Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered flags on state government buildings to be flown at half-staff Friday, July 31, in honor of a Queens soldier who died in an attack at a military base in Jordan.
Staff Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad died July 17, 2026, during an attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
Flags will be lowered from sunrise to sunset.
“My heart is with the family, loved ones and the soldiers who stood beside Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad as they grieve this unimaginable loss,” Hochul said. “Staff Sergeant Rampersad lived a life of courage and selflessness. New York, and our nation, are safer because of brave Americans like her who answer the call to serve. May we honor her memory, remember her sacrifice and keep all who loved her in our prayers.”
Rampersad, a lifelong resident of Ozone Park, was assigned to 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air & Missile Defense Command in Ansbach, Germany.
She graduated from Forest Hills High School and earned a degree in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
During her military service, Rampersad received the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. She was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.