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Hunter ranger killed in Afghanistan
Hunter soldier SSG Pape
Staff Sgt. Kevin M. Pape - photo by U.S. Army photo
A Hunter Army Airfield soldier was killed by enemy forces Tuesday during a heavy firefight while conducting combat operations in Konar Province, Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. Kevin M. Pape, 30, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died Nov. 16 of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah. Pape was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
"Staff Sgt. Kevin Pape had two priorities in his life - his family and the rangers he led," said Col. Michael E. Kurilla, commander, 75th Ranger Regiment. "Kevin was literally the lead ranger in a heavy firefight against a large number of Taliban in some of the most rugged and extreme terrain in Afghanistan. By the manner in which he lived his life, Staff Sgt. Pape defined sacrifice, dedication and selfless service."
Pape previously served on three deployments to Iraq, and this was his third deployment to Afghanistan.
"Staff Sgt. Pape was killed in action while leading his rangers against known enemies of the United States," said Lt. Col. Mike Foster, commander of 1st Ranger Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment. "He is a hero to his family, the 75th Ranger Regiment and the nation."
Pape was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 2005. The Army ranger served as a machine gunner, team leader and squad leader.
Pape is survived by his wife Amelia Rose Pape, his daughter Anneka Sue, both of Savannah, and his father Marc Dennis Pape of Fort Wayne.

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