Minnehaha Academy mourns the loss of Navy SEAL John Faas, '98

August 16, 2011

Minnehaha Academy mourns the loss of Navy SEAL John Faas, Minnehaha Academy Class of 1998. John Faas was among 30 U.S. troops, including 22 SEALs, who lost their lives when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan on Saturday, August 6, 2011. John was the starting quarterback, an excellent student and valedictorian of his class. The list of positive Christlike attributes that John exemplified is long. Please continue to lift up in prayer John's parents, Gretchen and Bob Faas.

"Our desire at Minnehaha Academy is to produce leaders like John who positively impact their community and the world. John was an extraordinary young man who demonstrated strong Christlike character, positive leadership, discipline, integrity and humility. He was passionate about becoming a Navy SEAL. He wanted to serve his country and he proudly did so. We are proud that he served his country so valiantly," said Donna Harris, President, Minnehaha Academy.

He spoke to a group of Minnehaha students last year in February sharing inspiring words. Characteristic of John, he expressed after his time of sharing, “I feel like I got about as much out of today in my own way as the boys may have.”

Memorial Services include

Reviewal, Auguest 21, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, St. Paul.
Funeral Service, August 22, Noon, Fort Snelling Chapel.
Graveside Service, August 22, 2:15 p.m., Fort Snelling Cemetery
Reception Following, Minnehaha Academy Upper School, 3100 West River Parkway, Minneapolis

Please direct memorials toward the Naval Special Warfare Foundation or the John Faas Memorial Scholarship Fund at Minnehaha Academy. Please indicate "In memory of John Faas" in the “Tribute” section at the bottom of the donation page.http://advancement.minnehahaacademy.net/page.aspx?pid=360