Staff Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, a 28-year-old soldier in the U.S. Army, was killed July 17 in an attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, making her one of four American service members lost overseas in the preceding month. The news of her death reached her family in Ozone Park, Queens, when military personnel arrived at their home to deliver notification.
Rampersad was born in Trinidad and immigrated to the United States at age 2. Throughout her life, she demonstrated a strong commitment to military service and her adopted country. She initially attempted to enlist at 18 but required parental permission; she enlisted independently shortly after turning 21. Over her seven-year military career, she served with the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, with postings in Hawaii and Germany before her deployment to the Middle East. In Jordan, she worked on military communication systems. She earned multiple awards during her service, including the Army Commendation Medal, and was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.
Her funeral took place Friday at Calvary Assembly of God Church in her neighborhood. First responders and community members lined nearby streets to pay respects as her flag-draped casket passed. A candlelight vigil was held at her family’s home earlier in the week, drawing neighbors from diverse backgrounds reflecting the multicultural character of the Ozone Park area. During services, community leaders and family members recalled her dedication to country and her positive presence in her community.
Beyond her military service, Rampersad was involved in her local church as a drummer and participated in high school sports including softball and bowling. She completed two years at Queensborough Community College before graduating from John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York prior to enlisting. Her family emphasized her calm demeanor and her role as a stabilizing presence during difficult times for those around her.
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