Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced Thursday that officials plan to rename a street in Ozone Park after Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad, a beloved soldier from the neighborhood who was killed in an Iranian attack on a U.S. base in Jordan. Rampersad, 28, died Friday during an attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
"She made the ultimate sacrifice," Richards said at a press conference held outside Rampersad's family home on 96th Street. "Angel was a hero, plain and simple. No matter what you think of this war, what is not up for debate is the bravery it takes to enlist like Angel did seven years ago."
Rampersad's mother, Carol Acevedo, expressed pride in her daughter's service. "My daughter was a good, good soldier. She fought in this country, and she died for this country, and I am a mother who is highly proud of her," Acevedo said. She added that her daughter was dedicated to her military service and loved it.
Sgt. Rampersad migrated from Trinidad with her mother at age 2 and aspired to join the military from a young age, according to her aunt Judy Rackal. Rampersad was a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice and played the drums. Rackal described her niece as a happy, calm person who provided a calming influence during family crises and possessed a quiet strength.
Rampersad was one of three U.S. service members reported killed in the missile attack on the base in Jordan. Army First Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Hawaii, and Pfc. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Texas, were also reportedly killed. The Pentagon identified Rampersad on Tuesday. Reports also indicate that another U.S. service member, Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton of North Carolina, died Sunday while disarming a downed Iranian drone in Iraq.
Friends remembered Rampersad as a strong-willed individual and a "social butterfly" who aspired to see the world while serving her country.
Family members are awaiting the release of Rampersad's remains to make final burial arrangements.