OZONE PARK, Queens (WABC) — Residents in Ozone Park joined family members Thursday morning to remember Sgt. Angel Rampersad, one of four American soldiers killed in the war with Iran.<\/p>\n
The Army released a statement that said the 28-year-old is believed to have been killed in action<\/a> on July 17 during an enemy attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.<\/p>\n Sam Esposito, president of Ozone Park Residents Block Association, announced that there would be a community vigil in memory of Rampersad on Monday, July 27.<\/p>\n “Let us gather to demonstrate our community pride and honor one of our hometown heroes, and an American hero,” he said. “Sgt. Angel Rampersad served her country with honor. Now it’s our responsibility to honor her memory, preserve her legacy and make sure that her name is never forgotten.”<\/p>\n Her mother, Carol Acevedo, called her daughter “a good soldier.”<\/p>\n “She fought for this country, and she died for this country and I am a mother who is highly proud of her. And I know she was really, really focused on what she was doing. She loved it,” she said.<\/p>\n President Trump oversaw the dignified transfer of the fallen service members at Dover Air Force Base.<\/p>\n Anthony Carlo reports from Ozone Park with more on how the community is coming together in wake of the tragedy.<\/p>\n On Wednesday, neighbors gathered along 96th Street<\/a> to remember the fallen soldier, placing American flags throughout the block she called home.<\/p>\n Residents described the display as a tribute to the freedoms Rampersad helped defend through her military service.<\/p>\n “It’s a tragedy,” one neighbor said. “You hate to see something like this happen to a genuine hero. These are great people. These are our neighbors. And we’re all leaving our lights on for her.”<\/p>\n According to the report, Rampersad was among 18 Americans who have died since the conflict began nearly five months ago, a toll that has left a profound sense of loss across the Ozone Park community.<\/p>\n In a statement, family members described the fallen soldier as a “gentle giant” who was active in church from a young age and dedicated herself to protecting those who could not defend themselves.<\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n * More Queens news<\/a><\/p>\n * Send us a news tip<\/a><\/p>\n * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts<\/a> <\/p>\n * Download our connected TV app<\/a> <\/p>\n
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