Pedaling for Patriots

The aftermath of the deaths of five CIA officers and two contractors in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan in December has brought what the intelligence community says is an unparalleled outpouring of public sympathy and appreciation.

The CIA normally honors its fallen in private; a wall at headquarters memorializing the 90 officers who have died in action marks them with stars, not names. But the magnitude of the December loss has raised the profile.

More than $3 million has been raised to help the families of the dead by former agency personnel and the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit outfit that is dedicated to helping the survivors of those who die on duty.

Retired CIA officer Rob Richer is raising sponsors for a cross-country bicycle ride, with proceeds going to the families. And actor Dan Aykroyd (of “Ghostbusters” fame) and musician Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (alum of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers bands) are headlining a July 8 charity dinner to raise money for the same cause.

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/washcall070210/washcall070210/