The Army has identified Captain Rebecca M. Lobach as the third soldier involved in the tragic midair collision of a Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on Wednesday night. The heartbreaking news comes as the nation mourns the loss of 67 lives in the crash between the helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet.
Captain Rebecca M. Lobach’s identity was initially withheld in the aftermath of the disaster
Captain Lobach, a dedicated six-year Army veteran from Durham, North Carolina, was assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Her family initially chose to withhold her identity when the Army first released the names of the other two soldiers who lost their lives in the crash: Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Lloyd Eaves.
In a heartfelt statement, Lobach’s family shared, “Rebecca was many things. She was a daughter, sister, partner, and friend. She was a servant, a caregiver, and an advocate. Above all, she loved and was deeply loved. Though her life was short, she touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Our hearts ache for the other families who have lost loved ones in this tragedy, and we grieve alongside them.”
Captain Lobach’s service was marked by dedication and compassion. Though she had no deployments, she was honored with several awards, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon. Her family highlighted her role as a White House military social aide, where she supported the president and first lady in hosting numerous events, including ceremonies honoring recipients of the Medal of Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Lobach was also a certified Army Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) victim advocate, a role that reflected her deep commitment to helping others. Her family shared that she once said, “My experiences with SHARP have reinforced my resolve to serve others with compassion, understanding, and the resources necessary for healing.” She had dreams of continuing her education to become a physician, hoping to serve her country in a new capacity after her time in the Army.
Her family’s words resonate with profound loss and love: “Her life was short, but she made a difference in the lives of all who knew her. Our hearts break for the other families who have lost loved ones in this national tragedy, and we mourn with them.”
As the nation reflects on this devastating event, Captain Rebecca Lobach’s legacy of service, compassion, and dedication will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who hear her story.
Who was the female pilot of the Black Hawk?
Captain Rebecca M. Lobach was Captain Rebecca M. Lobach identified as the 3rd soldier in Black Hawk mid air collision
