Calling all spie

Westlake Village resident John Bravos is trying to round up former spies, counter-intelligence agents and counter-terrorists living in the area.

The the 80-year-old former member of the Army’s Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC) isn’t planning to overthrow a hostile foreign dictatorship or embark on some nefarious mission—he simply wants to find good conversation.

“It’s about sharing memories, about getting guys together with similar pasts and interests,” said Bravos, who served with the CIC during and after World War II.

“When guys like this get amongst themselves, they can talk about the things they can’t talk about with their wives, families or friends,” Bravos said.

Bravos is calling the proposed club IndiCIA, which he says stands for Independent Counter Intelligence Agents. The group will be open to former intelligence agents of all ages, nationalities and branches of government. So whether a person’s former Russian KGB, British MI5, Israeli Massad or American CIA, they’re welcome to attend.

According to Bravos, the group will have no rules and no dues, and will meet roughly three to four times a year. He said he’s already been contacted by several former “spooks” living in the area.

“I’ve really gotten a positive response from everybody,” said Bravos, who got the idea for his club from a similar one in Orange County. “These are some of the great heroes of this country that are involved with this thing.”

Anyone interested in joining IndiCIA should call Bravos, and the number’s no secret—it’s (818) 991-7002.

— Kyle Jorrey