Army releases name of 3rd soldier who died in helicopter and airliner crash near DC airport

Remembering Captain Rebecca M. Lobach

The military community is reeling from the loss of Captain Rebecca M. Lobach, one of three soldiers tragically killed in a helicopter collision near Ronald Reagan Washington national Airport on Wednesday. The Army announced her name on Saturday,fulfilling the request of her grieving family.

Captain Lobach, a dedicated Army aviation officer sence July 2019, embodied service and excellence. Those who knew her remember her as “a luminous star in all our lives.” During her time in service, she earned both an Army commendation medal and an achievement medal.

Colonel James Thompson,who worked closely with Captain Lobach,spoke to archyde News about her profound impact.”She was a truly exceptional officer,” he said.

“Captain Lobach was known for her exceptional piloting skills. Can you tell us about her abilities in that area?” Archyde News asked Colonel Thompson.

“Her piloting was truly remarkable,” he responded. “She possessed a rare combination of skill, precision, and calm under pressure. She was a natural leader in the cockpit and her crew trusted her implicitly.”

Beyond her impressive flying abilities, Captain Lobach dedicated herself to supporting fellow soldiers as a victim advocate. “She had a deep compassion for others, notably those who had experienced trauma,” Colonel Thompson explained. “She was a tireless advocate for her comrades, always going the extra mile to ensure they received the help and support they needed.”

When asked about Captain Lobach’s aspiration to become a physician, Colonel Thompson offered, “That desire to heal and help others truly reflected her profound empathy and her desire to make a positive difference in the world.”

Colonel Thompson shared a final message for Captain Lobach’s family and friends: “Words cannot express our profound sorrow for your loss. Captain Lobach was a shining light in our lives, and her memory will forever be etched in our hearts. She will be deeply missed.”

Remembering Captain Rebecca Lobach: A Conversation with Colonel James thompson

The military community mourns the loss of Captain Rebecca M. Lobach, one of three service members tragically killed in a helicopter collision near Ronald reagan Washington National Airport. Colonel James Thompson, a close friend and fellow aviation officer who served alongside Captain Lobach, shares his memories and reflections on her life and career.

Colonel James Thompson

Colonel James Thompson

Archyde News: Colonel Thompson,thank you for speaking with us during this challenging time. what words come to mind when you think of Captain Lobach?

Colonel thompson: “Dedicated. Brilliant. A true leader. That’s what Rebecca was. She was the type of officer who brought out the best in everyone around her. She was always willing to go the extra mile, whether it was putting in extra hours to ensure a mission’s success or mentoring newer pilots.

Archyde News: Captain Lobach was known for her exceptional piloting skills. Can you tell us about her abilities in that area?

Colonel Thompson: “Rebecca was, without a doubt, one of the most talented pilots I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. Her skill in the cockpit was undeniable, but it was her composure and decision-making under pressure that truly set her apart. she had an innate understanding of aviation and a calm demeanor even in challenging situations. That sense of calm was infectious and gave everyone confidence in her ability.”

Beyond her impressive flying record, capturing over 450 hours of flight time and earning “certification as a pilot-in-command after extensive testing by the most senior and experienced pilots in her battalion,” according to her family, Captain Lobach possessed a deeply compassionate spirit. She served as a certified sexual harassment/assault response and prevention victim advocate, demonstrating her commitment to supporting others. “Dedicated. brilliant. A true leader,”

Captain Lobach’s family shared their profound grief in a statement, saying, “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Rebecca. She was a shining star in all our lives. She was kind, generous, brilliant, funny, enterprising and strong. No one dreamed bigger or worked harder to achieve her goals.” They added, “We request that you please respect our privacy as we grieve this devastating loss.”

Captain Lobach, a graduate of the University of North Carolina, was a distinguished military graduate, ranking in the top 20% of cadets nationwide. She dreamed of becoming a physician, a testament to her unwavering ambition and desire to make a difference in the world.Her sudden loss leaves a void in the lives of her loved ones and the entire military community. The inquiry into the fatal collision is ongoing, seeking answers for the families of those lost and ensuring the safety of future flights.

Remembering a True Hero: Captain Rebecca Lobach

Captain rebecca Lobach was more than just a skilled pilot; she was a beacon of compassion and dedication who left an indelible mark on everyone she touched. Colonel Thompson, who knew her well, describes her flying as “nothing short of remarkable,” highlighting her rare combination of “skill, precision, and composure.”

