Ozone Park Community Gathers to Remember Fallen Soldier

Friends, family, and neighbors gathered in Ozone Park on Monday evening for a candlelight vigil to honor the life and service of Army Sgt. Angel Rampersad. The 28-year-old soldier, a native of the Queens neighborhood, was killed in action on July 17 during an enemy attack at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.

Sgt. Rampersad was one of three American service members reported killed in the incident. In the days following the news of her death, residents have displayed American flags and kept porch lights illuminated as a gesture of mourning and respect.

Reflecting on her daughter’s character, Carol Acevedo described Sgt. Rampersad as a dedicated soldier who maintained a deep commitment to her military mission. According to family members, Rampersad had aspired to military service from a young age. She enlisted in the Army in 2019 following her graduation from John Jay College. Her service record included assignments in Hawaii and Germany prior to her reenlistment.

Born in Trinidad, Rampersad moved to the United States with her family at age two. She was a graduate of P.S. 108 and Forest Hills High School.

Community leaders encouraged local residents to attend the vigil to pay their respects to the fallen soldier. A public funeral service is scheduled for Friday morning. Supporters are being encouraged to line the procession route to honor her memory.