Named in honor of Marine Captain Johnny Michael ‘Mike’ Spann, Marine Corps League Detachment #1272 was chartered on 24 April 2007.
Our namesake was the first battlefield casualty in the war on terrorism that began on September 11, 2001. Our profound gratitude is expressed to his family for permission to name the detachment after their son, husband, father, and friend.
The work of Marine Corps League Detachment #1272 of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is dedicated in his honor, and to support of the country, the Corps, and the Marines he so faithfully served. Our detachment meets the 2nd Thursday, 1800 hours at 3500 5th Street, Northport, AL 35476.
Contact Information
Mailing Address: 1655 McFarland Blvd. PMD #152 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
Meeting Address: 3500 5th Street, Northport, AL 35476
Phone: 205-331-9361
Email: whmlb@netscape.net
2026 Officers
| William H. Battles | Commandant |
| James M Burch | Sr. Vice Commandant |
| Grant D. Gray | Jr. Vice Commandant |
| Joseph R. Mitchell | Judge Advocate |
| Joseph R. Mitchell | Paymaster |
| Joseph R. Mitchell | Adjutant |
| Joseph R. Mitchell | Chaplain |
| John David Williams | Sgt. at Arms |
| Michael P. Gray | Jr. Past Commandant |
| William H. Battles | Marine4Life Liaison |
| Calvin Vreeland | Web Sgt |
| None | Newsletter Editor |
| Americanism/Historian | |
| William H. Battles | Eagle Scout Coord. |
| William H. Battles | VAVS Contact |
| Calvin Vreeland | Toys 4 Tots Coord. |
Capt Johnny Micheal “Mike” Spann (March 1, 1969 – November 25, 2001) was an American paramilitary officer in the Central Intelligence Agency’s Special Activities Division. Spann was the first American killed in combat during the United States invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. He died at the Qala-i-Jangi fortress during an al-Qaeda prisoner uprising.