Queens and the country are mourning the loss of Army Sgt. Angel Rampersad. The 28-year-old Ozone Park native was killed in an attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan on July 17. As services are being planned, the community and local elected officials are mourning the tragic loss of an angel.
An immigrant from Trinidad who moved to the United States with her mother and sister when she was two years old, Rampersad had graduated from Forest Hills High School and John Jay College knowing that she wanted to join the military. She enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2018, serving in Hawaii and Germany before reenlisting. Rampersad is believed to have been killed in action on July 17during an enemy attack by Iran at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan.
Several of Rockaway’s elected officials who oversee Rampersad’s home district, and nominees, expressed condolences over the tragic loss of the young, dedicated soldier.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Sergeant Angel Rampersad, who was a courageous member of our armed forces, beloved daughter, and cherished community member,” Congressman Gregory Meeks said. “I was saddened to learn of her tragic passing while answering the call to serve our nation. We will always remember Sergeant Rampersad’s dedication, courage, and lasting legacy of service she leaves behind.”
“My office is deeply saddened to learn that a constituent of District 32 lost her life while bravely serving in the Middle East,” Councilwoman Joann Ariola said. “Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, NY, is believed to have fallen during an Iranian attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan, on July 17, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air & Missile Defense Command. My prayers are with the Rampersad family during this difficult time.”
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of U.S. Army Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad, a proud daughter of Ozone Park, Queens, who is believed to have been killed in action during an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack in a war that many people disagree with, but we should not take it out on our soldiers,” Senator James Sanders, Jr. said. “Sgt. Rampersad served with distinction in the 10th Army Air & Missile Defense Command, answering the call to defend our country with courage and honor. When a soldier falls in my district, I feel especially touched because, as a veteran, I feel like a brother or sister has fallen.”
“We are all truly saddened to hear of the death of Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, killed in action on July 17,” Tom Sullivan, Republican nominee for Assembly District 23 said. “As an Army Veteran with a son on Active-Duty Service, this news hits especially close to home. Our family’s thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Rampersad’s family, friends, and everyone who knew and served alongside her. Rest in peace, Sergeant. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
“Our entire community is heartbroken by the loss of Angel Sarah Rampersad, a proud daughter of the 23rd Assembly District who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” Pesach Osina, Democrat candidate for Assembly 23 said. “Angel was truly a gift to her family and everyone fortunate enough to know her. She never sought attention or recognition. She simply wanted to serve others and fulfill her duty with courage, humility, and honor. Since we first learned of this tragedy, I have remained close to Angel’s mother, Carol Acevedo, worked to assist her father, Basdeo Rampersad to obtain the necessary visas so that the family can be together during this difficult time. While no words can ease their grief, they should know that our entire community stands beside them and will continue to support them.”
A vigil took place for Rampersad in Ozone Park on Monday evening. A public funeral service will be held on Friday, July 31 at Calvary Assembly of God church in Ozone Park from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The procession will then head to Long Island National Cemetery for the burial.
