Queens Sgt. Angel Rampersad’s ‘beautiful spirit’ remembered at funeral

Even before she was killed overseas in an Iranian attack on a U.S. airbase, Queens Army Sgt. Angel Rampersad was living a dedicated life of commitment and service.

Before she enlisted — her mother urged her to wait until she was 21 — Rampersad was a drummer in a youth group at her church, where she also sang in the choir, when she wasn’t running track or playing softball at Forest Hills High School.

“She chose to dedicate herself to something greater than herself: to protecting others, serving her country, and defending the freedoms that we often take for granted,” Rampersad’s sister, Lauren Tamby, said during the fallen soldier’s funeral service Friday at the Calvary Assembly of God Church on Rockaway Blvd. in Ozone Park.

“Behind that uniform was so much more than a soldier. Behind that uniform was a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a cherished friend, and a beloved member of her family. Behind that uniform was a woman with a beautiful spirit,” Tamby said.

Tamby called her Rampersad “Sarah,” a family nickname, and remembered her as a strong and selfless sister.

“Whether she was behind the drums in church or wearing the uniform of the United States Army, Sarah understood something important,” Tamby said. “Her gifts were meant not only for herself. They were meant for others. Sarah served her country with resilience, humility and a generous spirit.”

Rampersad, 28, and three soldiers were killed on an air base in Jordan by Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks in the first troop deaths from direct Iranian fire since the opening days of the war.

They were deployed to support a U.S. mission against the Islamic State group, a U.S. Central Command statement said.

“My daughter was a real hero and I will miss her dearly,” said Rampersad’s mother, Carol Acevedo. “I want you all to know, all those who have kids, love your kids. Hug them.”

Gov. Hochul expressed gratitude and pride for the immigrants who come to America and believe in the country so much that they make sacrifices, like Rampersad did.

“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 that they are not born in,” Hochul said.  ‘That is a lesson that should be observed.”

The governor said she felt like she knew the soldier.

“I feel like after reading and admiring this woman from a distance, I feel like she could be one of my daughters,” she said. “I’m just processing the stories I heard, the loss that feels even greater than when I walked in the door, now that I feel I know her. Angel gave her best to America, and America is grateful.”

Mayor Mamdani on Friday ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for Sgt. Rampersad, whom he called “a proud daughter of Ozone Park.”

“(She) devoted her life to serving our country,” Mamdani said. “She met that calling with courage, integrity and a deep commitment to others. Today, our city mourns her loss, grieves with her family and all who loved her.”