Son-in-Law of APWU Member Killed in Afghanistan

Sgt. Kevin Pape, son-in-law of APWU member Rose Knipp, was killed in Afghanistan Nov. 16. The 30-year-old staff sergeant died when the Taliban attacked his unit during combat operations in Konar Province.

His mother-in-law, Rose Knipp, is the Secretary-Treasurer of the Indiana Postal Workers Union and a member of the Fort Wayne Area Local.

The Army Ranger previously served three deployments in Iraq, and this was his third deployment to Afghanistan. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rose Knipp and her family,” said APWU President Cliff Guffey. “We thank Kevin for his service to our country, and deeply regret this tragic loss.”

Pape’s awards and decorations include the Ranger tab, the Expert Infantry Badge, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Parachutist Badge. He has also been awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Arrowhead, Iraq Campaign Medal with Arrowhead, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

He is survived by his wife, Amelia Rose Pape; his daughter, Anneka Sue, and his father, Marc Dennis Pape.