The 251st Marine Corps Birthday Ball 2026

Master Sergeant CJ Stednitz was born on 24 February 1986 and was raised in Romeoville, Illinois.  He began Recruit Training at Recruit Depot San Diego on 16 August 2004 and graduated on 12 November 2004.  Upon graduation of Recruit Training and Marine Combat Training, Private First Class Stednitz reported to the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center, where he gained the MOS 0231, Intelligence Specialist and graduated as a Lance Corporal in May 2005.

Lance Corporal Stednitz reported to Marine Aircraft Group 26 S-2 where he deployed to Al Asad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Corporal Stednitz reported to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 S-2 in June 2006 and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in November 2007.  In January 2008, Sergeant Stednitz deployed to Djibouti Africa as the Detachment S-2 Chief in support of JSOTF-Horn of Africa, then with Marine Medium Tilt-rotor Squadron 266 S-2 as the Air Combat Element Intelligence Chief with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in August 2010.  During the 26th MEU deployment, Sergeant Stednitz directly participated in the Pakistan flood relief, Operation Enduring Freedom, and NATO operations against Regime forces during the Libyan civil war.

In September 2011, Sergeant Stednitz reported to the Marine Corps Detachment Dam Neck as an Instructor for the MAGTF Intelligence Specialist-Entry Level course.  In April 2012, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and served as an Instructor, Platoon Sergeant, and Chief Instructor/Assistant Course Director.  In July 2014, Staff Sergeant Stednitz reported to Unmanned Aerial Squadron 3 S-2 where he served as the Squadron Intelligence Chief, supporting the initial establishment of the Squadron after a geographical move and multiple exercises which included RIMPAC 2016, WTI, and Lava Viper.  In November 2016, he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant, then reported to US Marine Corps Forces Korea G-2 in February 2017.  Gunnery Sergeant Stednitz served as the Intelligence Chief to the Commander of US Marine Corps Forces Korea until January 2020, when he reported to Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, Detachment Commander’s Course.

In July 2020, Gunnery Sergeant Stednitz reported to the US Embassy, Harare, Zimbabwe. In December 2020, Master Sergeant Stednitz was screened and selected for Designated Country training and later received orders to the US Tri-Mission in Brussels, Belgium, commanding the Marine Security Detachment supporting the US Embassies to Belgium, the European Union, and the North Atlantic Trade Organization until June 2023. Master Sergeant Stednitz then reported to his last assignment as an Active Duty Marine with Marine Corps Intelligence Activity as the S-2 Chief until he retired on September 1st , 2024. CJ now works as a Learning Manager in Amazon and lives with his wife Stephanie and their two sons in Sycamore, Illinois.

Master Sergeant Stednitz’s personal awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal 5th award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal 2nd award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal 3rd award, Joint Commendation Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal 2nd award.