Remembering soldiers aboard Black Hawk helicopter that collided with plane in DC| 7Salutes

WASHINGTON (7News) — On Jan. 29, three soldiers left Fort Belvoir on a routine training flight and never came home.

These soldiers knew the risk when they put on the uniform. In fact, two of them experienced combat overseas. Sadly, their deaths just prove the danger service members face every day.

To serve on an Army Black Hawk helicopter in D.C., you have to be among the best of the best.

The two pilots --- Capt. Rebecca Lobach and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, along with their crew chief, Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara collectively had thousands of hours of experience in the sky.

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On that fateful night, these soldiers were on a training flight for the continuity of government.

The Washington Post explains these flights serve as practice in case the army would need to evacuate VIPs during a major attack or catastrophe.

But sadly, this crew encountered a catastrophe of its own.

Each of these soldiers was decorated and served with distinction. In fact, Eaves and O’Hara served deployments in Afghanistan, but these three weren’t only defined by their uniforms.

O’Hara was from Georgia. His parents called him a natural-born teacher who loved working with people. They worried about him while he served in Afghanistan, but never imagined he’d encounter danger in D.C. He leaves behind a wife and a 1-year-old son.

Andrew Loyd Eaves lived in Great Mills, Maryland. His family said he embodied an unwavering love for those closest to him and an unshakable commitment to serving his country. His friends, like McKenzie Taylor, honored Eaves at a vigil over the weekend.

"He was just a joy. He was always very kind. He was very happy. Sorry. He was a really selfless person,” said Taylor.

Rebecca Lobach hailed from Durham, North Carolina. Her family called her a warrior who was as graceful as she was fierce.

She volunteered as a White House military social aide, even escorting Ralph Lauren last month as he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

She trained to help victims of sexual harassment and assault and hoped to become a physician one day.

Instead, their promising lives were cut short. Hearts are broken, and questions remain.