Army Sgt. Angel Rampersad of Queens was remembered during an emotional funeral on Friday as an immigrant who lived the American dream and died an American hero.
The NYPD Highway Patrol led the procession carrying Rampersad’s remains on their shoulders to the Calvary Assembly of God, located at 102-07 Rockaway Blvd. in Ozone Park, just before 9 a.m. A collection of military veterans, FDNY officials, and cops stood in solemn silence, saluting as the casket, draped in the Star-Spangled Banner, was carried into the church.
Inside, the likes of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and those she served under gathered to pay their respects to a woman who died for her country. Rampersad was killed in the Middle East on July 17 during an attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
“Staff Sergeant Rampersad was an exceptional soldier. She was a hard worker,” said General Glenn Henke, commander of the 10th Army Air Missile Defense Command. “All of her leaders talked about how she was exceptionally motivated. She was a soldier that all commanders wanted on their team. Staff Sergeant Rampersad had the potential to go as far in the Army as she decided to go. Nothing was going to stand in her way.”
Angel Rampersad’s lesson of service and sacrifice
The NYPD Highway Patrol led the procession carrying the remains of Sgt. Rampersad to the Calvary Assembly of God located at 102-07 Rockaway Boulevard in Ozone Park just before 9 a.m.Photo by Dean Moses 
Military personal salute.Photo by Dean Moses 
The likes of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and those she served under gathered to pay their respects to a woman who died for her country.Photo by Dean Moses
The 28-year-old native Trinidiadian was raised in Ozone Park, and had ambitions to join the Army when she was far too young to do so. According to those who knew her best, it was Rampersad’s dream to serve.
Although she was not born in the United States, the country and Queens became as much her home as any born-and-bred New Yorker, a place she wanted to safeguard — something which Hochul underscored during her eulogy before a church crowded with mourners.
“I wish people would take notice of the fact of how many people came here, being born elsewhere, who actually step up and are willing to shed blood for a country that they were not born in; that is a lesson that should be observed,” the governor said.
Rampersad’s mother, Carol Acevedo, also spoke to grievers, her voice quivering with deep pain and profound loss. She remembered her beloved daughter as a hero before breaking down into tears. Acevedo also pleaded with parents to embrace their children.
“My daughter was a real hero, and I will miss her dearly,” Acevedo wept. “All those who have kids, love your kids, hug them. I don’t have mine to hug anymore. But to those who have, embrace them, cherish them, and be there for them.”
Following the service, the elected officials lined up and watched as Rampersad’s remains were placed in a hearse, and the procession slowly moved westbound on Rockaway Boulevard. Dozens of locals stood on the sidewalks with flags to honor the fallen soldier, who was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.
Rampersad was laid to rest at the Long Island National Cemetery.
Sgt. Angel Rampersad was remembered during an emotional funeral Friday as an immigrant who lived the American dream and died an American Hero.Photo by Dean Moses 
Rampersad’s mother, Carol Acevedo, also spoke to grievers, her voice quivering with deep pain and profound loss.Photo by Dean Moses 
The likes of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and those she served under gathered to pay their respects to a woman who died for her country.Photo by Dean Moses 
Sgt. Angel Rampersad was remembered during an emotional funeral Friday as an immigrant who lived the American dream and died an American Hero.Photo by Dean Moses 
Sgt. Angel Rampersad was remembered during an emotional funeral Friday as an immigrant who lived the American dream and died an American Hero.Photo by Dean Moses