1stSgt Bednarik was born on 7 March 1985 in Youngstown, OH, where he graduated from Jackson Milton High School. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 2004.
Private (PVT) Bednarik graduated recruit training from Hotel Company, Second Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, SC, on 16 April 2004. Upon graduation, PVT Bednarik reported to Marine Combat Training (MCT), Camp Geiger, North Carolina.
Upon completion of MCT in May of 2004, PVT Bednarik received orders to Motor Vehicle Operator Course (MVOC) in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Upon graduation on 1 July 2004, PVT Bednarik was promoted to the rank of Private First Class (PFC) and received orders to Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC. In January 2005, PFC Bednarik attached to Bravo Company to deploy to Al-Fallujah, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While deployed, PFC Bednarik was promoted to Lance Corporal (LCpl) in February 2005. Upon return in October 2005, LCpl Bednarik was promoted to Corporal (Cpl). In February 2006, Cpl Bednarik attended the Vehicle Recovery Course in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Upon graduation, he was the recipient of the Gung Ho Award. He was then promoted to Sergeant (Sgt) in November 2006 and went to serve as an Individual Augment to Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group (TTECG). While there he held the billets of Platoon Sergeant and Truck Master. Sgt Bednarik then was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps and entered the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) on 18 January 2008.
While in the IRR, Sgt Bednarik received Active-Duty Special Work (ADSW) orders to TTECG where he held the billets of Platoon Sergeant, Truck Master and Line Non-Commissioned Officer from May 2008 to August 2008. Sgt Bednarik then attached to Headquarters and Service Company, Second Battalion, 23d Marines, 4th Marine Division, Pasadena, CA before reentering the active-duty Marine Corps.
In January 2009, Sgt Bednarik reported to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 2d Marine Division Camp Lejeune, NC. He then deployed to Marjah, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from December 2009 to July 2010. While deployed, he held the billets of Security Team Commander and Convoy Commander. Upon return from his deployment, Sgt Bednarik then attended Martial Arts Instructor Course (MAI) in 2011. He then deployed with the Special Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTAF) 1/6 to Sangin, Afghanistan from July 2011 to February 2012. While there, he held the billets of Security Team Commander and Convoy Commander.
In January 2013, Sgt Bednarik reported to Drill Instructor (DI) School aboard MCRD San Diego. In March 2013, Sgt Bednarik graduated from DI School and was assigned to Echo Company, Second Recruit Training Battalion. While on Drill Instructor Duty Sgt Bednarik held the billets of Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and 2d Recruit Training Battalion S-3 Operations Chief, receiving the following accolades: Gunny Nick Award, Morale Leader, Band of Brothers, Unit Leader high in both Initial and Final Drill, and United Service Organization’s Marine of the Year. In October 2015 Sgt Bednarik was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSgt). In April 2016, SSgt Bednarik was assigned to Second Supply Battalion, Second Marine Logistic Group, Camp Lejeune, NC.
SSgt Bednarik was appointed as the Motor Transportation Chief upon checking in and held the billets of Headquarters and Service Company, Company First Sergeant, Maintenance Chief, Operations Chief, and Destructive Weather LNO. SSgt Bednarik was then assigned as the Logistic Forward Support Element (LFSP) Operations Chief and conducted Maritime Prepositioning Force off-load at Blunt Island, Jacksonville, FL.
In June 2018, SSgt Bednarik received orders to Motor Transport Instruction Company, Marine Corps Detachment, Fort Leonard Wood, MO. While stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, SSgt Bednarik filled the billets of Instructor, Team Leader, Course Chief for Basic Motor Transport Operator Course, Course Chief for Advanced Schools covering Vehicle Recovery Course, Semitrailer Refueler Operators Course, and Funeral Detail Leader. SSgt Bednarik was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) in October 2019. In August 2021, GySgt Bednarik received orders to MWSS-174. He served as the Branch Chief and Motor Transport Company, Senior Enlisted Leader. GySgt Bednarik was frocked to the rank of First Sergeant (1stSgt) in May 2023. 1stSgt Bednarik remained in place at MWSS-174 where he served as the Motor Transport Company, Senior Enlisted Leader and served as the Airfield Operations Company Senior Enlisted Leader. In October 2024 1stSgt Bednarik received orders to Marine Corps Detachment, Fort Leonard Wood, MO where he currently serves as the Military Police Instruction Company, Senior Enlisted Leader.
1stSgt Bednarik’s personal decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Metal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with four gold stars and a combat “V”, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal with four bronze stars.