By Dhanpaul Narine
The clouds parted and erased the gloom. Bright sunshine greeted the day. Something special was about to happen and people lined up early. The funeral of Staff Sergeant Angel Sarah Rampersad would take place later that morning. The Governor of New York State Kathy Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and Attorney General Tish James arrived and took their seats, followed by other dignitaries. There was silence as members of the New York Police Department arrived at the Cavalry Church, bearing the casket of Angel Rampersad. It was draped with the flag of the United States of America, a poignant reminder that the deceased gave her life for America.
Angel Sarah Rampersad was born in Trinidad and Tobago. She arrived in New York when she was two years old and attended school in the Queens area. Angel was a bright and inquisitive child, excelling in academics and in music as well. She had a ready smile, was kind, and willingly gave advice for others to do better. She articulated to John Jay College and graduated to pursue her dreams. She wanted to be a soldier. She signed the papers without her mother knowing. She could not wait to get into a soldier’s uniform.
Angel was assigned to the 10th Army Air and Missile Command. She served in Hawaii and Germany and excelled. She was then sent to the Middle East. Her ability was evident as she earned a number of awards and commendations. Her last assignment was in Jordan where she worked on military communications systems.
On July 17, 2026, there was an Iranian attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. Sergeant Angel Rampersad became a casualty. At first, the reports were unconfirmed and then the unthinkable became a reality. She did not make it. And just like that the war in a distant part of the world would have terrible consequences for a tree-lined street in Ozone Park, in Queens, New York. Carol Acevedo was attending to her daily chores. The sun was up and the day held promise. There was a knock on her door and two men from the army entered. Acevedo’s world turned upside down when she heard the news. The screams shattered the tight-knit Trinidadian family. The neighbours in her street offered their condolences and soon it was all over the media. An immigrant family had become a gold star family. A daughter from Trinidad gave her life for America.
A press conference was held in front of Acevedo’s home. It was coordinated by the Ozone Park Residents Block Association headed by Sam Esposito. Mr. Esposito had a wonderful team that enjoyed the confidence of the Rampersad family. The family stood in grief inside the fence that was pinned with red, white, and blue ribbons. A passerby would occasionally hand them a bouquet of flowers that would rest on one of the decorated pots. The cameras pointed to the podium as Sam Esposito took the stage. He thanked residents of the block, ‘for opening their hearts and showing their hospitality to the family, the business community for its support, and the elected officials for their messages.” Mr. Esposito added that, “when one family suffers, an entire community feels the pain.” He said that Angel Rampersad was a hometown hero and an American hero. He said that the family was not alone in mourning as the community stood with them.
A member of the family recalled that Angel was a happy and calm and contented person. She had a quiet strength. Her mom Carol faced challenges to raise the family in New York but she persevered. At eighteen, Angel knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life. She wanted to join the military. She waited until she was twenty-one and went to an army recruiter. She became a proud member of the military. As far as her early education was concerned, Angel attended kindergarten in Ozone Park and PS108, followed by MS 202 and Forest Hills High School. After two years at Queensborough Community College, Angel graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She played softball and bowled competitively in high school and college. Angel would spend vacation time in Trinidad and enjoyed the foods there.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said that the Borough was grateful for Angel’s service. He said that heroes in uniform do not serve alone. Their families serve alongside with them. Angel made the ultimate sacrifice. It has reminded all that freedom is not free. There are those that serve abroad that others might be free in America. The Borough President added that, “at this time of unimaginable loss we want you to know that the Borough is here to support you. Angel was a hero, plain and simple. She wore the uniform with dignity. She put her life on the line so we can enjoy the freedoms that we have today. She put her community before herself. At age 28, she was already decorated with medals. Angel was the United States.”
The Borough President stated that there were plans to honour her memory by having a school named after her as well as a portion of the highway at Crossbay Boulevard. Messages were received from State Senator Joe Addabbo, and other representatives. The vigil saw hundreds of persons from all walks of life with multicoloured candles and photographs of Sergeant Angel Rampersad. The media was once again in attendance and the buzz in the crowd spoke of a young woman who loved America and was prepared to give her life for her country. The veterans came out in full force to pay their respects and American flags and mementos adorned the white picket fences.
