
The Carolina community is mourning the loss of Black Hawk pilot and UNC-Chapel Hill graduate Capt. Rebecca Lobach.
Lobach was one of three crew members who died after a helicopter collided with a passenger jet on Jan. 29 near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington.
Lobach was a Durham native. While attending Carolina’s Army ROTC Program in the College of Arts and Sciences, she simultaneously was an active North Carolina National Guard member until she commissioned to active duty.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those lost in this tragedy,” said Chancellor Lee H. Roberts. “It is always painful to lose a member of the Carolina community, especially a young, accomplished and promising alumna such as Capt. Lobach. We extend our sincere condolences and our gratitude for her brave service.”
Lobach was a 2019 distinguished military graduate, placing among the top 20 percent of cadets nationwide. She was known as a caring leader, mentor and friend.
Lobach served as an Army aviation officer and also was a military social aide at the White House during the administration of former President Joe Biden, assisting with Medal of Honor and Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremonies.
She achieved the rank of captain, having twice served as platoon leader and as a company executive officer in the 12th Aviation Battalion, Davison Army Airfield, in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
With more than 450 hours of flight time, Lobach earned certification as a pilot-in-command after extensive testing by the most senior and experienced pilots in her battalion.
She was also a certified victim advocate for the Army Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program (SHARP).
Lobach once said, “My experiences with SHARP have reinforced my resolve to serve others with compassion, understanding and the resources necessary for healing.”
Lt. Col. Lisa Klekowski, chair of the College’s department of military science, said Lobach continued to invest in UNC’s Army ROTC Program after she graduated.
“No words can fill this tragic loss for her family and friends and the Carolina community, but we will continue to remember Capt. Lobach for her honorable service to the country and to the Tar Heel Battalion,” Klekowski said.
Lobach’s family released a statement in which they wrote: “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. No one dreamed bigger or worked harder to achieve her goals.”
The Captain Rebecca Lobach Memorial Fund has been established to honor Capt. Lobach. To make a gift, please visit the fund’s web page.
For more information on the Captain Rebecca Lobach Memorial Fund, please contact Ochuko Jenije at ochuko.jenije@unc.edu.