The casket of Staff Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, who died in the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, was carried by NYPD officers in a solemn procession in New York on Friday, July 31. The loss of Rampersad, a dedicated soldier, deeply affected her community and family.
Tragic News
Carolina Flores noticed two men in military uniforms approach her friend Carol Acevedo’s home across the street. Acevedo’s daughter was stationed in the Middle East. “Once they closed the door, we just heard her screaming,” Flores recounted. The visiting officers delivered the heartbreaking news that 28-year-old Angel S. Rampersad had been killed on July 17 in an attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. She was one of four American soldiers who lost their lives overseas in that month. The tragedy brought the distant war into the heart of Ozone Park, Queens, an area known for its diversity.
A Community’s Tribute
On Monday, a vigil for Rampersad drew neighbors from places like Colombia and Morocco to her family’s two-story home. As the evening sun set, they lit candles, sang, and prayed. An American flag flew at half-staff. On Friday, first responders and community members lined sidewalks to honor her as her flag-covered casket passed by. The funeral was held at Calvary Assembly of God Church, close to Rampersad’s home. Those eulogizing her noted that she would be surprised by the amount of recognition she received.
Angel Rampersad was not born in the United States, but was willing to die for what America stands for.
Determination and Service
Rampersad, originally from Trinidad, came to the U.S. at age two with her mother. Her determination to serve her adopted country was evident to friends and family. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards highlighted that, while she was not born in the U.S., she passionately believed in what the country represents.
Rampersad eagerly tried to join the military at 18, but her mother was not ready. According to Judy Rackal, her aunt, she made an appointment with a recruiter and enlisted shortly after turning 21. She was part of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, serving in Hawaii and Germany before her Middle East deployment. Over her seven-year service, she earned several awards, including the Army Commendation Medal.
In Jordan, Rampersad worked on military communication systems, a role suggested by family friend and Army veteran Deo Singh for safety reasons. She was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.
My daughter was a good soldier. She fought and died for this country. I am a mother that is highly proud of her.
A Life of Dedication
Aside from her military service, Rampersad had strong community ties. She played drums at her church and participated in her high school’s softball and bowling teams. She studied at Queensborough Community College and graduated from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice before joining the military.
Her aunt, Judy Rackal, described Angel as consistently happy and calm, being a steady force for her family during crises.
A Mother’s Message
At the funeral, Carol Acevedo expressed her grief and the need to cherish one’s children while they are around.
Love your kids, hug them. I don’t have mine to hug anymore, but those who do must embrace, cherish, and guide them.
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