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NEW YORK, New York (WCBS) — A mother in Queens is mourning the unimaginable loss of her daughter, who was among four soldiers killed in an attack on a U.S. base in the Middle East last week.
Sgt. Angel Rampersad, 28, died during an Iranian missile attack on a base in Jordan. She was initially reported missing before the military confirmed she died.
“I am a mother that is highly proud of her”
Carol Acevedo was in tears as she stood beside her family Thursday, remembering her first-born daughter.
“My daughter was a good soldier. She fought for this country, and she died for this country, and I am a mother that is highly proud of her,” she said.
And so is Queens.
“We’ll remember her as the drummer, singer and star athlete at Forest Hills High School. Her family will remember her as a model daughter, wife, sister and a dog mom,” Borough President Donovan Richards said.
“She was a daughter of Ozone Park, hometown hero, and American hero whose life and service will never be forgotten,” said Sam Esposito, president of the Ozone Park Residents Block Association.
“We know that our heroes in uniform don’t serve alone. Their families serve right along with them,” Richards said. “To Angel’s wife, her parents, sister, and loved ones, we thank you. Thank you for your sacrifice because it is a sacrifice.”
Leaders and family members announced that a vigil will be held in front of the family’s home at 7 p.m. Monday, and funeral services are still being arranged.
Rampersad was a decorated soldier
Born in Trinidad, Rampersad came from a military family. She attended P.S. 108, then Forest Hills High School, and later graduated from John Jay College with a degree in criminal justice.
“She was unable at 18 to sign up for the military without her mom’s permission. So a few days after her 21st birthday, she made an appointment with the recruiter and signed up on her own,” aunt Judy Rackal said.
Her mother said Rampersad had found her calling.
“I know she was really, really focused on what she was doing. She loved it,” Acevedo said.
She is survived by her parents, older sister and her wife, whom she met in the military.
Rampersad earned several awards during her service, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon, according to Army officials.
“Our country will remember. Even though she wasn’t born in the U.S., she loved it so much that she was willing to defend it with her own life,” Richards said.
Rampersad was a “gentle giant,” family says
Neighbors say they remember her just as much for her kindness as they do her service.
“She was faithful to her family, and to her friends she was a loving daughter,” said Deacon Carlos Garcia. “She loved her family fiercely and will live on in the hearts of everyone she touched.”
Affectionately known as Sarah, her family said their angel will always live in their hearts.
“She had a quiet strength even as a child,” Rackal said.
Rampersad’s family released a statement calling her a “gentle giant.”
“She stood up for those who couldn’t fight for themselves — a defender, a friend. She loved her family fiercely and will live on in the hearts of everyone she touched,” the statement read in part.
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