Honoring the Life and Service of Staff Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad

In a solemn ceremony, NYPD officers carried the casket of Staff Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad during her funeral procession in New York. The 28-year-old U.S. Army staff sergeant was killed on July 17 in an attack at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan amid the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran.

Carolina Flores, a neighbor, recounted the moment she witnessed two men in military uniforms approach her friend’s home to deliver devastating news. Flores’ friend, Carol Acevedo, the mother of Rampersad, learned that her daughter was among four American soldiers who died overseas last month. This tragic event resonated deeply within the diverse community of Ozone Park, Queens.

During a vigil held for Rampersad, a gathering of neighbors from places like Colombia and Morocco took place in the warm glow of candles. As the sun set, they sang and prayed around her family’s home, paying their respects. An American flag flew at half-staff, and first responders joined community members to honor her sacrifice as Rampersad’s flag-draped casket moved towards the Calvary Assembly of God Church, near her residence.

Born in Trinidad, Rampersad moved to the U.S. with her mother at two years old. Throughout her life, she exemplified a strong desire to serve her adopted homeland. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards highlighted her dedication, stating, “Angel Rampersad was not born in the United States, but she was willing to die for it.”

Her military journey began shortly after her 21st birthday, when she enlisted in the U.S. Army, having already expressed interest at 18. Assigned to the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Rampersad served in Hawaii and Germany before her deployment to the Middle East. She was honored with several awards, including the Army Commendation Medal.

In Jordan, Rampersad worked on military communication systems, a role suggested by Deo Singh, a family friend and Army veteran. Singh believed it was “kind of behind the line and it’s safer.” Despite this, she ultimately lost her life in service, for which she was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.

Her mother, Carol Acevedo, expressed pride in her daughter’s commitment to her country, despite her personal loss. “She fought for this country and died for this country,” Acevedo shared through tears at the vigil.

Rampersad’s influence extended beyond her military career. She actively participated in her community, serving as a drummer at a local church and playing on high school sports teams, including softball and bowling. She pursued education at Queensborough Community College and later at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice before joining the military.

Her aunt, Judy Rackal, remembered Rampersad as a calm and happy person who provided a steady presence during family crises. At the funeral, Acevedo urged families to cherish their loved ones. “Love your kids, hug them. I don’t have mine to hug anymore,” she said, emphasizing the importance of love and guidance.