ODU Graduate Nominated by President Obama for Promotion to Three-Star General

Maj. Gen. John M. Bednarek, a 1975 graduate of Old Dominion University, has been nominated by President Barack Obama for promotion to the three-star rank of lieutenant general and reassignment as commanding general, First U.S. Army, Forest Park, Ga.

Bednarek, who serves as commanding general of First Army Division East, Fort Meade, Md., received a bachelor's degree in biology from ODU. He later earned a master's in personnel management from Troy State University. His military education includes the Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. Bednarek was promoted to the rank of major general in September 2008.

Commissioned in the infantry in 1975, he has served in a variety of command and staff positions in the United States and Europe. His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with four Oak Leaf Clusters), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with five Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters) and Army Achievement Medal.