Key takeaways:

• Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach, 28, was identified as one of three soldiers killed in a midair crash involving a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet.
• The Army has expressed condolences and is supporting the grieving families during the ongoing investigations.
• Capt. Lobach was highly accomplished, earning numerous awards and accolades during her military career.

The U.S. Army has officially identified Captain Rebecca M. Lobach, aged 28 from Durham, North Carolina, as the third soldier who tragically lost her life in a midair collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport last week. This accident, which resulted in the unfortunate deaths of 67 individuals, including the crew and passengers of the commercial flight, has deeply affected the military community and the families involved. The New York Times reported that the Army had initially withheld Captain Lobach’s name at the family's request.

Her family described her as a "bright star," asserting that she exemplified the qualities of kindness, generosity, ambition, and strength. Friends and fellow soldiers reminded the public of Lobach's contributions, reflecting on her "brilliance" and dedication to aviation. She had earned multiple commendations throughout her career, including commendation and achievement medals. In addition, she had accumulated over 450 flight hours and achieved certification as a pilot in command, having undergone extensive evaluations by senior pilots in her battalion. Her accolades followed a distinguished career that began with her graduation from the University of North Carolina as a top ROTC cadet, ranking in the top 20 percent nationwide, as noted by AP News.

In her role within the military, Lobach served as a White House military social aide, assisting in presidential events, and was also engaged in advocating for sexual harassment prevention as a certified victim advocate. The Army has confirmed that they are collaborating with the victims' families as investigations into the crash continue. In their statements, the Army mourned alongside the families affected by the incident and pledged to support them during this challenging time.

This devastating incident has come under scrutiny, particularly following remarks from President Trump, who speculated about pilot errors regarding the collision. His statements evoked responses on social media, with scrutiny about crew diversity in military ranks, although no concrete evidence was presented to validate any claims linking diversity to the crash. As the community grapples with loss, tributes to the fallen soldiers and their contributions to the military continue to be shared.

For further details, please visit the Hill.