The American soldier believed to have been killed in Jordan during an Iranian attack, Sgt. Angel Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York, is being remembered for living a "life of courage and selflessness."
The Department of War announced that Rampersad is one of three service members believed to have been killed in action on July 17, 2026, during an enemy attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. U.S. Central Command stated that the service members died as CENTCOM and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks.
"Sgt. Rampersad lived a life of courage and selflessness. New York, and our nation, are safer because of brave Americans like her who answer the call to serve," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. "May we honor her memory, remember her sacrifice and keep all who loved her in our prayers."
The incident leading to Rampersad’s death is under investigation. She was previously identified as missing. The other two soldiers believed to have been killed in the attack were identified as 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas.
Feehan and Gonzales were in Jordan supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, the international campaign against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
Former President Donald Trump commented on the attacks via Truth Social, stating, "Every time Iran kills an American Soldier they will pay for that killing many times over!" He added that this directive had been communicated to the Secretary of War, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and military leadership.
Rampersad was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52d Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, in Ansbach, Germany. She served as a 25U Signal Operations Support Specialist. The Department of War noted that she enlisted in the Army in March 2019 and received several awards, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.
Brig. Gen. Glenn Henke, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, issued a statement mourning Rampersad's loss and extending condolences to her family and colleagues. "The 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command is grieving, and we will continue to support one another as we process this tragedy," Henke said.