First Sergeant Bernardo was born in Lathrop, California and was raised in Stockton, California. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and completed recruit training with Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California on 17 May 2002. He reported to Marine Combat Training, School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, California for training at Company H on 4 June 2002. Upon completion of training, he reported to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for school and attained the MOS of 3531, Motor Transport Operator. He then received orders to H&S Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, Okinawa, Japan for duty.

On August 2002, Private First Class Bernardo was assigned to work at the Installation Personnel Administration Center to work as the Duty Driver. He was promoted to Lance Corporal in November 2002, Corporal in January 2004 and Sergeant in August 2005. Sergeant Bernardo then reported to Headquarters Company to assume the billets of Company Training NCO and Commanding Officer's Driver. In April 2008, Sergeant Bernardo successfully completed the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Sergeant's Course and subsequently reported to 9th Engineer Support Battalion where he deployed to Al Taqqadum, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 8.2 where he assumed the billets of Platoon Sergeant and Quality Assurance Chief and returned April 2009.

On July 2009, Sergeant Bernardo received orders to 1st Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 15 where he served as a Line NCO, S-4 Logistics Chief and Platoon Sergeant. In September 2010, he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 10.2 to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan and was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in October 2010. Upon returning from Afghanistan in 2011, Staff Sergeant Bernardo completed the Staff Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, Career Course on December 2011.

On April 2012, Staff Sergeant Bernardo reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California for Drill Instructor School. Upon Completion, Staff Bernardo reported to Company H, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion where Staff Sergeant Bernardo served as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor. In August 2014, Staff Sergeant Bernardo reported to Weapons Field Training Battalion where he served as the Routing Chief and returned back on June 2015 to Marine Corps Recruit Depot to close out his tour.

On July of 2015, Staff Sergeant Bernardo was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 3 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay where he served as a Platoon Sergeant, Company Gunnery Sergeant and Company First Sergeant. During his time in Hawaii, Staff Sergeant Bernardo was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant on 1 August 2016 and completed the Staff Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, Advanced Course on May 2017.

On July of 2018, Gunnery Sergeant Bernardo was assigned to Transportation Support Detachment, Combat Logistics Battalion 15 where he served as the Senior Enlisted Leader, Detachment Chief and Motor Transport Chief. Gunnery Sergeant Bernardo was frocked to First Sergeant on 30 March 2020.

On April 2020, First Sergeant Bernardo reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California where has served as Company First Sergeant, Company H, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion.

On June 2022, First Sergeant Bernardo reported to Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron One where he is currently serving as the Senior Enlisted Leader of the squadron.

First Sergeant Bernardo, to present has served 20 years of honorable service in the Marine Corps. First Sergeant Bernardo's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 1 gold star in lieu of second award, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 2 gold stars in lieu of third award and Combat Action Ribbon.