The U.S. Army had identified Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach, of Durham, North Carolina, as the third soldier aboard the Black Hawk helicopter that was involved in the midair collision over the Potomac River on Wednesday night.
Lobach, a six-year veteran of the Army, was assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Her name was released on Saturday after her family initially requested privacy.
A Life of Service and Dedication
“Rebecca was many things,” her family said in a statement. “She was a daughter, sister, partner, and friend. She was a servant, a caregiver, an advocate. Most of all, she loved and was loved. 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.”
Lobach was among 67 victims in the tragic collision between the Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jetliner. The two other soldiers killed were Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Lloyd Eaves.
Related News: First U.S. Midair Collision in 16 Years Leaves 67 Dead
Recognized Military Service and Advocacy
Though Lobach had no overseas deployments, she was highly decorated for her service. Her awards include:
- Army Commendation Medal
- Army Achievement Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Army Service Ribbon
Beyond her military duties, Lobach served as a White House military social aide, assisting in ceremonies such as the Medal of Honor and Presidential Medal of Freedom presentations. On January 4, just weeks before the crash, she escorted fashion designer Ralph Lauren as he received the Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden.
A Passion for Helping Others
Lobach was a certified Army Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) victim advocate, dedicating her time to supporting survivors. She had previous aspirations of furthering her education to become a physician after completing military service.
“She once said, ‘My experiences with SHARP have reinforced my resolve to serve others with compassion, understanding, and the resources necessary for healing,'” her family shared.
As the nation mourns the loss of Capt. Rebecca Lobach, her legacy of service, advocacy, and leadership will never be forgotten.
