Father and daughter Capt. Cadman Robb Kiker Jr., ASJA, 1BDE GSDF and Cadet Recruit, University of North Georgia, Anna Wynn Kiker Sapough welcomed son and brother 1st Lieutenant Cadman Robb Kiker III as a commissioned officer in a ceremony held September 18 at the Habersham County Courthouse. Shown, from left are Cadman Robb Kiker III, Cadman Robb Kiker Jr. and Anna Wynn Kiker Sapough.
A trio of salutes marked a milestone for a Clarkesville family recently
A swearing-in ceremony for 1st Lieutenant Cadman Robb Kiker III, an officer-select candidate for the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps, held September 18, highlighted the bond between two siblings and their father.
Capt. Cadman Robb Kiker Jr., ASJA, 1BDE GSDF, and Cadet Recruit, University of North Georgia, Anna Wynn Kiker Sapough welcomed Cadman Robb Kiker III as a commissioned officer as he rendered and received his first salutes to them at the Habersham County Courthouse in front of family and friends.
Linda Vandiver, a family friend, and notary public delivered the official oath.
Cadman Robb Kiker Jr. provided context and leadership for the ceremony, first pointing out the difference between commissioned versus enlisted status.
“The commission is granted under the U.S. Constitution for the purpose of placing in an individual the power and authority of the government of the United States, more specifically that branch [of service],” Kiker said. “It is for an indefinite period. It is for the remainder your life or until such time as it is revoked or resignation of same is accepted by the President of the United States.
He said the JAG Corps is the oldest corps in the U.S. Army, dating back to the Continental Army of 1775 and General George Washington’s wisdom in establishing rules and regulations.
“The first thing he did was get a group of lawyers together and form the JAG Corps,” Kiker said. “When they were in combat, they operated under the law of war and rules of engagement. The soldiers could, in the event of capture, be afforded the status of POWs as opposed to traitors to the crown. Today, the JAG Corps officer will assist soldiers in their day-to-day needs and activities. They will also advise and counsel commanders in the laws of war and rules of engagement. They will make sure the United States will act in an honorable manner, when engaging in warfare.”
The father and sister also presented a weapon of significance to Cadman Robb Kiker III.
“As your father, I’ve done all I can do with one thing remaining,” Cadman Robb Kiker Jr. said. “I am presenting your Ka-Bar fighting knife which, in years past, would be a sword, and in today’s Army is your weapon, your last ditch. It’s not on a plaque, it’s not to be on a wall but to be carried with you when you proceed in harm’s way.”
His sister read the inscription on the knife: “And the Lord said: whom shall I send? Who will go for us? And I said: Here I am Lord, send me”. Isaiah 6:8.
Local realtor Hugh Rucker, a family friend, brought his medals earned during his service in Vietnam War as a reminder of service to country.
Cadman Robb Kiker III is a graduate of Piedmont College [2011], earning a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, Philosophy and Religion and Washington and Lee University School of Law [2014]. At Piedmont, he served as president of the history society, debate team and Sigma Alpha Pi [Collegiate Honors Society]. At Washington and Lee, he was the selected oralist in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court competition, was president and co-founder of the Military Law Society and served in leadership positions for The Federalist Society and the Epicurean Society. He earned multiple awards for his moot court and debate team involvement.
He is engaged to Laura Puleo, the reigning Miss Virginia USA.
Sapough was the corps commander of her JROTC unit at Habersham Central High School for her junior and senior years obtaining the rank of Major.
She is a recruit cadet but served three years prior in the Georgia State Defense Force rising to the rank of Specialist. She was called to active duty for five missions including the snowstorm of 2014 when she was awarded the Georgia Commendation Medal for her conduct during the service. She also received the IET medal, Leadership award for Bravo Company IET Class 2012, physical fitness award and State active duty ribbon.
Now a cadet at UNG, she completed FROG week 2015 and was awarded the Sword and Shield for Delta Company to serve as the matriarch to protect and defend the members of the Company.
She hopes to follow her brother and receive an active duty commission in the U.S. Army following graduation.
