Hejlik, a native of Garner, Iowa,[1] enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1968, rising to the rank of sergeant before accepting honorable discharge in 1972 to pursue education.

He graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 1975, returning to the Marines as a mustang second lieutenant through the Platoon Leaders Class Program.

Hejlik was a vocal supporter of the new command, which opponents claim detracts from the corps' status and reputation as an all-elite force.

[6] Hejlik served as Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, from July 2008 until August 2010.

Medals awarded to Hejlik include: This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.