Friends, family and neighbors gathered in Ozone Park Thursday morning to pay tribute to Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad, a Queens resident who died during an Iranian missile strike on a US base in Jordan last week.
Rampersad, 28, who was born in Trinidad and moved to the United States when she was two, died during an Iranian strike on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17.
Rampersad’s mother, Carol Acevedo, spoke through tears during Thursday’s press conference, telling attendees that she was “highly proud” of her daughter.
“She fought for this country and she died for this country,” Acevedo said. “I am a mother that was highly proud of her. I know she was really, really focused on what she was doing.”
Photo by Shane O’Brien.
Rampersad’s family, friends and neighbors remembered her as a “hometown hero” who will “never be forgotten” in a vigil and press conference held outside her family home on 96th Street on the morning of July 23. A larger community vigil will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 27.
In front of the family home, which flew an American flag at half-staff. Rampersad’s aunt Judy Rackal, who spoke on behalf of the family. She said Rampersad had always dreamed of joining the military, adding that she enlisted a few days after her 21st birthday.
Judy Rackal speaks during Thursday’s vigil. Photo by Shane O’Brien.
Rampersad was stationed in Hawaii for three years and spent another three years in Germany before re-enlisting and being transferred to Jordan.
Earlier, she attended P.S. 108, M.S. 202, and Forest Hills High School, and then studied at Queensborough Community College and John Jay College.
“Angel also spent a good deal of her vacation time in her birth country of Trinidad, where family members and many of her friends are mourning,” Rackal said.
Rampersad’s sister Laura Tamby, nephew Liam Tamby, stepfather Anastasia Acevedo and best friend Bryana Martinez also appeared at Thursday’s vigil. Her biological father is currently trying to make plans to travel to the United States from Trinidad, while Rampersad’s wife remains on a U.S. base in Jordan, a family friend told reporters.
Rampersad’s family was present in Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Wednesday for the dignified transfer of her remains, attended by President Donald Trump and Secretary of War (Defense) Pete Hegseth.
Sam Esposito, president of the Ozone Park Residents Block Association, which organized Thursday’s vigil, said the community is standing with “broken hearts” in the wake of Rampersad’s death.
Sam Esposito speaks at Thursday’s vigil. Photo by Shane O’Brien.
“We thank Sgt. Rampersad’s family for allowing the community to stand beside them during such an unimaginable, painful time,” Esposito said. “We’re grateful for their kindness, strength and hospitality as they mourn this devastating loss.
“This family did not simply lose a hero; they lost a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, relative, and friend. Behind the uniform was a deeply loved person whose absence will forever be felt.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, meanwhile, described Rampersad as a hero and commended her for her bravery in serving the nation. Richards previously criticized Trump over Rampersad’s death, stating that she was killed in a “reckless war that Americans don’t support.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards consoles Rampersad’s mother Carol. Photo by Shane O’Brien.
However, he said Rampersad’s bravery and service should be celebrated, regardless of opinions on the war itself.
“No matter what you think of this war, what is not up for debate is the bravery it takes to enlist like Angel did seven years ago,” Richards. “It’s not up for debate how special of a person you have to be to wear the uniform and serve our nation.”
Richards has pledged to advocate for Rampersad’s home street to be co-named in her honor (street renamings are generally approved by the City Council), as well as pledging to petition the School Construction Authority and Department of Education to name a school after her.
“Angel will forever be our hero here in Ozone Park,” Richards said. “At minimum, the least we can do is rename this street in her honor.”
Photo by Shane O’Brien.