Anna Sapough, center, is commissioned as a second lieutenant at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega on Aug. 23. Additionally, shown, from left, are Cadman R. Kiker, III, a captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps at Ft. Hood, Texas, Sumner Sapough, Cadman R. Kiker, Jr., a major with the Georgia State Defense Force and retired JROTC MSGT Rob Wallace. (E. Lane Gresham © 2019)
One family’s legacy of military service deepened with the recent commissioning of Anna Sapough of Dahlonega as a second lieutenant in the Georgia Army National Guard.
She’s among several individuals in her extended family to step up for military service and is the first female to be commissioned as an officer.
In her immediate family, she follows brother Cadman R. Kiker, III, a captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps at Ft. Hood, Texas and father Cadman R. Kiker, Jr., a major with the Georgia State Defense Force.
“Our legacy goes back pretty far,” she said, with grandfathers, uncles and other relatives saying ‘yes’ to military service.
As a 10-year-old watching the events of 9-11, Sapough said the attacks on her country inspired her drive to serve, with her family and friends believing she could reach her goal.
Despite overcoming significant physical obstacles, she celebrated her accomplishments during a commissioning ceremony held Aug. 23 at the University of North Georgia.
Both her father and her brother supported her in the quest to become an officer and were part of the Aug. 23 ceremony.
“My dad is one of the greatest role models; the man he is, always giving of himself,” she said.
Leading up to the moment of celebration were years of hard work, determination, and a single-minded focus.
Starting in the corps of cadets as a student at UNG, she recalled the anxiety associated with the future.
“My first day of FROG week I was nervous about so many things, and like anyone, I was afraid of even the thought of failure,” she said. “My wise father pointed out that the only thing worse than failure would be the regret of never knowing. It was on this day that he introduced me to the speech “The Man in the Arena” delivered in 1910 by Theodore Roosevelt at the Sorbonne in Paris. My favorite line in this speech is fittingly the last line, often serving as my last line in many of my defining moments along this journey – ’if you fail, at least fail while daring greatly, so that your place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.’”
Those words fueled her to continue trying, despite an injury that sent her home from her first attempt to conquer Advanced Camp. She tried again after a year of intense training and determination, supported by husband Sumner Sapough.
“She’s overcome overwhelming odds on multiple occasions to be standing here today. I can’t think of a single officer that I know or that I’ve seen come up that has more completely earned this.”
Influence also came from the late Col. Ben Purcell from her hometown of Clarkesville. Purcell, the highest-ranking U.S. Army prisoner of war in Vietnam hired a young girl for a seasonal job on his Christmas tree farm.
“I heard stories and watched the documentary,” she said.
Purcell, a graduate of UNG, former professor of military science and commandant of cadets, encouraged Sapough as she was considering her options for college and military service.
“Sitting next to Col. Purcell, touching the sandals he had made [while a captive]…,” she said. After that December job, she applied to UNG in January.
“He inspired my start in leadership at the college,” she said.
Ultimately, she said, the injuries and subsequent healing journey were a blessing in disguise, leading her to a new career and a shift in her military plans.
Her current employer valued her skill set and the military style of training. Moving up from an entry-level position to office coordinator, she loves her career but still plans to serve through the Georgia Army National Guard.
Her husband, brother, father and former JROTC master sergeant brought a poignancy to the ceremony, each playing a role in the special occasion.
“In the army, we talk a lot about resiliency, tenacity,” said Cadman Kiker, III, during the ceremony that created another level of connectivity to his sibling. “This young woman – whom I am very proud to call my younger sister – embodies those things. She’s overcome overwhelming odds on multiple occasions to be standing here today. I can’t think of a single officer that I know or that I’ve seen come up that has more completely earned this.”
The newly commissioned second lieutenant, visibly emotional during her own remarks, made sure to credit her former master sergeant from Air Force JROTC from Habersham Central High School. Sapough is a 2010 graduate of HCHS.
“To MSGT Wallace, thank you for teaching me and helping me to grow through JROTC,” Sapough said. “I’m a leader today because of your guidance and leadership.”
Retired MSGT Rob Wallace delivered the first salute to his former cadet.
“It’s about time,” Wallace said.
