Major Rick Hayek was born and raised in Arlington, Texas.  He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 7 July 1997, and attended boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, with subsequent orders to Military Police School, Fort McClellan, Alabama.

From February 1998 to February 2004, Major Hayek was stationed at the Provost Marshal’s Office, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS, Cherry Point, NC, and served as a basic Military Policeman, Traffic Accident Investigator, and Patrol Supervisor. 

In 2004, Major Hayek received orders to 2d Military Police Battalion, MCB Camp Lejeune, NC, to serve as a squad leader and security commander.  From August 2004 to March 2005, Major Hayek deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II-II, and was attached to Combat Service Support Battalion 7.  In August 2005, Major Hayek deployed again with 2d Military Police Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 27.  While deployed, Major Hayek served as a Platoon Sergeant. 

Upon returning from deployment, Major Hayek received orders to the Provost Marshal’s Office, MCAS Cherry Point, and fulfilled the following billets: Watch Commander, Special Reaction Team Commander, Special Operations Chief, and Operations Chief.   

In 2008, Major Hayek was accepted to the Marine Enlisted Commissioning and Education Program and subsequently attended The Ohio State University to receive his commission.  While attending as a MECEP student, Major Hayek founded and established the university’s first veteran’s only student organization, “Vets 4 Vets”, initiated the university’s first veteran’s only student housing, and served on Congresswoman Kilroy’s Veteran’s Advisory panel.

From 2011 to 2016, Major Hayek served as Manpower and Legal Officer for the following units; Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, MCAGCC Twenty-nine Palms, California, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, and Marine Aircraft Group 13, MCAS Yuma, Arizona. 

In 2017, Major Hayek successfully served as Aide-de-Camp for the Commanding General of 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, MCAS Miramar, California. 

In 2018, Major Hayek executed orders to 12th Marine Corps District, MCRD San Diego, CA, to serve as their Manpower Officer and assumed command of Headquarters Company, 12th Marine Corps District.

Major Hayek has a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University, a Master of Business Administration from Northcentral University, and a Master of Operational Studies from Army Command and General Staff College. 

Major Hayek is a graduate of Expeditionary Warfare School, Camp Pendleton, California and a graduate from Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

In 2019, Major Hayek was the Marine Corps’ national recipient of the USO’s George Van Cleave Leadership Award in New York City, NY.

In June 2021, Major Hayek assumed command of Recruiting Station Kansas City, 9th Marine Corps District, Western Recruiting Region, Marine Corps Recruiting Command.

Major Hayek personal decorations include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Silver Star in lieu of sixth award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star and combat “V” distinguishing device, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and four Good Conduct Medals.