Major Stefan Bandas enlisted in the Oregon Army National Guard on 23 January, 1996.  He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia as an Indirect Fire Infantryman (11C).  His first assignment was to A Co., 2-162 of the 41^st Separate Infantry Brigade (ARNG), where he served from July 1996 to June 1998.  

Major Bandas attended the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon where he graduated with a degree in Sociology and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Ordnance Corps on June 12, 1998.  His military education includes Ordnance Officer Basic Course, the Combined Logistics Captain Career Course, and the Combined Arms Service and Staff School. 

Upon Graduation of the Ordnance Officer Basic Course, Major Bandas’ next assignment was to the Heavy Maintenance Company, C Co., 123d Main Support Battalion, 1^st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany where he served one year as the Ground Support Equipment Platoon Leader.  He was then assigned as the C Co., Executive Officer before transitioning to become the Company Maintenance Control Officer.  His next assignment was to Fort Campbell, Kentucky with HHC DISCOM, 101^st Airborne Division (AIR ASSAULT), serving as the 3dBrigade Combat Team Maintenance Management Officer throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom.  After returning from the OIF1 rotation, CAPTAIN Bandas took command of the Field Maintenance Company (Bravo), 626^th Brigade Support Battalion, 3d Brigade Combat Team (RAKKASAN!), 187^th INF Regiment, 101^st Airborne Division (Air Assault).  Major Bandas deployed to OIF4 with his company and changed command on 1JUL06.  He transitioned to the 626^th Battalion Adjutant positioned.  He arrived at Slippery Rock University Army ROTC Department on 15NOV06.

Major Bandas’ awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal (1 Bronze Service Star), Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the coveted Air Assault Badge.  Major Bandas’ regimental affiliation is the Ordnance Corps and has earned the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe.