A Queens neighborhood mourned one of its own Friday as hundreds gathered to honor Staff Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, a 28-year-old soldier who died serving her adopted country in the Middle East.
Rampersad was killed on July 17 during an assault on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, becoming one of four U.S. service members to lose their lives overseas in recent weeks. The attack brought the distant conflict home to Ozone Park, where the soldier had deep roots in the community.
First responders and residents lined streets near her home Friday, July 31, as NYPD officers carried her flag-draped casket to Calvary Assembly of God Church, located approximately half a mile from where she grew up. The funeral service drew community leaders and neighbors who remembered Rampersad as someone who would have been humbled by the outpouring of recognition.
The soldier's determination to serve began early. Born in Trinidad, Rampersad came to the United States at age 2 with her mother, Carol Acevedo. Her commitment to military service was so strong that she attempted to enlist at 18, but faced a roadblock.
"She was unable at 18 to sign up for the military without her mom's permission, so a few days after her 21st birthday, she made an appointment with the recruiter and signed up on her own," her aunt, Judy Rackal, told NPR at a press conference last week.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards emphasized the significance of Rampersad's sacrifice during the services.
"Angel Rampersad was not born in the United States of America, but Angel Rampersad was willing to die for the United States of America," Richards told NPR. "That's how strongly she felt about America, not just the place, but the idea of what this country could be."
Over seven years of service, Rampersad was assigned to a unit within the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. Her military career took her to Hawaii and Germany before her deployment to Jordan. She earned multiple honors, including the Army Commendation Medal, according to the U.S. Department of War. Following her death, she received a posthumous promotion to staff sergeant.
In Jordan, Rampersad specialized in military communication systems. Army veteran Deo Singh, a close family friend, said he had recommended that career path because it was "kind of behind the line and it's safer."
Before enlisting, Rampersad pursued higher education, spending two years at Queensborough Community College before earning her degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, part of the City University of New York system.
The news of her death arrived in the most devastating way. Carolina Flores, a neighbor, witnessed two uniformed military personnel approach the Acevedo residence.
"Once they closed the door, we just heard her screaming," Flores told NPR.
Days later, on Monday, July 27, dozens of neighbors from diverse backgrounds gathered outside the family's residence at a street corner in Ozone Park for a candlelight vigil. Residents from countries including Colombia and Morocco joined together as evening fell, lighting candles and offering prayers while an American flag flew at half-staff.
Ozone Park, known as one of the most diverse communities in the nation, rallied around the grieving family. At the vigil, Acevedo spoke through her pain about her daughter's dedication.
"My daughter was a good soldier. She fought for this country and she died for this country, and I am a mother that is highly proud of her," Acevedo told NPR, her voice breaking. "I know she was really, really focused on what she was doing. She loved it."
Beyond her military achievements, Rampersad was remembered for her local connections. She served as the drummer at her church and participated in softball and bowling during her high school years.
Rackal described her niece's temperament as a stabilizing force within the family.
"Angel was always a happy, contented, and calm person all through her life. In the face of every crisis that her family encountered, she would be the calming element all the time," Rackal told NPR.
At Friday's funeral, Acevedo delivered a brief message through tears, urging other parents to cherish their children.
"Love your kids, hug them. I don't have mine to hug anymore," she said, according to NPR. "But to those who have, embrace them, cherish them and be there for them. They will need guidance."
