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Queens Mourns a Hometown Hero:
Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad Remembered
for a Life of Service and Sacrifice
By Kamau Austin | Southeast Queens Scoop
The Southeast Queens community is mourning the loss of one of its own.
According to the U.S. Army and Pentagon officials, Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, Queens, was killed during an Iranian missile and drone attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17 while serving overseas with the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, based in Germany. Military officials later confirmed her death after she was initially listed as missing following the attack.
Her death has left a profound impact not only on her family but throughout Queens, where neighbors, elected officials, veterans, and fellow service members have come together to honor the young soldier whose life was defined by courage, compassion, and service.
A Queens Daughter Who Chose to Serve
ABC7 New York reported that Rampersad was born in Trinidad and moved to the United States with her mother and sister when she was just two years old. She grew up in Ozone Park, attended P.S. 108 and Forest Hills High School, and later earned a degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College before pursuing the career she had dreamed about for years—joining the United States Army.
According to NY1, she enlisted in the Army in 2019 at age 21 after completing college, later serving assignments in Hawaii before being stationed in Germany. She re-enlisted last year, reflecting her continued commitment to military service.
Remembered as a Gentle Giant
Those who knew Sgt. Rampersad describe someone whose strength was matched only by her kindness.
NY1 reported that her mother, Carol Acevedo, described her daughter as a "gentle giant" who "stood up for those who couldn't fight for themselves" and "loved her family fiercely." Family members said she was active in church as a young girl, played the drums, excelled in track and field, and touched countless lives with her generosity and unwavering spirit.
The Guardian, citing friends and members of the military, reported that fellow soldiers remembered Rampersad as humble, selfless, and someone who always put others before herself. One friend recalled that she never sought recognition but simply wanted "to serve, protect others, and do her duty with courage and humility."
Queens Comes Together
In the days following confirmation of her death, the Ozone Park community rallied around the Rampersad family.
ABC7 New York reported that neighbors displayed American flags outside their homes and left porch lights on each evening as a tribute until Sgt. Rampersad's remains returned home. Community leaders also organized a public vigil to honor her memory and ensure her sacrifice would never be forgotten.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said the community should remember Angel not only for the way she died but for the remarkable life she lived—as a talented drummer, athlete, daughter, sister, wife, and proud American who volunteered to defend her adopted country. ABC7 also reported that Richards announced plans to pursue a permanent memorial in her honor, including the possible renaming of the street where her family lives.
