Johnny Micheal Spann was an officer in the CIA's Special Activities Division and was the first American killed after the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.
Welcome to SOFREP Video: Heroes of Special Operations.
Today’s heartfelt conversation digs into the deep sacrifices made by our military personnel and their families, underscoring the reality that the instinct for self-preservation often takes a backseat to taking care of your brothers in arms. In the heat of the moment, you are fighting for your buddy, for that person to the right and left of you.
When a service member is lost for any reason, there is, of course, an immense impact on the family of that man or woman. Long after their death, a personal battle endures that families and loved ones often suffer in silence, a testament to their strength and resilience.
Over more than a decade of continuous conflict, the military community faced the challenge of becoming somewhat numb to the constant stream of loss. Unless we knew the person who was killed, in time, it just became another number, another statistic. This is in contrast to the earlier days of the war when each death personally stung, and in many cases, we can still recall their names.
Veterans Day offers all Americans a moment to pause and honor all those who have served their nation. On this day, I think we should also shine a spotlight on the “unsung heroes” of our conflicts—the spouses, parents, siblings, and children of those who serve. Let’s not forget that behind every service member is a network of individuals who also serve in their own significant ways.
Memorial Day, on the other hand, is set aside to remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to our country.
Welcome to SOFREP Video: Heroes of Special Operations.
Today’s heartfelt conversation digs into the deep sacrifices made by our military personnel and their families, underscoring the reality that the instinct for self-preservation often takes a backseat to taking care of your brothers in arms. In the heat of the moment, you are fighting for your buddy, for that person to the right and left of you.
When a service member is lost for any reason, there is, of course, an immense impact on the family of that man or woman. Long after their death, a personal battle endures that families and loved ones often suffer in silence, a testament to their strength and resilience.
Over more than a decade of continuous conflict, the military community faced the challenge of becoming somewhat numb to the constant stream of loss. Unless we knew the person who was killed, in time, it just became another number, another statistic. This is in contrast to the earlier days of the war when each death personally stung, and in many cases, we can still recall their names.
Veterans Day offers all Americans a moment to pause and honor all those who have served their nation. On this day, I think we should also shine a spotlight on the “unsung heroes” of our conflicts—the spouses, parents, siblings, and children of those who serve. Let’s not forget that behind every service member is a network of individuals who also serve in their own significant ways.
Memorial Day, on the other hand, is set aside to remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to our country.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
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