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Remembering Captain Rebecca Lobach: A Friend, A Pilot, A Luminary
the military community is mourning the loss of Captain Rebecca Lobach, a brilliant adn fearless pilot who tragically perished in a helicopter crash. Davis Winkie, a fellow Army veteran and reporter for USA Today, shared a poignant tribute to his late friend, painting a vivid portrait of a woman who was both exceptionally talented and deeply beloved.
“Rebecca was brilliant and fearless,a talented pilot and a total PT stud,” Winkie wrote,highlighting Lobach’s remarkable physical strength and mental acuity. Their paths first crossed during summer basic training at Fort Knox in 2018. They were both relative newcomers to the ROTC program, bonding over their shared experience as the “new kids on the block.” Winkie recalled a particular moment during a career exploration day when they spotted a small helicopter. With her signature mischievous grin, Lobach cheekily asked, “Think we can both fit?” Despite their combined height exceeding six feet, they somehow managed to squeeze into the cockpit, capturing a hilarious selfie that perfectly encapsulates their camaraderie.
Beyond their shared military journey, Winkie and Lobach found common ground as members of Linda’s Downbar trivia team, the “Two man, Two Woman Wolfpack.” Their team may not have been victorious frequently enough, but they faced every challenge with gusto, embracing their motto, “Not Last!” Winkie fondly remembers their shared love of music (or perhaps more accurately, their shared lack thereof), admitting with a chuckle, “we sucked at the music round as all four of us had identical taste.”
Their bond extended far beyond their trivia nights and basic training drills. Winkie shared that Lobach, who became an active duty Black Hawk pilot, often called him to share captivating or humorous stories from her work. Now, Winkie is grappling with the profound loss, expressing his regret at missed opportunities to connect with his friend.
“I wish we’d taken a photo together when we had lunch a year ago. I wish I’d remembered to invite her to a party I hosted a week ago. I wish she weren’t dead,” winkie wrote, overwhelmed with grief.
“You are so missed, Rebecca,” he concluded, “This world won’t be the same without you.”
Rebecca Lobach’s accomplishments extended beyond her remarkable military career. She served as a White House social aide during the Biden administration, escorting dignitaries like Ralph Lauren during his Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony last month, showcasing her grace and professionalism on a national stage.
Tragically, two other soldiers, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves, 39, of great Mills, Maryland, and Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28, of Lilburn, Georgia, also lost their lives in the helicopter crash.
Captain Rebecca Lobach, a brilliant pilot and cherished friend, will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Davis Winkie, a fellow officer who trained with Lobach, recently shared a poignant tribute to her, highlighting the qualities that made her so special. “Rebecca was truly one of a kind,” Winkie recalled. “Brilliant, fearless, with a mischievous grin that could light up a room. She excelled as a pilot, was physically tough, and always pushed herself to be better.” But beyond her extraordinary accomplishments, it was her genuine kindness, infectious humor, and unwavering loyalty that truly shone through.
Their bond extended far beyond their military training. Winkie remembers a particular moment during those early days, “We were both latecomers to ROTC, trying to find our footing among familiar faces. During a career exploration day, we spotted this tiny helicopter. Rebecca,always up for an adventure,looks at me and says,’Think we can both fit?’ Now,between the two of us,we’re pushing six-foot-five! Somehow,with a lot of squeezing and laughter,we managed to cram ourselves into that cockpit. We took a selfie, and it perfectly captured Rebecca’s spirit – fearless, adventurous, and ready for anything.”
Their paths diverged after training, with Lobach becoming an active-duty Black Hawk pilot and Winkie joining the NC Army National Guard. Despite the distance, their friendship remained strong. “She’d always call when she had a captivating story from her work,” Winkie shared. “Even when our lives took different turns, Rebecca remained a constant source of support and laughter.”
Rebecca’s tragic death in a helicopter crash has left an immeasurable void. When asked how he hopes people will remember her, Winkie reflected, “Rebecca was more than just a brilliant pilot. She was a friend, a confidante, a source of endless laughter. I hope people remember her infectious smile, her unwavering courage, and her commitment to living life to the fullest. Rebecca’s spirit continues to inspire us, reminding us to embrace life’s adventures, cherish our friendships, and never lose sight of what truly matters.”
Rebecca’s legacy extends far beyond her military service. Her kindness, humor, and unwavering spirit touched countless lives. Her untimely passing is a solemn reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing every moment.
Oeuvre bien la peur de l’inconnu. Pouvez-vous partager un exemple de cette anecdote qui illustre ce courage?
Remembering Captain Rebecca Lobach: A Life Cut Short
Davis Winkie, a fellow Army veteran and reporter for USA Today, knew Captain Rebecca Lobach during their mutual time in ROTC. Winkie recently penned a powerful tribute to Lobach, who tragically lost her life in a helicopter crash. We reached out to Winkie to learn more about his memory of this remarkable woman.
How did first cross paths with captain Lobach?
I first met rebecca during our summer basic training at fort Knox back in 2018. We were both relative newcomers to the ROTC program, so we immediately bonded over being the “new kids on the block.” It was like we shared a secret language of waiting for the others to catch up. We leaned on each other for support and shared those first nervous, exciting days together.
You mentioned a funny memory during career exploration day. Could you elaborate on that?
Absolutely! it was career exploration day, and we stumbled upon this tiny helicopter. Rebecca, ever the adventure-seeker, with her signature mischievous grin, looked at me and asked, “Think we can both fit?” We were pushing six-foot-five combined! I remember laughing, thinking it was impractical. But somehow, with a lot of squeezing and laughter, we managed to cram ourselves into that cockpit. We even took a selfie – it perfectly captured rebecca’s spirit – fearless, adventurous, and always up for a challenge.
From ROTC to active duty, what made Rebecca Lobach “one of a kind”?
Rebecca was more than just a brilliant pilot. She was a remarkable individual. She was incredibly intelligent, physically tough, and never afraid to push herself. Beyond those qualities, she was genuinely kind, hilariously funny, and fiercely loyal. Even when our lives took different paths – she became a Black Hawk pilot, I joined the NC Army National Guard – she always remained a constant source of support and laughter.
How do you hope people will remember Captain Rebecca Lobach?
I hope people remember Rebecca’s infectious smile, her unwavering courage, and her zest for life. she touched countless lives with her kindness and humor.The world is a dimmer place without her in it.
Do you have any advice for the many young people who are pursuing careers in aviation and the military?
Never lose sight of your “why.” Remember the spark that ignited your passion.Rebecca always had that spark,and it fueled her to achieve amazing things. Surround yourself with good people who lift you up and challenge you to be your best. And most importantly, never stop being curious and never stop learning. The world is full of possibilities, embrace them all.
