Army Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, was laid to rest Friday in Queens, with hundreds of mourners gathering to commemorate her life. Rampersad was one of three U.S. soldiers killed on July 17 when Iran launched missiles at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
The funeral service was held at the Calvary Assembly of God in Ozone Park, followed by a motorcade to Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale for interment. Family members, neighbors, fellow soldiers, and strangers attended, many openly weeping.
"She was very loved. She was well-known in her neighborhood, very respected," said Alphonse Ranni, a Vietnam War veteran who attended the service. "Our organization’s motto is that one generation of veterans will never abandon another. And that’s what we do."
Floral tributes and gospel music filled the church as loved ones reflected on Rampersad's character. Attendees noted that the focus was on her life and impact rather than the circumstances of her death.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Gov. Kathy Hochul were among those who spoke at the service. Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued a statement honoring her "remarkable character."
Rampersad, a native of Ozone Park, joined the Army following in her uncle's footsteps. A graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, she 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 had previously served in Hawaii.
Also killed in the attack were Army First Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Hawaii, and Pfc. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Texas.