Funeral for Queens soldier killed overseas during Iran war held in Ozone Park

Loved ones and community members said their final goodbyes Friday to Staff Sgt. Angel Rampersad, a Queens resident who was killed overseas during the war with Iran.

Rampersad, who was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, died during a missile attack on July 17 at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. The 28-year-old was initially listed as missing before military officials confirmed her death. Her funeral was held Friday morning at Calvary Assembly of God on Rockaway Boulevard.

"I want all of you who have kids to know - hug your kids. Love your kids. I don't have mine to hug anymore," Rampersad's mother, Carol Acevedo, said.

The Ozone Park community has been mourning her loss, remembering her as a hometown hero and a beloved daughter, sister, spouse and friend. Her friends say her service to her country was just one aspect of what made her special. 

"You have all come to know her as a hero. One of the many fallen soldiers that have made the ultimate sacrifice with pride. But before all of this, she was known to us as a devoted daughter. A loving sister. A charismatic aunt. And a friend to many. She had a laugh that could heal your soul," Angel's friend Ari said at her funeral. 

"Soldiers like her don't come around very often. When they do, you fight to get them on your team and then you fight to keep them on your team," Brig. Gen. Glenn Henke said. 

Rampersad was born in Trinidad but grew up in New York. She attended P.S. 108, then Forest Hills High School, before graduating from John Jay College with a degree in criminal justice.   

The tributes at her funeral kept coming. 

"I know she's a soldier, and that's what a lot of people are here to celebrate. But she was such a good example of what a decent human being is," one speaker said. 

"You died a hero. But you lived as one long before that day," said another. 

Rampersad's sister, Laura, provided the eulogy.

"She wanted her life to stand for something. She wanted to serve others, and so she did," Laura said. 

Glenn Henke, Rampersad's commanding general when she was stationed in Germany, followed the emotional speech with a tribute. 

"The lucky people who knew her have what she left with them: The light, that laughter. The soldiers who served with her will continue to carry her forward with them," Henke said.

Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani both attended her funeral.

The governor praised Rampersad for living a life of courage and selflessness. Hochul ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff.

"Angel gave her best to America. And America is grateful," she said. 

Hochul also spoke directly to Acevedo. 

"This is also a celebration of you, because you gave us the gift," Hochul said. 

The impact of her life and loss was palpably felt not just inside the church as those who knew Rampersad best paid tribute, but also outside, as neighbors gathered to salute and say thank you to someone they never got to meet. 

"We're pretty tight in this community. We're there for them and the family," one area resident said. "The sacrifice she made for our country and for everyone in this world. Thank you, rest in peace, and God bless her family." 

After the service, the procession made its way to Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, where Rampersad now is at rest.