The American soldier who was killed in Jordan during an Iranian attack is being remembered as living a "life of courage and selflessness." Sgt. Angel Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York, was among the three soldiers killed in action on July 17, 2026, during an enemy attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
U.S. Central Command said over the weekend that the service members died as CENTCOM and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Sgt. Rampersad lived a life of courage and selflessness, and her sacrifice will be remembered not just by her community, but across the nation.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul praised Sgt. Rampersad, saying "New York, and our nation, are safer because of brave Americans like her who answer the call to serve." Hochul added that her heart was with Rampersad's family, loved ones, and the soldiers who stood beside her as they grieve this unimaginable loss.
The other two soldiers believed to have been killed in the attack were identified as 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas. They were in Jordan supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, the international campaign against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
The incident leading to Sgt. Rampersad's death is under investigation, and she was previously identified as missing. Sgt. Rampersad was assigned to 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52d Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Ansbach, Germany, and served as a 25U Signal Operations Support Specialist.
Rampersad enlisted in the Army in March 2019 and earned awards 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." Her fellow soldiers and commanders are mourning her loss and extending their deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.
The nation is paying tribute to Sgt. Rampersad's courage and sacrifice, and her memory will be honored and remembered by all those who knew her. Her bravery will not be forgotten, and her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched during her time in service.
The Department of War is working to support Sgt. Rampersad's family and loved ones during this difficult time, and the nation will continue to stand behind them as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
