New Members 2010 - Minnesota

REP.-ELECT CHIP CRAVAACK (R-MINN.-08)

Date of Birth: Jan. 29, 1959
Birthplace: Charleston, W.V.
Residence: Lindstrom, Minn.
Occupation: United States Naval Reserve (retired), Northwest Airlines Pilot (retired)
Education: B.S., United States Naval Academy; M.A., University of West Florida
Previous Office Held: None
Family: Wife, Traci; two children

Chip Cravaack is a retired captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve who, in his first run for office, defeated 18-term Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.).  

He was born in West Virginia but was raised in a suburb of Cincinnati. Cravaack has worked as both a Navy pilot and as a Northwest Airlines pilot.

He received a Bachelor of Science from the United States Naval Academy and a Master Degree in education from the University of West Florida. Cravaack has also attended courses at the Naval War College and the National Defense University.

While in the Navy, Cravaack received multiple medals. He received the Joint Service Commendation medal, two Navy Commendation medals, two Navy Achievement medals and a Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. Cravaack has also been designated a Navy Master Training Specialist.

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