Major Salonek grew up in Victoria, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Agricultural Leadership and Development in 2009. Commissioned into the Marine Corps Reserve in March 2011, he completed The Basic School and the Aviation Maintenance Officer’s School in Milton, Florida in December 2011. He was then assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 41 (MALS-41) in Fort Worth, Texas, where he served as the Ground Support Equipment and Aviation Life Support Equipment Division Officer In Charge.
In March 2013, Second Lieutenant Salonek activated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, leading MALS-41 Marines to augment MALS-12 in Iwakuni, Japan. During his time as Detachment Officer In Charge, he also served as MALS-12 AIRSpeed Officer In Charge. Upon returning from Japan, Lieutenant Salonek attended Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-14, serving as the KC-130 Material Maintentance Control Officer.
In May 2014, First Lieutenant Salonek transferred to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234, serving as Maintenance Material Control Officer and Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer, activating and deploying in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in September 2014 and supporting the transition from “T” to “J” model aircraft.
In May 2019, Captain Salonek returned to MALS-41, serving as the Production Control Officer and Ordnance Officer in Charge.
In January 2022, Major Salonek transitioned to Marine Corps Base Hawaii and the Individual Mobilization Augmentee program, serving as Deputy Concept Of Operations and Rim Of The Pacific Action Officer. During this time, he attended Command and Staff College, graduating in May 2024.
In October 2025, Major Salonek returned to MALS-41 to serve as the Operations Officer, working to integrate his Marines into Active-Duty WESTPAC formations. He began his current role as Executive Officer in August of 2025.
Major Salonek’s personal decorations include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal (x4), Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (x2), and the Reserve Officer Association Department of Texas, Junior Officer of the Year 2014.