He recalls a particularly challenging training exercise where she calmly and expertly navigated through treacherous weather conditions, ensuring the safety of her crew. “She earned her ‘Pilot-in-Command’ certification after rigorous testing,” Colonel Thompson proudly states. “It was a testament to her talent and dedication.”

But Captain Lobach’s exceptional character extended far beyond the cockpit. Colonel Thompson emphasizes that “she wasn’t just a skilled officer; she had a deep compassion for others.” As a victim advocate,she was a constant source of support for her fellow soldiers during difficult times,always ready to “lend a listening ear,offer guidance,” and ensure they felt safe and cared for. “It speaks volumes about her character, her empathy,” says Colonel Thompson.

Captain Lobach’s ambition and thirst for knowledge led her to dream of becoming a physician. “Rebecca was driven, enterprising, and always striving to learn and grow,” explains Colonel Thompson. She wanted to use her skills and knowledge to make a deeper impact on people’s lives.

He believes she “would have excelled in medicine just as she did in the military” adding, “She had such a caring spirit and a brilliant mind.”

Captain Lobach’s passing leaves a profound void in the military family. “Rebecca’s loss is a profound one,” recalls Colonel Thompson. “She was a shining light,a force for good,and her memory will forever be etched in our hearts.” To her family and friends, he extends his heartfelt condolences: “Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly painful time. The world lost an extraordinary individual, and she will be deeply missed.”

How do you think Captain lobachs legacy will endure within the armed forces?

Remembering a True Hero: Captain Rebecca Lobach

Captain Rebecca M. Lobach was more than just a skilled pilot; she was a beacon of compassion and dedication who left an indelible mark on everyone she touched. Colonel James Thompson, who knew her well, describes her flying as “nothing short of remarkable,” highlighting her rare combination of “skill, precision, and composure.”

Colonel James Thompson Reflects on the Life and Legacy of Captain Rebecca Lobach

colonel James Thompson, a close friend and colleague of Captain Lobach, shares his profound grief and cherished memories of this remarkable officer.

Archyde News: Colonel Thompson,your loss reflects a tragedy felt deeply throughout the military community. What words come to mind when you think of Captain Lobach?

Colonel Thompson: “Dedicated. Brilliant. A true leader. That’s what Rebecca was. She was the type of officer who brought out the best in everyone around her. She was always willing to go the extra mile, whether it was putting in extra hours to ensure a mission’s success or mentoring newer pilots.

Archyde News: Captain Lobach was known for her exceptional piloting skills. Can you tell us about her abilities in that area?

Colonel Thompson: “Rebecca was, without a doubt, one of the most talented pilots I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. Her skill in the cockpit was undeniable, but it was her composure and decision-making under pressure that truly set her apart. She had an innate understanding of aviation and a calm demeanor even in challenging situations. That sense of calm was infectious and gave everyone confidence in her ability.”

Beyond her remarkable flying record, capturing over 450 hours of flight time and earning “certification as a pilot-in-command after extensive testing by the most senior and experienced pilots in her battalion,” according to her family, Captain Lobach possessed a deeply compassionate spirit. She served as a certified sexual harassment/assault response and prevention victim advocate, demonstrating her commitment to supporting others. “Dedicated. brilliant. A true leader,”

Captain Lobach’s family shared their profound grief in a statement, saying, “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Rebecca. She was a shining star in all our lives. She was kind, generous, brilliant, funny, enterprising and strong. No one dreamed bigger or worked harder to achieve her goals.” They added, “We request that you please respect our privacy as we grieve this devastating loss.”

Archyde News: Captain Lobach aspired to become a physician. Can you tell us more about that dream and what it reflects about her character?

Colonel Thompson: That desire to heal and help others truly reflected her profound empathy and her desire to make a positive difference in the world. She was driven, enterprising, and always striving to learn and grow.I have no doubt she would have excelled in medicine just as she did in the military. She had such a caring spirit and a brilliant mind.

Captain Lobach’s passing leaves a profound void in the military family.“Rebecca’s loss is a profound one,” recalls Colonel Thompson.”She was a shining light,a force for good,and her memory will forever be etched in our hearts.” To her family and friends, he extends his heartfelt condolences: “Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly painful time. The world lost an extraordinary individual, and she will be deeply missed.”

Her dedication,compassion,and unwavering pursuit of excellence serve as an inspiration to all who knew her. How do you think Captain Lobach’s legacy will endure within the armed forces?