HONOLULU –
Sergeant Major Joaquin "Jei-J" Andujar, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Senior Enlisted Leader, was found deceased April 13.
The cause of death is under investigation.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Sergeant Major Andujar,” said Kelly McKeague, DPAA Director. "This was Jei-J's second assignment serving this noble mission, which he loved. He was a valuable member of our team and we will miss him as we hold his family in our thoughts and prayers.”
The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) has initiated an investigation, along with the Honolulu Medical Examiner, to determine the cause of death. It would be inappropriate to release additional details while the investigation is in progress.
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SGM Joaquin Andujar's Biography
Sergeant Major Andujar entered the Army on August 2, 1993. He attended Basic Training at Fort Jackson, S.C. and Advanced Individual Training as a 92M (Mortuary Affairs Specialist) at Fort Lee, Virginia. Over his 26-year career, he served in various positions such as Mortuary Affairs Specialist, Casualty Assistance Specialist, Squad Leader, Team Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, Multinational Force MA NCO, three assignments as a First Sergeant, Supply & Services Sergeant Major, and Joint Mortuary Affairs office NCOIC for AFRICOM and SOUTHCOM.
His previous assignments include the 240th Quartermaster Battalion 111th Collection Company and 54th Quartermaster Company (MA) Ft. Lee Virginia; 1st Infantry Division, Ft Riley, Kansas; Central Identification Laboratory, Hickam AFB, Hawaii; Multinational Force and Observers, Egypt; V Corps, Germany; US Army South, Fort Sam Huston, Texas; US Army Africa, Vicenza, Italy; and Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
Sergeant Major Andujar's combat and humanitarian experience include Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Defense Support to Civil Authorities. Sergeant Major Andujar's military education includes Primary Leadership Development Course; Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course; Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course; Battle Staff Course; Support Operations Course; Joint Logistics Course; Master Fitness, Total Army Instructors Course; First Sergeant Course; Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education (SEJPME) Course, United States Sergeants Major Academy Class 69, SERE Training; Air Assault Course; Airborne Course; Master Resilience Course, Army Risk and Safety Management; and Federal Acquisitions and Contracting courses.
SGM Andujar’s civilian education includes a baccalaureate degree in Homeland Security and Terrorism Studies and a Master’s of Science in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. Other civilian credentials include Project Management Professional, International Society of Logistics as a Demonstrated Master Logistician, Certified Personal Trainer and CrossFit Level 2 Trainer.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4th award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (7th award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (4th award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (3rd award), Army Superior Unit Award (2nd award), Good Conduct Medal (7th award), the National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, South West Asia Service Medal (2nd award), Iraq Campaign Medal (1BSS), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (5th award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd award), Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Drivers and Mechanic Badge.
Sergeant Major Andujar is married to Dr. Tara L. Herrmann.