In New York City, the funeral for Staff Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad took place on Friday, July 31. Members of the NYPD carried her casket, draped in the American flag, in a procession that marked her sacrifice in the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Iran. Rampersad, an officer in the U.S. Army, lost her life in an attack at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17. This tragic incident brought the reality of war to the neighborhood of Ozone Park, Queens, an area known for its diverse population.
Carolina Flores, a neighbor, recounted the moment she knew something was amiss. She noticed military officers approaching her friend Carol Acevedo’s home, knowing Acevedo’s daughter served overseas. Flores heard a scream from inside the house, confirming the worst. Rampersad, aged 28, was one of four U.S. soldiers who lost their lives in similar incidents that month.
Angel Rampersad was not born in the United States of America, but Angel Rampersad was willing to die for the United States of America,said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards during the funeral.
Rampersad was originally from Trinidad, arriving in the U.S. with her mother at the age of two. She demonstrated a strong desire to serve the country and enlisted in the military at 21, following her dream despite her mother’s initial hesitations. Her aunt, Judy Rackal, noted, She was so determined to join that she signed up for the military shortly after turning 21.
Assigned to the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Rampersad served in locations including Hawaii and Germany before her deployment to the Middle East. In her service, she focused on military communications, a choice guided by her friend Deo Singh, a veteran, who suggested it offered relative safety. For her service, Rampersad received numerous awards, including the Army Commendation Medal.
Remembering her daughter, Carol Acevedo expressed pride amid grief, stating, My daughter was a good soldier. She fought for this country and died for this country. At a vigil held in her honor, the community gathered to support the family, lighting candles, and singing in remembrance.
Beyond her military achievements, Rampersad maintained close ties to her community. She participated as a drummer at her local church and was active in high school sports. Her educational path took her through Queensborough Community College and John Jay College of Criminal Justice before her military career.
Judy Rackal fondly recalled, Angel was always a calm and joyful presence, the source of peace in times of family crisis.
At the funeral, Acevedo urged others to appreciate their loved ones, emphasizing the need to love your kids, hug them. I don’t have mine to hug anymore, she said.