US Congressman Gregory Meeks Fights For Recognition of Trinidadian-Born Soldier Killed in Iran War

NEW YORK, New York – United States Democratic Congressman Gregory W. Meeks says he’s “fighting for recognition” of Trinidadian-born Staff Sgt. Angel Rampersad, who was killed in Jordan while on assignment in the Iran War.

“At the top of the week, I sent a letter to Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding the names of fallen US service members Staff Sergeant Angel Rampersad, Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, Private Isabella Gonzales and Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton be restored to the official count of the Iran War casualties under Operation Epic Fury on the Department of Defense’s website,” said Meeks in a message to constituents in the 5th Congressional District in Queens, New York.

He said the letter follows the Pentagon’s response to media reports alleging an intentional effort by the Trump administration to minimize the war’s toll.

Meeks said that in the Pentagon’s July 23, 2026, statement on X “they maintained that the removal of the service members’ names from the official death count from Operation Epic Fury was due to a ‘temporary data disruption,’ yet no corrective action has been taken since.”

In his letter to Hegseth, Meeks wrote that “Staff Sergeant Angel Rampersad, one of my constituents, made the ultimate sacrifice when a missile struck Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, killing her and three fellow US service members.

“She served her country with honour and dedication, and she is remembered by her family, friends and community for her commitment to serving others. The same is true for Lieutenant Feehan, Private Gonzales and Sergeant Swinton. Each answered our nation’s call, and each deserves to have their sacrifice accurately recognized in the Department’s official historical record.”

He said since the Defense Casualty Analysis System is the Department of Defense’s public-facing record of casualties of historical and ongoing military conflicts, the omission of the deceased service members names raises rightful concerns about transparency and an accurate depiction of the human cost of the Iran war.

“These concerns are only exacerbated by President Trump comparing of past wars, and their death counts, on Truth Social as an attempt to minimize the 18 US service member deaths that have resulted from the United States’ current war against Iran.

“Every US service member lost is one too many. Their service deserves to be recognized and dignified.”

Meeks is requesting a response from Hegseth to several questions including why are the deaths of Rampersad and the other soldiers are currently recorded under ‘Overseas Operations’ rather than under Operation Epic Fury in the Defense Casualty Analysis System.

Meeks also paid tribute Staff Sgt. Rampersad, whose parents, Basdeo and Carol Rampersad, were born in Trinidad and Tobago.

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Sgt. Angel Rampersad, who was a courageous member of our armed forces, beloved daughter and cherished community member,” Meeks said. “I was saddened to learn of her tragic passing while answering the call to serve our nation.

“We will always remember Sgt. Rampersad’s dedication, courage and lasting legacy of service she leaves behind. While no words can ease the pain of this profound loss, my heart and deepest condolences go out to her loved ones during this unimaginable time.”