Sgt. Angel “Sarah” Rampersad, a 28-year-old soldier from Queens, was honored in a funeral service on August 1 at the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Ozone Park, New York. Rampersad was one of four U.S. service members killed on July 17 in an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. The attack marked the first direct Iranian fire to cause American troop fatalities since the early stages of ongoing regional conflicts.

Rampersad’s family, friends, and community members gathered to pay tribute to her life and service. Her mother, Carol Acevedo, described her as a “real hero” and urged others to cherish their loved ones. Rampersad’s sister, Lauren Tamby, recalled her sister’s dedication both within and beyond the military, highlighting her musical involvement in church and athletic participation during high school. Tamby described Rampersad as someone who understood that her talents were meant to serve others, noting her resilience, humility, and generous spirit.

Friends and fellow soldiers remembered Rampersad as a courageous leader and a compassionate individual who brought warmth and humor to those around her. Several eulogies emphasized her adventurous nature, selflessness, and ability to inspire loyalty and respect across different ranks in the military. The president of the Queens Sunday School Association praised her leadership style, noting that Rampersad’s approach earned her acceptance and admiration from peers and superiors alike.

Following the service, Rampersad was laid to rest at the Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale. An NYPD honor guard carried her coffin and led a motorcade through Queens as a final tribute. Veterans’ groups and local residents attended to show their respects, with some expressing that Rampersad’s sacrifice resonated deeply even among those who had not known her personally.

The U.S. Central Command indicated that Rampersad and her colleagues were deployed in support of operations against the Islamic State group at the time of the attack. Her death, along with three other soldiers killed in the incident, underscored ongoing risks faced by U.S. military personnel in the region.

The funeral’s atmosphere combined grief with a celebration of Rampersad’s legacy as a protector of others and a beloved member of her community. Attendees reflected on her commitment to service as emblematic of the sacrifices made by many in the armed forces.