TONG MA

Born to two immigrants from Southeast Asia, Tong grew up in Austin, TX. Throughout his childhood, he worked year-round at his parents’ restaurant. As he got older, his responsibilities widened, and he eventually touched every aspect of the restaurant business, from busboy to chef.

 

Tong was inspired to give back to the United States after realizing what the country had done for his parents as political refugees. After receiving a Congressional nomination from John Carter (TX-31) and an appointment, Tong attended the United States Naval Academy.

 

He was commissioned into the Marine Corps in 2018 and served on active duty for nearly seven years as an Intelligence Officer. While serving, Tong remained heavily involved in his parents’ restaurant and orchestrated a phased business recovery plan following the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

A lifelong entrepreneur, he remains connected to the restaurant industry. In his free time, you’ll find Tong surfing the California coast and experimenting in the kitchen