Staff Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad is being remembered not only for her service in the U.S. Army, but for the warmth, humor and devotion she brought to the people closest to her.

Rampersad, 28, was from Ozone Park, Queens, and was born in Trinidad. She moved to the United States with her mother and sister when she was a young child. She later graduated from Forest Hills High School and earned a degree in criminal justice from John Jay College.

She joined the Army after becoming determined to pursue a military career. Over the following years, she served in Hawaii and Germany before being deployed to Jordan. She earned multiple military awards during her service and was later posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.

Rampersad was killed on July 17, 2026, during an attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. She was one of three U.S. service members killed in the attack.

But to her family, Angel was much more than a soldier.

Her mother, Carol Acevedo, described her daughter with immense pride while mourning her loss. Rampersad’s family said she was a devoted daughter, sister and wife who loved her family fiercely. She was also remembered as a musician, athlete and someone who could make people around her feel welcome.

Friends remembered her as someone with an infectious smile and a strong sense of adventure. Army friend Deonne Jinkins said Rampersad was exceptionally kind and recalled how she made time for friends and turned ordinary moments into happy memories.

At her funeral in Queens, hundreds of relatives, friends, fellow soldiers and community members gathered to say goodbye. Her mother delivered an emotional tribute, calling her daughter a hero and urging other parents to cherish their children.

Rampersad was later laid to rest at Long Island National Cemetery with military honors.

For the people who knew her, her story is not defined only by the circumstances of her death. It is also the story of a daughter who was deeply loved, a soldier who dedicated herself to service, and a friend whose smile and personality left a lasting impression.

Angel Sarah Rampersad was 28 years old. Her family and community continue to remember her as someone who lived with courage, kindness and a fierce love for the people around her.