While her death has not been officially confirmed, her family was present at the dignified transfer of her remains and those of three other service members who were killed in action at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, attended by President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Wednesday afternoon.
President Donald Trump salutes as one of the four service members killed in action passes by during the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Wednesday.
“Today, we mourn the loss of Sgt. Angel Rampersad,” said Brig. Gen. Glenn Henke, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. “We extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to her family and all those who are navigating this unimaginable loss. The 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command is grieving, and we will continue to support one another as we process this tragedy.”
Sgt. Rampersad was assigned to the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command and she was killed in action during a July 17 Iranian missile strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.Photo via Reuters
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the Ozone Park native’s courage and sacrifice will be remembered not just in Queens, but across all five boroughs.
“My deepest condolences are with her family, loved ones and all those grieving this profound loss,” he said in a statement Wednesday. “For so many New Yorkers, wars overseas are never distant — they are felt here at home. The sacrifices made by service members and their families are a constant reminder of this. We are forever grateful for their service and will work every day to honor it.”
U.S. Army Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park was killed in action on July 17 during an Iranian missile attack in Jordan.
Sgt. Rampersad was the daughter of an immigrant father from Trinidad and Tobago. She enlisted in the Army in 2019 and her awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
“My heart is with her family, loved ones and the soldiers who stood beside her as they grieve this unimaginable loss,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Sgt. Rampersad lives 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.”
In Ozone Park, several neighbors paid their respects at the Rampersad family home on 96th Street on Wednesday including Brenda Graham, who erected an American flag in honor of her memory.
“It’s devastating when it hits so close to home. No parent should have to bury their child,” Graham said.
Graham, who has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years, said she noticed several neighbors erecting flags in the wake of Rampersad’s death.
“We just put out a flag as a sign of respect and solidarity… Flags were put up for the 4th of July, but definitely more people have been putting up a flag since the news broke over the weekend.”
Ed Myers, a veteran who stopped by Rampersad’s family home to offer his condolences, said the news was “devastating” for the local community.
“We saw the military and a civilian coming through here over the weekend and I knew somebody in the neighborhood was getting the message,” he said.
Myers said he did not know Rampersad personally but said he knew the family dog, which barks at his dog daily.
“They talk to each other every day,” Myers said. Rampersad’s dog was well known in the neighborhood, with Graham describing it as a “barky dog.”
Oswaldo Ordonez, an Air Force veteran who lives two doors down from Rampersad, said he did not know Rampersad well but remembered her as a “very nice young lady.”
“I remember when she joined the military. She had a car that she needed to sell,” Ordonez said.
He said he met Rampersad’s father over the weekend when Rampersad was missing in action.
“Monday they got the news that she was one of the victims. Her mother was distraught.”
Ordonez said his background as an Air Force veteran whose squadron was involved in air rescue missions in Iran following the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979.
“I feel it in my heart because I can see myself in her,” Ordonez said. “It’s a very, very hard feeling to see that as a serviceman… it’s news no parent wants to get.”
Before Rampersad’s family traveled to Dover Air Force Base, they erected an American flag at half-staff outside the family home.
An American flag is at half-staff in front of her family home on 96th Street and on neighboring homes in Ozone Park.
Meanwhile, the Ozone Park Residents Block Association will hold a candlelit vigil outside Rampersad’s home at 113-01 96th St. at 11 a.m. Thursday.
The family of Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad attended the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base.
“Sgt. Rampersad embodied the very best of the U.S. Army and of our country. She served far from home, stood in harm’s way, and carried out her duty with honor. Her service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, by Ozone Park, Queens, New York City, and a grateful nation,” Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar said. “We have a sacred obligation to honor those who wear our nation’s uniform, and the families who serve and sacrifice alongside them. I stand shoulder to shoulder with them, especially her parents, Basdeo and Carol, and with all who love her during this unimaginable loss.”
This story first appeared on our sister publication qns.com.