Queens Mourns Trinidad-Born Soldier Killed Overseas

 New York political leaders have united in paying tribute to Trinidad-born United States Army Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad following her death in an Iranian missile strike at a military installation in Jordan, describing her as a courageous service member whose sacrifice will be remembered across the state and the nation.

The Pentagon announced on Tuesday that Rampersad, 28, is believed to have been killed in action on July 17, 2026, during an enemy attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. Officials said the incident remains under investigation. She had previously been listed as missing before her status was changed to Duty Status, Whereabouts Unknown, and is now believed to be deceased.

Rampersad was raised in the Ozone Park community of Queens, New York. Her parents, Basdeo and Carol Rampersad, are originally from Trinidad and Tobago.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the state was mourning the loss of one of its own. “Today, New York mourns the loss of one of our own, Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad of Ozone Park, who is believed to have been killed in action while serving our nation on July 17,” Hochul said. She added that Rampersad’s life reflected “courage and selflessness” and said New York and the United States were safer because of people willing to answer the call to serve. “May we honour her memory, remember her sacrifice and keep all who loved her in our prayers,” the governor said.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also honoured the fallen soldier, saying her courage would be remembered throughout Queens and the city’s five boroughs. He extended condolences to her relatives, friends, and fellow service members, noting that overseas conflicts have a lasting impact on many New Yorkers. “We are forever grateful for their service and will work every day to honour it,” he said.

In a joint statement, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Joann Ariola said the city was grieving the presumed loss of an Ozone Park resident who died while serving her country. They offered sympathy to her family and expressed hope for the safety and return of all service members deployed overseas.

State Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, whose 38th Assembly District includes Ozone Park, described Rampersad as “an American hero.” She told the Caribbean Media Corporation that the soldier demonstrated courage, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to duty. Rajkumar said her sacrifice would never be forgotten and pledged continued support for military families through her role on the New York State Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. She added that she stood “shoulder to shoulder” with Rampersad’s parents and loved ones during their time of grief.