Soldier Honored: Kevin M. Pape

Army Staff Sergeant Kevin M. Pape, 30, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 75^th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield based in Georgia and served during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On November 30, 2010, SSG Pape died of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire in Kunar province, Afghanistan.

SSG Pape was a 1998 graduate of Concordia Lutheran High school. Classmates said he was a sharp student and athlete.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 2005 and graduated from the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program shortly after. He was then assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in April 2006, where he served as a machine gunner, team leader and squad leader. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal for his service and sacrifice.

“Staff Sergeant Kevin Pape had two priorities in his life – his family and the Rangers he led,” said Col. Michael E. Kurilla. “By the manner in which he lived his life, SSG Pape defined sacrifice, dedication, and selfless service.” His wife, Amelia said, “he had a contagious laugh paired with a mischievous smile. He was always up to something and loved to play pranks on anybody that would laugh with him.”

SSG Pape’s daughter is a Folds of Honor Scholarship recipient.