Remembering Rebecca Lobach: A Tribute to a ‘Brilliant and Fearless’ Black Hawk pilot
The world mourns the loss of US Army Capt. Rebecca lobach, a decorated service member who tragically lost her life in a midair collision between a military chopper and a passenger jet in Washington, D.C. Her friend, Army veteran and USA Today reporter Davis Winkie, paid an emotional tribute to her on social media, remembering her as a “brilliant and fearless” individual who left an indelible mark on those who knew her.
Lobach, originally from Durham, north Carolina, had been serving in the military since July 2019. She was a graduate of the University of North carolina’s Army ROTC program,where she and Winkie first met. “Rebecca was brilliant and fearless, a talented pilot and a PT stud. We trained and commissioned together from @UNCArmyROTC, and we had a lot of fun along the way, too,” Winkie wrote.
Their bond was forged during their time as latecomers to the ROTC program.“We were both latecomers to the ROTC program, enrolling partway through the third year, and quickly bonded over being the new kids on the block,” Winkie shared.
One of their moast memorable moments occurred during summer basic camp at Fort Knox in 2018. “On ‘branch day,’ when the cadets got to explore the different Army officer career paths, she and I were walking together through a field where a bunch of helicopters were parked,” Winkie recalled. “She was a few feet in front of me when she stopped, turned, and pointed out an MH-6 Little Bird (an incredibly small helicopter!). She shot me a mischievous smile and said something like, ‘Think we can both fit?’”
Despite their height differences—Winkie stands at 6’6” and Lobach at 5’8”—they managed to squeeze into the cockpit. “My neck hurt, and I don’t think we would’ve been able to fly it very well, but we were both beaming in the selfie she took,” he wrote.
Lobach’s impact extended beyond her military career. She played a pivotal role in helping Winkie navigate personal hardships,and the two remained close even after she became an active-duty Black Hawk pilot. “She would call me whenever I wrote a funny or interesting story after going into journalism,” Winkie shared.
In his tribute, Winkie expressed deep regret over missed opportunities. “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,” he wrote.
Lobach’s legacy also includes her role as a White House social aide during the Biden management.She escorted Ralph Lauren through the White House when he won the Presidential Medal of Freedom last month.
The tragic crash also claimed the lives of two other soldiers: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves, 39, of Great Mills, Md., and Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28, of Lilburn, Ga.
Key Details About Rebecca Lobach
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Name | Rebecca Lobach |
| Rank | US Army Captain |
| Hometown | Durham, North Carolina |
| Military Service | Active-duty Black Hawk pilot as July 2019 |
| ROTC Program | university of North Carolina army ROTC |
| White House Role | Social aide during the biden administration |
| Tragic Incident | Killed in a midair collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and a jet |
“You are so missed, Rebecca. This world won’t be the same without you,” Winkie concluded.
Rebecca Lobach’s life was a testament to courage, dedication, and friendship. Her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who hear her story.
Remembering Rebecca Lobach: A tribute to a Fearless Leader and Friend
Editor: Davis,thank you for joining us today.Can you tell us about your first encounter with Rebecca Lobach and how your friendship began?
Davis Winkie: Thank you for having me. Rebecca and I first met at the University of North Carolina’s Army ROTC programme. We were both latecomers, enrolling in our third year, which instantly created a bond. She was brilliant,fearless,and had this unbelievable energy that made her stand out. We trained and commissioned together, sharing both challenges and unforgettable moments.
Editor: What was one of your most memorable experiences with her?
Davis Winkie: One of my fondest memories was during summer basic camp at Fort Knox in 2018.On “branch day,” we were exploring the army officer career paths,and we stumbled upon a field filled with helicopters. Rebecca spotted an MH-6 Little Bird—a tiny helicopter—and turned to me with a mischievous grin, asking, “Think we can both fit?” Despite our height differences—I’m 6’6” and she was 5’8”—we squeezed into the cockpit. My neck hurt, and I doubt we coudl have flown it, but we were both smiling in the selfie she took. That moment encapsulated her adventurous spirit.
Editor: Rebecca’s impact extended beyond her military career. How did she influence your life personally?
davis Winkie: Rebecca was a constant source of support. She helped me navigate personal hardships and remained a close friend even after she became an active-duty Black Hawk pilot. She would call me whenever I wrote a funny or interesting story after transitioning into journalism. Her encouragement meant the world to me.
Editor: What is one thing you wish you could have done differently in your friendship with Rebecca?
Davis Winkie: There are so many small regrets. I wish we’d taken a photo together during our lunch a year ago. I wish I’d remembered to invite her to a party I hosted just a week before her passing. But most of all, I wish she weren’t gone. Her absence leaves a void that’s hard to describe.
Editor: Rebecca also served as a white House social aide during the Biden administration. Can you tell us more about that role?
Davis Winkie: Absolutely. Rebecca was deeply honored to serve as a White House social aide. Just last month, she escorted Ralph Lauren through the White House when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It was a testament to her dedication and the trust placed in her by those in leadership roles.
Editor: Her loss was part of a tragic midair collision involving a Black hawk helicopter and a passenger jet. Can you share more about that incident?
Davis Winkie: It was a devastating event that also claimed the lives of two other soldiers: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves and Staff sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara. The loss of Rebecca, Andrew, and Ryan has been felt deeply by their families, friends, and the military community.
Editor: How would you like Rebecca to be remembered?
davis Winkie: Rebecca was a brilliant, fearless, and compassionate individual. She was a talented pilot, a PT stud, and a loyal friend.Her legacy is one of courage,dedication,and unwavering friendship. This world won’t be the same without her,but her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Key Details About Rebecca Lobach
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Rebecca Lobach |
| Rank | US Army Captain |
| Hometown | Durham, North Carolina |
| Military Service | Active-duty Black Hawk pilot since July 2019 |
| ROTC Program | University of North Carolina Army ROTC |
| White House Role | Social aide during the Biden administration |
| Tragic Incident | Killed in a midair collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and a jet |
“You are so missed, Rebecca. This world won’t be the same without you,” Winkie concluded.
Rebecca Lobach’s life was a testament to courage, dedication, and friendship. Her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who hear her story.
