Sanford Bishop: “I rise, Mr. Speaker, in support of this concurrent resolution in honor of Johnny Micheal Spann, a fellow native…”

“I rise, Mr. Speaker, in support of this concurrent resolution in honor of Johnny Micheal Spann, a fellow native Alabaman, the first known U.S. combat casualty in the war in Afghanistan. This is indeed a solemn time for all Americans as we realize the tremendous sacrifices made in our behalf by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, our intelligence agencies, and by their families. We are all in awe of their bravery, their courage, their dedication to our national security and their willingness to endure great hardship and great risks in our collective behalf. We give great thanks for their service, for Mike's service to our country. Mike Spann loved his country. He served his country. He was a friend to each and every American citizen. Because, as the Good Book says, 'Greater love hath no man but that he lay down his life for his friends.' We honor his memory today and extend our deepest sympathy to his family. We are eternally grateful to him and to the brave men and women who risk their lives as part of our intelligence community to ensure the safety of all Americans and all freedom-loving people throughout the world. God bless Mike Spann. God bless his family. May God continue to bless America.”