General Glenn Henke, commander of the 10th Army Air Missile Defense Command, praised Rampersad as an exceptional and motivated soldier, noting that "Staff Sergeant Rampersad had the potential to go as far in the Army as she decided to go.
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Nothing was going to stand in her way."
Rampersad's mother, Carol Acevedo, spoke emotionally to mourners, recalling her daughter as a hero and urging other parents to cherish their children.
"My daughter was a real hero, and I will miss her dearly," she said. "All those who have kids, love your kids, hug them.
I don’t have mine to hug anymore. But to those who have, embrace them, cherish them, and be there for them."
The funeral procession was led by the NYPD Highway Patrol, with military veterans, FDNY officials, and police saluting as Rampersad's casket, draped with the American flag, was carried into the church.
She was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant and laid to rest at Long Island National Cemetery.
Sgt.
Rampersad, 28, originally from Trinidad and raised in Ozone Park, New York, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment in Germany.
She died alongside 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan and Pvt.
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Isabella Gonzales while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
