For her ‘it was about service’

Trinidad-born United States Army Sergeant Angel Sarah Rampersad fulfilled her dream of serving in the US military.Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, Queens, New York, who had been reported missing following an Iranian attack on a US military base in Jordan, has been confirmed dead.The Pentagon on Tuesday identified her as the fourth American service member believed to have been killed in the July 17 attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.Her family in Trinidad yesterday took some comfort in knowing she died in service while pursuing a life she had chosen and which gave her purpose.

Died in service: United States Army Sergeant Angel Sarah Rampersad.

Rampersad’s aunt, Sandra Cooke, in a telephone interview with the Express yesterday, recalled that Rampersad’s mother, Carol Acevedo, refused to give her permission to join the US Army when she turned 18. Determined to pursue her dream, Rampersad waited until she was 21 and enlisted. “Her mummy told her no, so she waited until she was 21 and signed up. This was not a political thing for her, she went in the previous administration. It was about service and she excelled at everything she did. She was so devoted and ­passionate about whatever she put her mind to, she climbed the ranks quickly and at 28 she was already a sergeant,” said Cooke.Cooke, who lives in Waterloo, said Rampersad and her mother left Trinidad when she was about two years old.However, she said Trinidad was always Rampersad’s second home, as she frequently returned during summer breaks, at Christmas and for vacations. “She was a beach and island person. She and my son have the same age so they were very close and every day was beach when she was here,” she said.Cooke described Rampersad as a very active person who was always involved in physical activities, including taekwondo and karate.“She was a very homely child. She loved coconut bake, doubles and everything Trini,” she said.Cooke said she admired Rampersad’s determination and drive. “She was always on top of her game. She loved serving in the army and travelling,” she said.She recalled that Rampersad had previously been stationed in Hawaii and Germany before being posted to Jordan.Cooke said news of her death sent shock waves through the family, and her mother has been struggling to cope as she yearns to see her daughter’s face one last time.“When we heard news about the tower being hit, we were really hoping that she was just missing and that she would be found. But they found remnants of her, they had to dig her out of the rubble. All her mother wanted to know was whether she was would be able to see her child’s face again, but no military person could answer that question,” she said.Cooke said Rampersad had to be identified through DNA testing. She said the family, including herself, broke down when they saw the caskets return to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. Cooke said Rampersad would forever be remembered for her determination, service and sacrifice.Tributes pour in There has been an outpouring of grief and tributes for Rampersad. Yesterday, her remains returned in a casket draped with the American flag to Dover Air Force Base during a transfer attended by US President Donald Trump.Rampersad was assigned to the Germany-based First Battalion, 57th Air Defence Artillery Regiment, 52nd Air Defence Artillery Brigade, Tenth Army Air and Missile Defence Command.Her family was in attendance at Dover Air Force Base as her remains were returned by her fellow soldiers, who carried her casket from the aircraft to the transfer vehicle.US President Trump and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth watched and saluted as the four fallen service members were returned during a ceremony on the tarmac.American flags in New York were flown at half-mast in tribute to the fallen soldiers.New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said: “Sgt Rampersad’s courage and sacrifice will be remembered not just in Queens, but across all five boroughs. My deepest condolences are with her family, loved ones, and all those grieving this profound loss.”Gov Kathy Hochul called it an “unimaginable loss”. “My heart is with her family, loved ones and the soldiers who stood beside her.”At home, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar extended condolences to the United States and paid special tribute to Rampersad, whose father is a Trinidad and Tobago national and whose mother is an American citizen. Persad-Bissessar said the country mourned her passing with “particular sorrow” because of her connection to T&T.“Though she served under the flag of the United States, Sergeant Rampersad also shared a meaningful connection with our nation through her Trinidad and Tobago heritage,” the Prime Minister said.A release from the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs stated US authorities formally notified T&T’s acting Vice Consulate in New York of Rampersad’s death.Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers spoke with her father, extending condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago.On Tuesday, a team from the Consulate General in New York, led by Vice Consul (­Finance) Sherry Lalla, visited Sgt Rampersad’s family to express the nation’s sympathies and offer support.The ministry stated that Rampersad’s T&T heritage gave her loss a special resonance for the nation. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to her parents and relatives, her fellow service members and all those whose lives she touched.“May Sergeant Angel Sarah Rampersad and her fallen colleagues rest in eternal peace, and may their grieving families find strength and comfort in the knowledge that their service, courage and sacrifice will be remembered and honoured,” it stated.According to US officials, 18 American service members have been killed since the ­conflict with Iran escalated.