The United States Army identified the third soldier killed in last Wednesday’s collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines airplane near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., in a press release on Saturday. The third soldier has been identified as a former White House aide who served under former President Joe Biden.
In Saturday’s press release, the U.S. Army announced that the third soldier killed in last week’s tragic mid-air collision near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport had been identified as 28-year-old Captain Rebecca Lobach. Officials have confirmed that there were no survivors from the collision and that 67 individuals were killed.
Lobach had served as an aviation officer since July of 2019 after first enlisting in the North Carolina Army National Guard in December of 2018, according to CBS News. The Army noted that Lobach received the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon for her service to the country.
“Our deepest condolences go out to her family, and all the families who are mourning the loss of their loved ones impacted by this devastating accident,” the Army stated in Saturday’s press release. “We continue to work with the families of our fallen Soldiers and support the ongoing investigations.”
READ MORE: No survivors after American Airlines plane collides with Black Hawk helicopter in mid-air
A statement from the Lobach family that was included in the press release described the Army captain as “a warrior” who “would not hesitate to defend her country in battle.” On the other hand, the Lobach family said she was “as graceful as she was fierce,” noting that Lobach had previously served as a military social aide for the White House.
“Rebecca was honored to serve as a White House Military Social Aide, volunteering to support the President and First Lady in hosting countless White House events, including ceremonies awarding the Medal of Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” the Lobach family said.
As part of her role as a military social aide for the White House, Lobach escorted Ralph Lauren through the White House when the famous fashion designer received the Presidential Medal of Freedom last month, according to CBS News. A video from the event was shared on X, formerly Twitter.
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Rebecca. She was a bright star in all our lives. She was kind, generous, brilliant, funny, ambitious and strong,” the Lobach family said. “No one dreamed bigger or worked harder to achieve her goals.”
According to CBS News, the two other soldiers who were killed in last Wednesday’s mid-air collision were previously identified as 39-year-old Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves and 28-year-old Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara.
Pictures of Lobach have been shared on social media.