that no other criminal investigations were warranted.

Sir, it is no accident that our homeland has not been attacked since 9/11.  We have brave men and women doing hard things in dark places and we, the American People and government, must stand behind those who willingly risk their lives doing dangerous jobs to protect our freedom.  Intelligence professionals and their families must know that our government supports them at home and abroad. In good times and bad.  We need to know that the sacrifices made by them and their families were not in vain.

Your decision to re-open a “criminal investigation” will help Al Qaeda and all other enemies of the United States to commit their horrible acts against Americans and others.  It will also tell our friends in other countries that our word is no good and we cannot be trusted to protect their identities or the secrets they give us, often at great danger.  It is very possible that your decision could jeopardize the lives of our operatives, their families and others   around the world. It will for sure give our enemies information that will help them in their determination to kill us.

In closing, I will remind you that if our leaders had acted responsibly and taken out Osama bin Laden when we had many opportunities to do so in the 1990’s, the attacks on 9/11 would not have happened. You were there, at the switch Mr. Holder, while hands were wringing nervously, but your fellow officials were more concerned with appearances than security.  You were a member of a Justice Department paralyzed by perception. Were you afraid of prosecution yourself, Mr. Holder? But what if instead of protecting careers, hard choices were made to protect this country? Thousands would not have died. This world would be a safer place today.  My son would most likely still be alive.

My grandchildren would still have their father. 

Please take the advice of the seven past CIA directors and do not go forward with the criminal investigations.


Sincerely Yours,

Johnny Spann

Remarks by the Director of Central Intelligence

George J. Tenet
Funeral of Johnny Micheal Spann
Arlington National Cemetery
10 December 2001


Here today, in American soil, we lay to lasting rest an American hero.  United in loss and in sorrow, we are united, as well, in our reverence for the timeless virtues upon which Mike Spann shaped his life—virtues for which he ultimately gave his life.

Dignity.  Decency.  Bravery.  Liberty.

From his earliest days, Mike not only knew what was right, he worked to do what was right.  At home and school in Alabama.  As a United States Marine.  As an officer of the Central Intelligence Agency.  And as the head of his own, young family.

And it was in the quest for right that Mike at his country’s call went to Afghanistan.  To that place of danger and terror, he sought to bring justice and freedom.  And to our nation—which he held so close to his heart—he sought to bring a still greater measure of strength and security.

For Mike understood that it is not enough simply to dream of a better, safer world.  He understood that it has to be built—with passion and dedication, in the face of obstacles, in the face of evil.

Those who took him from us will be neither deeply mourned nor long remembered.  But Mike Spann will be forever part of the treasured legacy of free peoples everywhere—as we each owe him an immense, unpayable debt of honor and gratitude.

His example is our inspiration.  His sacrifice is our strength.
For the men and women of the Central Intelligence Agency, he remains the rigorous and resolute colleague.  The professional who took great pride in his difficult and demanding work.  The patriot who knew that information saves lives, and that its collection is a risk worth taking.

May God bless Mike Spann—an American of courage— and may God bless those who love and miss him, and all who carry on the noble work that he began.

Learn More about the life of Johnny Micheal Spann at:
http://www.honormikespann.org/




Funeral program:
http://www.honormikespann.org/pdfs/memorial_program.pdf