Honoring a Hometown Hero: Queens Community Unites After Death of U.S. Army Sgt. Angel Rampersad

by Jessica Easthope

One person who has been there since the beginning of this tragic period is Diocese of Brooklyn Deacon Carlos Garcia. Taking on the role of a family spokesperson, Deacon Garcia has helped guide Sgt. Rampersad’s family spiritually through their loss.

“This is what we do as deacons, you know? We’re not always called to be on the altar. And when you get the call just to be present in a situation like this, that you can uplift the family, the ministry of presence – it goes beyond,” Deacon Garcia said.

Sgt. Rampersad was one of four service members believed to be killed in action during an Iranian missile attack on a U.S. base in Jordan on July 17. The John Jay College graduate joined the Army in 2019 and was serving as a signal operations support specialist when she made the ultimate sacrifice.

Ruben Martinez, a neighbor and 4th degree Knight of Columbus, helped get Sgt. Rampersad’s family this flag pole outside their home. It sits at half staff for a soldier who loved ones say was first a daughter, sister and friend — active in her Christian church and always the first to defend others.

“These veterans should be given a beautiful sendoff for all the sacrifices they made for this great nation of ours. That we could play a small part, it’s gratifying,” Martinez said.

Sgt. Rampersad’s remains will be driven from Dover Air Force Base back to Queens on July 29 for her wake and funeral. The public is invited to attend her funeral on Friday, July 31 in Ozone Park and stand along Cross Bay Boulevard as her procession passes.