Rep. Meeks Fights for Recognition of Staff Sgt. Angel Rampersad and U.S. Service Members Killed in Iran War

Rep. Meeks Fights for Recognition of Staff Sgt. Angel Rampersad and U.S. Service Members Killed in Iran War

Queens, NY- U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) sent a letter to Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding the names of fallen U.S. 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.

The letter follows the Pentagon's response to media reports alleging an intentional effort by the Trump Administration to minimize the war's toll. In the Pentagon's July 23, 2026, statement on X (formerly Twitter), 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.

Congressman Meeks wrote in the letter:

"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 U.S. service members. She served her country with honor 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."

Read the full letter by clicking the document attached