Wounded Warrior founder becomes honorary doctor

MCB QUANTICO, Va. (Sept. 12) -- For his work with the Wounded Warrior Regiment and Park University, retired Lt. Col. Timothy Maxwell received the honorary Doctorate of Arts from Park University on Saturday at Little Hall.

Maxwell was one of the founders of the WWR. He deployed six times, and on his final deployment in Iraq he suffered a severe traumatic brain injury Oct. 7, 2004, when his forward operating base was hit by a mortar. Shrapnel tore though the left side of his brain. 

While recuperating, he found his recovery was made easier when he was around other wounded warriors.  He began advocating for wounded warriors and their families, and worked diligently to establish the Wounded  Warrior Barracks.

There are many reasons Park University chose to honor Maxwell.

“Before he was injured, he taught math for us here at Quantico,” said Jennifer Ehrlich, regional director at Park University. “But more importantly, we wanted to recognize all his contribution he has made to the Marine Corps by taking care of injured Marines by starting the Wounded Warrior Regiment. To Park, he is one of our heroes.”

Receiving the title was a great commendation for Maxwell.

“I am both honored and surprised,” said Maxwell. “This is a great achievement for me.”

— Correspondent: jahn.kuiper@usmc.mil