Anna Lea Brixey Seago

Anna Lea Brixey Seago was a trailblazer for women in the military with the distinction of becoming the first woman promoted to Sergeant Major (E-9) in the history of the 85th Infantry Division becoming in later years 85th Division (Training) Armor. She was recognized for her work with the Armor community and was admitted into the Order of Saint Joan D’Arc by the Chief of Armor, Ft Knox, KY.

After overcoming hardships stemming from an automobile accident in which she suffered multiple injuries, she joined the Army at age 34 and completed basic training at Ft. McClellan, Alabama. Training and counseling were Mrs. Seago’s exceptional skills. She developed training plans complete with creative tactics and props to exemplify training could be lifesaving. Her mission in life was to support, inform, train and help others.

With 20 years of honorable service focused largely on recruiting, training and logistics, she retired to Arizona where she began her new career as a “professional volunteer,” providing aid for veterans. As an active member of the Veterans Medical Leadership Council, she works to support the Returning Warriors Project that provides emergency funds to veterans who do not qualify for VA assistance.

In 2013, she was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. In 2021 she chaired the Unified Arizona Veterans, a consortium of over 55 veteran organizations that provides programs and information vital for veterans service officers. As a member of the Military Women Across the Nation, she continues to support women veterans and honors member volunteers for their work in the veteran community.

In addition to volunteering for veteran organizations, Anna Lea has contributed to youth in her community by establishing scholarships and supporting those experiencing hardship.