Section 1: A Tragic Loss
On a fateful Wednesday night, a catastrophic midair collision over the Potomac River claimed the lives of 67 individuals, including Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach, a devoted Army officer. Initially, Lobach’s family chose to withhold her identity, respecting their grief as the other two soldiers, Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Lloyd Eaves, were publicly named. However, on Saturday, the Army revealed Lobach’s name as the third soldier aboard the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the deadly crash. She was the final crew member to be identified.
Section 2: A Life of Service
Lobach, from Durham, North Carolina, had served in the U.S. Army for six years, a proud member of the 12th Aviation Battalion stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Despite her relatively short military career, she made significant contributions. She had not yet been deployed abroad but had received multiple commendations for her service, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Her commitment to others was evident not just in her military role but also in the many ways she served her community and country beyond the battlefield.
Section 3: A Caring Advocate
Beyond her official duties, Capt. Lobach was a dedicated advocate for others, particularly through her work as a Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) victim advocate. Her family shared that Lobach was passionate about helping victims of sexual violence, determined to offer compassion, understanding, and the necessary resources for healing. Her experience with SHARP only strengthened her resolve to serve with empathy and care. According to her family, Lobach often spoke about how her work in this area shaped her desire to become a physician one day, hoping to continue her education after leaving the Army and expand her ability to help others.
Section 4: A Special Connection with the White House
In addition to her service in the military, Lobach volunteered as a White House military social aide, an honor that placed her at the heart of national events. She played a role in hosting numerous high-profile events, including Medal of Honor ceremonies and Presidential Medal of Freedom awards. One memorable occasion was on January 4, when she had the privilege of escorting fashion designer Ralph Lauren as he received his Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden. This role was just one of many that demonstrated Lobach’s dedication to her country, her professionalism, and her respect for the individuals who shaped history.
Section 5: A Lasting Legacy
Lobach’s family described her as a person of many roles: a daughter, a sister, a partner, and a friend. They emphasized that while her life was tragically short, she touched the lives of all who knew her. “She was a servant, a caregiver, an advocate,” they reflected, acknowledging that her spirit of service went far beyond her military duties. The family’s statement concluded with a message of solidarity: “Our hearts break for the other families who have lost loved ones in this national tragedy, and we mourn with them.” While her family grieves, the profound impact of her actions—both within the Army and in her civilian life—remains a testament to her unwavering dedication to service and compassion.
