Flags line Ozone Park block for fallen soldier Sgt. Angel Rampersad
OZONE PARK, Queens (WABC) -- Residents in Ozone Park are mourning the loss of Sergeant Angel Rampersad, one of four American soldiers killed in the war with Iran, as community members prepare to honor her memory and support her family.
President Trump oversaw the dignified transfer of the fallen service members at Dover Air Force Base. Later Thursday, the Ozone Park Residents Block Association is expected to hold a news conference addressing Rampersad's death and its impact on the community.
On Wednesday, neighbors gathered along 96th Street to remember the fallen soldier, placing American flags throughout the block she called home. Residents described the display as a tribute to the freedoms Rampersad helped defend through her military service.
"It's a tragedy," one neighbor said. "You hate to see something like this happen to a genuine hero. These are great people. These are our neighbors. And we're all leaving our lights on for her."
According to the report, Rampersad was among 18 Americans who have died since the conflict began nearly five months ago, a toll that has left a profound sense of loss across the Ozone Park community.
In a statement, family members described the fallen soldier as a "gentle giant" who was active in church from a young age and dedicated herself to protecting those who could not defend themselves.
