Thousands of mourners gathered in Ozone Park, Queens, on Friday to honor Staff Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, who was killed in an attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17. Her funeral procession stretched through the neighborhood before her burial at the Long Island National Cemetery for Veterans.
Rampersad, born in Trinidad and raised in Queens, was one of four U.S. service members killed in overseas attacks in the past month. She was posthumously promoted to the rank of staff sergeant.
Community Vigil and Funeral Services
Neighbors and community members held a vigil outside Rampersad’s family home on Monday, lighting candles and singing as an American flag flew at half-staff. On Friday, first responders and residents lined the streets to salute her flag-draped casket as it traveled to Calvary Assembly of God Church, where hundreds attended her funeral service.
Rampersad’s mother, Carol Acevedo, thanked attendees for their support during the church service. Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani were among the dignitaries present, joining the procession that followed the casket to the cemetery.
Tributes to Service and Sacrifice
Speakers at the funeral described Rampersad as a dedicated soldier and a committed member of her community. Brigadier General Glenn Henke, commanding general of the U.S. Army, praised her exceptional motivation and leadership, noting she was a soldier commanders sought for their teams.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards emphasized Rampersad’s deep connection to the U.S., stating, “Angel Rampersad was not born in the United States of America, but Angel Rampersad was willing to die for the United States of America.”
Rampersad’s friends and family recalled her as someone who balanced her military service with a love for life, celebrating her commitment to duty while honoring her zest for living.
Broader Context of the Attack
Rampersad was among 18 Americans killed in the conflict since it began nearly five months ago. The attack on the Jordanian air base has drawn international attention, with U.S. officials attributing responsibility to Iranian-backed forces. The incident has intensified discussions about U.S. military presence in the region and the risks faced by service members deployed overseas.