The family of Sgt. Angel Rampersad gathered outside her Ozone Park home to honor the fallen U.S. soldier, who was killed in a recent Iranian attack on a U.S. airbase.

Following a solemn dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, her mother, Carol Acevedo, expressed both intense grief and immense pride. “She died for this nation, and I am so deeply proud of her,” Acevedo said near an American flag flying at half-staff. “She loved her duty and gave it her all.”

Rampersad, born in Trinidad and raised in Queens, was determined to serve from a young age. Her aunt, Judy Rackel, shared that Rampersad enlisted independently just days after turning 21, following years of studying criminal justice at John Jay College.

“She was always the anchor for our family—calm, strong, and brave,” Rackel recalled.

While political discussions surrounding the conflict continue, the family remains focused on celebrating her life. Local leaders, including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, have announced initiatives to rename a street corner and a neighborhood school after her.

“Angel’s sacrifice and heroism are undisputed,” Richards said. “Her legacy will live on across Queens and the entire country.”