Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach, a brilliant and fearless U.S. Army officer, was among the three soldiers killed in Wednesday’s midair collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet near Reagan National Airport. Known for her meticulous nature, unwavering dedication, and exceptional leadership, Lobach left an indelible mark on those who knew her.
A Life of Excellence and Service
Originally from Durham, North Carolina, Lobach had been an Army aviation officer since 2019, earning both a commendation medal and an achievement medal for her outstanding service. She graduated as a distinguished military graduate from the University of North Carolina, ranking in the top 20% of ROTC cadets nationwide. Last month, she was selected to escort designer Ralph Lauren at the White House when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a testament to her excellence and professionalism.
She was described as “a talented pilot and a PT stud” by her close friend and former training partner, Davis Winkie, a USA Today White House correspondent who trained with her at Fort Knox in 2018. With over 450 hours of flight time, Lobach was certified as a pilot-in-command, a designation granted only after rigorous testing by senior pilots.
A Mentor and a Role Model
Lobach’s leadership extended beyond the cockpit. She mentored young officers, inspiring many to follow in her footsteps. Lexi Freas, now an aviation officer in the D.C. National Guard, credited Lobach’s guidance for her own career path, saying, “She didn’t just want to be a leader—she wanted to be the best pilot possible.”
Her dedication to others was further evident in her work as a certified sexual harassment/assault response and prevention victim advocate, reflecting her commitment to creating a safer and more supportive environment for her fellow soldiers.
A Personality Larger Than Life
Friends recall Lobach as kind, ambitious, and endlessly determined. Former military recruiter Bilal Kordab described her as “someone who always went the extra mile, pushing herself to be the best of the best.”
Sabrina Bell, another close friend, noted that Lobach approached everything with precision and passion, never settling for mediocrity. Whether on the basketball court—where she played Division III college basketball before transferring to UNC—or in the Army, she gave nothing less than her all.
One of Winkie’s fondest memories was from their time at Fort Knox, when they discovered a MH-6 Little Bird helicopter and tried to fit inside its compact cockpit. “I’ll be damned if we didn’t somehow stuff ourselves in,” he recalled. “My neck hurt, and I don’t think we would’ve been able to fly it, but we were both beaming in the selfie she took.”
A Family’s Heartfelt Tribute
Lobach’s family expressed deep devastation at her loss, describing her as “a bright star in all our lives”—someone who was “kind, generous, brilliant, funny, ambitious, and strong.” They shared that she had aspirations of becoming a physician after completing her military service.
“No one dreamed bigger or worked harder to achieve her goals,” their statement read. “We ask for privacy as we grieve this unimaginable loss.”
A Nation Mourns
The crash, which claimed the lives of 67 people, has ignited discussions about air traffic control procedures, altitude discrepancies, and flight safety regulations. President Donald Trump controversially blamed the helicopter’s altitude for the accident, though no evidence has emerged supporting the claim.
As the investigation continues, those who knew Lobach are left with memories of a brilliant officer, an inspiring leader, and an irreplaceable friend. Her legacy of excellence, fearlessness, and selfless service will not be forgotten.
Courtesy:AP
