Homayoun “TJ” Tawajo, a senior network administrator at Mission Technologies, recently received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) from the Commandant of the Marine Corps for his outstanding contributions to the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).

“I grew up in a small town called Newark in the East Bay Area of California. I did not have much of a support system during my upbringing. Because of this, I learned very quickly to emphasize my education and independence. Throughout high school, recruiters from each branch of service would always visit and conduct presentations regarding their purpose, and I was heavily drawn to the mission of the Marine Corps. The smallest branch of the military that boasts about its three-month recruit training, drop-out rate, and how you won’t make it. I probably spent the first hour getting roasted by the recruiter before I gave in and signed the dotted line. My type of challenge.

“At 17, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served four years in active duty as a field wireman, which was phased out in 2017, and I became a network administrator. Later, in 2020, I transitioned into the Reserves and civilian sector. During my enlistment, I conducted operations throughout the INDOPACOM region.

“I am very fortunate to have used the skills I obtained from the Marine Corps in my current role at HII. I am also thankful for the great program management team I have. I am privileged to have the ability to work with such a solid team of like-minded folks and other fellow service members here at HII.

“One important lesson I learned from the Marine Corps is that you are nothing without your Marines. In this case, I would not have been able to earn this NAM without the support of my HII PM team or my team here at the Defense Innovation Unit. If you want a solid team with each other’s backs that can perform in your absence, your people come first. I would be dishonest if I claimed this was all my doing. So kudos to the folks who have brought me to this path.

“In my free time, I’m at the gym, outside by the beach or ocean, or hiking with friends. I also love attending various music festivals, concerts and camping.”