A member of the family sang ‘Amazing Grace’ and Sam Esposito reminded the audience that ‘Angel was one who walked the streets of Ozone Park and made the ultimate sacrifice. This family will not stand alone because we will show them that Angel’s life mattered. We will never forget her.’ Another member of the family recalled that he knew Angel when she was three years old. She loved to play the drums even at that age. Her story was one of service and also of faith. She signed up for the army to serve as it was her expression of love. Her passing was honoured in heaven. Life was measured in impact and not in years. Her home provided her with love and identity. Angel lived with the conviction that eternity was real. Her life was like a flower that bloomed in the morning but faded in the evening. As the candles glowed, Angel wanted the world to know that her life was one of courage and service. Her church was her second home. “She is walking in the light of the Lord,” the family member said.
Congressman Gregory Meeks said that Angel was a child of God. She lived a life of purpose. She believed in the United States of America. She earned a number of awards that included the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Medal. The Congressman remarked, “And now God has said to Angel that He wants her to come home and be with Him. Angel was able to bring us all together.” Mr. Meeks said that he was able to, “have a flag flown from the top of the United States Capitol and it was from all 435 members of the House of Representatives. It didn’t matter whether one was a Republican or Democrat. We shall never ever forget her. We will stand on the House floor and we will make sure that her name is in the Congressional records.”
The Congressional records is important since the Pentagon recently moved deceased service members into a new category called “Overseas Operations.” As it turned out, the four fallen soldiers to be included into the new category were Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, Lt. Tyler Feehan, Sgt. Michael Swinton and Sgt. Angel Rampersad. According to some observers, “changes in classification could alter the eligibility criteria for survivor benefits calculations for families of deceased service members.”
Congressman Meeks added that as long as the name is entered in the records of the United States of America, Angel will always be remembered. He said that the nation is grateful for Angel Rampersad and her service. He has written to the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, requesting that the four fallen soldiers “be restored to the official count of the Iran War casualties under Operation Epic Fury on the Department of Defense’s website.” Congressman Meeks also questioned the policy criteria that governs whether “a casualty is attributed to a named military operation versus the ‘Overseas Operations’ category.”
Congresswoman Grace Meng had a message as well. She thanked the Ozone Park Residents Block Association for its work. She said that Angel was a daughter of America who was taken from us far too early. She had learned about Angel’s kindness, her diligence, compassion and faith which led her to follow in her uncle Deo Singh’s footsteps into military service. According to Congresswoman Meng, “Angel was there for our country in our time of need and today, and each day forward, we will work to honor her life and her memory. She is a hero. May God shine His light on her.”
New York Attorney General Tish James said that Angel was a bright sunshine to the family. She will forever be the in the heart of the community. Angel would never be forgotten and the Attorney General extended her prayers and good wishes to all veterans as well. Public Advocate, Jumanee Williams, turned directly to the family and said that Angel, ‘represents courage, dedication, and bravery. Her story is a big part of the American story. Her impact is being felt far and wide. When the cameras leave, we will still remember this family.’ There was word that Angel Rampersaud was promoted posthumously as a Staff Sergeant, which went down well with the audience.
Queens Borough President, Donovan Richards reiterated what he had said earlier about the heroism of Angel Rampersad. He made the most telling point of the evening when he said that, “Angel Rampersad was not born in the United States of America but she was willing to die for the United States of America. Angel was born in Trinidad but she was the epitome of the American Dream. She will live in our hearts as a true American hero. We will never forget her sacrifice.” New York State Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman grew up in Ozone Park. She said that the neighbourhood has been changed because of Angel Rampersad. Jaime Williams is the only Trinidadian in the New York State Assembly. She asked the community to keep Angel in their prayers and that people should thank the veterans for their service.
Commanding General Glenn Henke said that Angel was loved and was an ‘exceptional soldier.’ Governor Kathy Hochul was on point. “Thank you mom for bringing her here,” she 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 they were not born in.” The fact is that immigrants bring innovation, enterprise, and new ways of doing things. They work hard, make enormous sacrifice and burn the midnight lamp while others are sleeping. And yes, they also put their lives on the line for America.
The American flag was folded and presented to mom Carol Acevedo. She said tearfully what everyone was thinking, “My daughter was a real hero and I will miss her dearly. Love your kids, hug them. I don’t have mine to hug anymore.”
Rest in peace, Angel. You served well. The children can wake up to a better world.
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