About Chip Cravaack
Captain Chip Cravaack (US Navy Reserve-Retired) was born in Charleston, West Virginia but raised in a small suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the third generation of military servicemen in his family. At an early age, his parents instilled in him the principles of duty, honor and country. Because of the demands of being a Navy Pilot and Northwest Airlines Pilot, Chip has lived in many different states and traveled to many different countries, but it is in Minnesota where he has chosen to settle his family. He believes that in Minnesota, the work ethic of the people, the educational opportunities, the focus on the family and the abundant outdoor activities are incomparable. These are the qualities that made him love this part of the country and why he decided to make Minnesota his home.
Chip received his Bachelor of Science degree from United States Naval Academy and a Masters Degree in Education from University of West Florida. He has also attended courses at the Naval War College, and the National Defense University.
Chip acutely recognizes and appreciates the remarkable opportunities and attainable goals uniquely presented by this country; “My grandparents came to this country with essentially what they had on their backs but knew that education and perseverance was the key to success.”
Chip realizes that dream must continue for the next generation and only the personal freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution are the vehicle for that tradition of opportunity and achievement. “My grandparents came to this country because of the freedom and the hope that is fundamental to the liberty this country offers. No one promised my grandparents anything except the virtues of freedom and opportunity.”
In his Navy career, Captain Cravaack has been honored with several awards and citations, including a Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, and a Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. Captain Cravaack proudly wears Naval Aviator Wings, Navy/Marine Corps Parachutist Wings, and Air Assault Badge as well as being a designated Navy Master Training Specialist.
Chip’s wife, Traci, holds an MBA from The Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and his two sons Nick (8) and Grant (6) attend public school in the Chisago Lakes School District in Chisago City, Minnesota.
