Captain Rebecca Lobach, a distinguished military graduate from the University of North Carolina, was one of the three soldiers who tragically died in the helicopter crash near Reagan National Airport.
Lobach, an aviation officer since July 2019, had logged over 450 hours of flight time and was certified as a pilot-in-command. She was also a certified sexual harassment and assault response and prevention victim advocate and aspired to become a doctor after leaving the Army.
Her family described her as a "bright star" who was "kind, generous, brilliant, funny, ambitious, and strong." They requested privacy as they grieved their devastating loss.
The names of the other two soldiers killed in the crash were released earlier. They were Staff Sergeant Ryan Austin O'Hara, 28, from Lilburn, Georgia, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, 39, from Great Mills, Maryland.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Former President Donald Trump publicly blamed the helicopter for flying at too high an altitude and criticized an FAA diversity hiring initiative, claiming it had compromised flight safety. However, no evidence has emerged to support these claims.
6 Comments
Karamba
It’s disturbing how some individuals are politicizing this tragedy instead of honoring the soldiers who lost their lives.
Matzomaster
It’s tragic that we lost these brave soldiers, but blaming the FAA’s diversity initiatives is ridiculous. Let's focus on facts, not scapegoats.
Rotfront
Captain Lobach’s story should inspire us to cherish and support those who put themselves in harm's way for our safety.
Matzomaster
There’s enough chaos in the world without adding baseless accusations to the mix. Let’s show empathy instead.
Rotfront
This is not the time to push political agendas. Let’s respect the memory of those who passed away.
Eugene Alta
The focus should be on the lives lost, not on attacking programs aimed at inclusivity. This is disrespectful.