Ozone Park, Queens (PIX11) – The Ozone Park community gathered for a vigil to mourn an Army sergeant killed overseas.

Doves were released in memory of Sergeant Angel Sarah Rampersad. Loved ones reminisced about the hometown hero, her life, military service, and ultimate sacrifice to the United States.

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The 28-year-old migrated from Trinidad when she was two years old with a lifelong dream of being in the Army.

Rampersad rose to the rank of sergeant during her career. She signed up at 21 years old after graduating from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. On Friday, July 17th the soldier was one of three service members killed on base in Jordan by an Iranian missile attack. On behalf of the family, the Ozone Park Block Association announced that Rampersad has been posthumously promoted to Staff Sergeant.

The community now wants to preserve her memory so she can continue inspiring others. The Queens borough president is leading the effort to rename Staff Sgt. Rampersad’s hometown street and high school in her honor. Ozone Park is filing with Community Board 10 and the City Council to rename a portion of Crossbay Boulevard in her honor. As they pledge to stay by the family’s side for years to come, showing Monday night’s turnout was “a reflection of solidarity, of caring, of sharing this loss among people”, said Ashook Ramsaran, who made his way from nearby Fresh Meadows.

Rampersad’s family is asking for privacy for Tuesday and Wednesday as they prepare for her wake and funeral later this week. The wake will be private and limited to family and close friends only.  The funeral will be held at 9 a.m. Friday at Calvary Assembly of God on Rockaway Boulevard. The public is invited to attend.

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