OZONE PARK — Sgt. Angel “Sarah” Rampersad, a Trinidad-born soldier raised in Queens, was honored with full military and civic rites in New York following her death in an Iranian missile attack in Jordan. The funeral service highlighted her sacrifice as an immigrant who served the United States.

A funeral service for Rampersad was held at Calvary Assembly of God in Ozone Park, Queens, on Friday. The service began just before 9 a.m. at the church located at 102-07 Rockaway Blvd. in Ozone Park.

The NYPD Highway Patrol led the procession carrying Rampersad’s remains. The funeral procession passed beneath four ceremonial FDNY ladder arches as it moved through the community.

Rampersad was buried at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale following the funeral service. Attorney General Letitia James attended the funeral service to pay respects.

Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered New York flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Rampersad. Local leaders have called for a stretch of Cross Bay Boulevard to be renamed in Rampersad’s honor.

Sgt. Angel “Sarah” Rampersad, 28, was killed in the line of duty on July 17 during an Iranian missile attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. The Muwaffaq Salti Air Base is an airport in Jordan.

Rampersad was one of three U.S. soldiers killed in the attack, along with Army First Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Hawaii, and Pfc. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Texas. Rampersad was posthumously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Rampersad was assigned to the Germany-based 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. She previously served at a base in Hawaii, where she conducted radio work.

Rampersad was born in Trinidad and raised in Ozone Park, Queens. She joined the Army following in the footsteps of her uncle. Rampersad was a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

“Angel Rampersad was not born in the United States of America, but Angel Rampersad was willing to die for the United States of America. That takes a lot of courage,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said. “I wish people would take notice of the fact of how many people came here, being born elsewhere, who actually step up and are willing to shed blood for a country that they were not born in; that is a lesson that should be observed.”

“My daughter was a real hero and I will miss her dearly,” said Carol Acevedo, mother of Sgt. Angel Rampersad. “Love your kids. Embrace them, cherish them and be there for them.”

General Glenn Henke, Commander of the 10th Army Air Missile Defense Command, described her professional standing. “Staff Sergeant Rampersad was an exceptional soldier. She was a hard worker,” Henke said.

“All of her leaders talked about how she was exceptionally motivated. She was a soldier that all commanders wanted on their team. Staff Sergeant Rampersad had the potential to go as far in the Army as she decided to go. Nothing was going to stand in her way.”

The death of Rampersad reflects the contributions of immigrant service members to the U.S. military. Her story reflects a pattern of foreign-born individuals serving in the armed forces, with officials noting the courage required to defend a country of adoption. The call to rename a local boulevard indicates the community's desire to permanently memorialize her service in the neighborhood where she was raised.

The attack in Jordan resulted in the loss of three soldiers from different backgrounds, including a 19-year-old from Texas and a 25-year-old from Hawaii. The response from state and local leaders, including the order for flags to fly at half-staff, demonstrates the official recognition of her sacrifice. The presence of high-ranking officials and veterans at the funeral illustrates the broad support for her memory across civic and military lines.

Why It Matters

Rampersad's death in the Jordan attack shows the contributions of immigrant service members who defend a country of adoption. The posthumous promotion to Staff Sergeant and the call to rename a local boulevard establish a permanent record of her sacrifice within the community she served. State orders for flags at half-staff and high-level attendance at the funeral signal official recognition of the risks faced by personnel deployed abroad.