Timothy Molyneux '96
A Call to Service
by Kate Abu-Absi | November 11, 2025
Life does have a way of steering us in unexpected directions, and for alum Timothy Molyneux 1996, the journey through the University of Toledo College of Law took him much further than he ever imagined. From Toledo to Tennessee to Iraq and back again, Timothy has harnessed his legal education to meet the moment and serve.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Toledo, Molyneux started a career in the healthcare sector, working as a recruiter and placing physicians in hospital emergency rooms. As he advanced to higher-level management positions, the responsibility for working with hospital CEOs and CFOs on contract negotiations was what inspired him to get his JD. As Timothy puts it, “The next four years were taxing on my time, considering I had young kids who played school sports, but I made a commitment to myself to study hard, do the best I could with work and travel, and try my best to be home to attend every sports activity and celebrate each child’s birthday. After I finished my law degree and took the BAR, I found myself excelling at work and eventually became the Executive Vice President of the firm I was working for at the time.”
As a country, the morning of 9/11 was the sharpest of turns, and along with so many others, Timothy wanted to serve his country. As a man in his forties, he was unable to join the Army to fight; however, because of his law degree, he was accepted into the Tennessee National Guard and then the US Army National Guard as a Deputy Brigade Judge Advocate General for the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment.
Initially, three JAGs, including MAJ Molyneux, were deployed to Iraq with the 278th Armored Cavalry unit. Unfortunately, very shortly after his unit arrived in Iraq, one of the JAGs had health issues and had to be returned to the United States. Since two JAGs were required to remain at the main base, MAJ Molyneux was chosen to cover all the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) surrounding Baghdad, necessitating frequent travel each week. Depending on the available transportation, he would either be flown by helicopter, transported by ground convoy, or flown at night. All these modes of transportation had to be strategically planned due to the risk of attack.
For his actions during his deployment to Iraq, MAJ Molyneux was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, making him the only Judge Advocate in the Regiment to receive such a prestigious award and honor. The Bronze Star award for MAJ Molyneux described his service in Iraq as follows: “MAJ Molyneux was exceptionally meritorious during a time of Persistent Conflict throughout his service. His outstanding performance, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment in a hostile environment were vital to successful combat operations in Iraq. MAJ Molyneux’s contributions and dedications to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.” MAJ Molyneux resigned his Commission as Judge Advocate General with the Tennessee Army National Guard in 2013 with full military honors.
None of us has a crystal ball, but I think it is safe to say that upon entering the University of Toledo College of Law, Timothy Molyneux never imagined himself as a JAG officer. Like most of us, he was motivated by the desire to expand his professional opportunities, but when the stakes were high, he chose to apply his expertise to supporting his country. We thank him for his service and are proud that, during a significant Veterans Day Parade in Franklin, Tennessee, this November, Timothy will serve as the Grand Marshal for his service in Iraq.
As our way of thanking the men and women who have served in the military, the College of Law is beginning a new tradition. In honor of Veterans Day, we will share the profile of an alum who has served or is currently serving in the armed forces. If you would like to nominate yourself or another veteran, please email Kate Abu-Absi at: Katherine.abu-absi@utoledo.edu.