The U.S. Army today identified the third person on board the Black Hawk helicopter that collided with a passenger jet over the Potomac River Wednesday as Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach, of Durham, North Carolina.
The U.S. Army said Lobach was an aviation officer in the Army from July 2019 until last month.
Lobach’s family said in a statement shared by the Army that was a certified pilot-in-command with more than 450 hours of light time. She was also a former platoon leader and company executive officer in the 12th Aviation Battalion, Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, who volunteered to work at the White House.
“Rebecca was honored to serve as a White House Military Social Aide, volunteering to support the President and First Lady in hosting countless White House events, including ceremonies awarding the Medal of Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” her family said.
It said Lobach was also a certified Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Victim Advocate and hoped to become a physician following her time as a soldier.
“She was a daughter, sister, partner, and friend,” the family said. “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.”
The Army said she was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
