Afghan death soldier named as Sgt Jonathan Eric Kups They said: "Jonathan was a wonderful husband and loving father to three children. He was a loyal man with a wide circle of friends, a devoted son, son-in-law, grandson and brother. His children said: "You're the best Dad; always in our hearts - our hero." Lieutenant Colonel Mark Smyth, Commanding Officer, 104 Force Support Battalion Reme, said: "Sergeant Jonathan Kups, or 'Koops' as he was known, arrived at the Battalion in 2011. A real character, his dry and quick-witted sense of humour made him a pleasure to work with and he was extremely popular across all the ranks. A man of real substance, Sgt Kups' maturity and considerable experience enabled him to quickly become a vital member of the Electronics Platoon. His "clear and dynamic leadership" guaranteed success, Lt Col Smyth added. The serviceman joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in June 1992, training as an electronics technician. He specialised in the early years of his career in radar and ground to air weapons, completing an operational tour in Northern Ireland. In 2011, Sgt Kups moved to 104 Force Support Battalion REME before being attached to 4 Close Support Battalion REME for its deployment. He was described as a "family man" who "loved the gym" by his colleague Lance Corporal James Sowersby, of the Electronic Counter Measure Section, General Platoon. He said: "Sergeant Kups was a family man who was always talking to the section about his three children and his wife. He received many letters every day. He loved the gym and he could be there up to three times a day to maintain his fitness. He was good at his job and will leave a large gap in our small section. Philip Hammond, the Defence Secretary, said: "I was saddened to hear of the death of Sergeant Kups. I understand that he was an extremely experienced soldier who always took great care and time to help develop and support all those around him. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.