Davenport University veteran and lifelong learner works to improve the lives of the university’s veterans

Joshua Molyneux's interest in the military began to form at a very young age, thanks to his dad and the time they spent together bonding over a cherished pastime.

Molyneux fondly recalls going to the Wings Over Muskegon air show every summer with his dad to watch military aircraft maneuvers. Over the years his interest in the military and a career serving his country grew until he finally answered the call and enlisted in 2005 when he was 18.

"I joined the Michigan Army National Guard to serve, to gain valuable experience and to help pay for college," said Molyneux. "I had no idea that decision would open a door to a very rewarding full-time military career, and that I'd be in it for the long haul."

When Molyneux returned home after his first deployment in 2009, he attended a military family event that set his pursuit of a college degree in motion. While he was there, he spoke with one of Davenport's admissions reps and became interested in Davenport.

Molyneux started taking classes in 2009 full time at the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus and then switched to online classes part time to better balance his professional and personal life. In spring 2022, he earned a BBA in Human Resource Management.

The Sergeant First Class is currently employed as a full-time active duty soldier for the Michigan Army National Guard (MIARNG) and is stationed at the Belmont Armory with the 63rd Troop Command.

While he is thankful to be stationed close to home, that hasn't always been the case. He has spent plenty of time thousands of miles away from home in foreign lands.

"I served in a Cavalry Regiment in direct combat operations in both Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) in a variety of leadership positions as a Cavalry Scout by MOS (19D3O)," he said.

He is currently utilizing his Davenport degree in his position as senior Army Human Resource Specialist for the 63rdTroop, but that isn't his only role. He also serves as the brigade operations non-commissioned officer, assistant security manager, and defense travel system reviewing official.

"I am heavily involved in the planning and execution of major operations and training events for Michigan's combat Brigade, including COVID-19 response missions, the Operation Northern Strike annual combined arms joint exercise at the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center," said Molyneux.

Molyneux loves the Army and the challenges his positions bring. "I find challenging myself and making a real difference to be extremely rewarding," he said. "I have also been able to see and do things that most people will never experience, and I'm thankful for that opportunity."

Molyneux said his Davenport education and his Army experience have complemented each other well. "The operational, strategic and leadership training and experience I have gained working in the Army have given me unique insight into the corporate portion of my studies. And, the knowledge I've gained from my Davenport classes helped prepare me to excel in my current positions with the Army," he said.

It comes as no surprise to Molyneux that Davenport is recognized as a Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) at the Gold level, which is the highest level of recognition.

Molyneux said he felt supported by Davenport from the very start. "Davenport did a great job at vetting my military credit equivalency, processing my benefits and taking care of funding. Everything was a breeze. Davenport is awesome to its vets," he said.

Davenport offers tuition discounts, fully participates in the G.I. Bill, and gives generous credit for experience and education gained in the military. It also has a Student Veterans of America (SVA) group on campus, with which Molyneux is heavily involved.

The SVA is the premier organization leading service, research, programs, and advocacy for veterans in higher education. Its mission is to act as a catalyst for student veteran success by providing resources, network support and advocacy to, through, and beyond higher education.

Davenport's SVA chapter dissolved during the pandemic, but Molyneux saw the value in the organization and worked to bring it back to life, even stepping up as president this past April. "I wanted to give back to Davenport and its veteran population by helping to bridge the gap between benefits and the veterans who use them," he said. The group meets in person on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Student Veteran's Room, which is located on the second floor of the Academic Building. Veterans can also join remotely by using the "Discord" app.

"We discuss ways they can improve the lives of Davenport's student and staff veterans on and off campus by harnessing our combined experience and connections," said Molyneux. "This includes improving the Veterans Room, selling t-shirts to improve the Veterans Room, connecting each other to helpful resources and our involvement in the Davenport Veterans appreciation football game."

Molyneux encourages all Davenport veterans to join the SVA. "We are a group of like-minded individuals who harness our connections and network to help each other to improve our quality of life. Many of us have navigated different things, and we are all willing to share our knowledge and experiences and lend a hand to our fellow student vets. But most importantly, we give each other a feeling of having a group where we belong and can connect with," he said.

If all goes according to plan, Molyneux will graduate with an MBA in leadership strategies in 2025. "I will use my new degree to help elevate my military career. After I retire, I'd like to utilize my degree in the civilian sector in some capacity.

Click hereto learn more about how Davenport supports its veterans.

Click hereto learn more about the SVA.

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