Seven CIA agents killed by terrorist in Afghanistan

It's important to remember that not every defender of freedom wears a uniform. Tonight is a tragic reminder of that fact, as the Central Intelligence Agency mourns its worst day since the war in Afghanistan began just over eight years ago.

The BBC reports that seven CIA agents were killed in Afghanistan's Khost Province when a terrorist wearing a bomb-laden vest snuck into Forward Operating Base Chapman, which is close to the Pakistani border. CNN reports that the Islamic extremist walked into a workout facility and blew himself up, and that six Americans were also injured. Of course, officials are investigating how the terrorist managed to get through security. In a written statement, CIA director Leon Panetta mourned the deaths:

"We owe them our deepest gratitude, and we pledge to them and their families that we will never cease fighting for the cause to which they dedicated their lives -- a safer America."

The CIA has made an enormous amount of unsung sacrifices since the war on terrorism began. Of course, you usually don't hear anything when the agency is successful, for good reason, while the media and Beltway partisans pounce on each and every mistake. In addition to the seven CIA agents murdered in cold blood today by a ruthless terrorist, another hero who comes to mind is Johnny Micheal Spann, who was killed in November 2001 shortly after questioning American traitor John Walker Lindh at a prison facility.

In a subdued spot not far from the site of Spann's tragic death sits a memorial, pictured below, to the first American killed in combat in the war in Afghanistan. It is incredibly tragic that eight years later, seven more CIA agents had to lose their lives at the hands of the enemy. But tonight, we salute their bravery and service and vow to make sure they did not die in vain. No matter how long this war takes, we cannot lose our resolve.