Campus Life

Band Of Brothers

Roots in Aggieland stem back three generations for the Hines brothers from San Antonio.
By Amanda Casanova, The Battalion January 25, 2008

Robert Hines, senior management major, Ross Hines, sophomore political science major, and Calvin Hines, freshman general studies major, have continued the family legacy of being in the Corp; however, adding to the tradition, they are also student senators.

“It’s not something that we ever really intended to do. We just all thought it was all right for us,” Robert said. “We’re definitely an Aggie family.”

Robert and Calvin are both members of Squadron 3 in the Corps, while Ross is part of Company B-2.

Roots in Aggieland stem back three generations for the Hines brothers from San Antonio. Enrollment in the Corps is a longstanding family tradition, with three uncles, a grandfather, and father, Nathan Hines, serving in their time at A&M.

“Granger Smith’s sums it up well with ‘We Bleed Maroon,’” said Calvin. “It’s in my blood. It’s a good tradition we can all live to, and I’m glad that our blood line shows it.”

Student Senate is the latest addition to the Hines tradition. In April, brothers Robert and Ross were welcomed into the senate. With 58 senator slots, the Student Senate boasts all three Hines brothers.

Robert is a representative for the College of Business and on the Student Services Committee. Representing the Liberal Arts College, Ross is also a member of the External Affairs Committee. Calvin is a representative for the General Studies College and also works with the Student Services Committee.

“I wanted to do something to help out my fellow students,” Ross said. “[Student Senate] is one of the best ways I could give back to a university that I love so much.”

Robert said Aggies cannot lose sight of what is at the heart of A&M – making sure that cherished traditions are kept and maroon T-shirts are donned.

“It’s not just about standing at the football games or going to home basketball games, it’s about helping each other,” Robert said. “Camaraderie is the best thing about this university.”

In setting the standard and remembering his brothers, Robert understands the responsibilities of being the oldest.

“I don’t wish to be a role model, but everyone is going to be a role model for someone,” he said. “From my experiences, I try to keep a straight path so I can provide a good example for my brothers.”

Post-collegiate plans for the three brothers includes serving in the military. Patriotism, service and devotion are qualities the brothers possess that have developed through their father’s guidance.

“My dad always told us that we live in a country where we’re free to do what we want, when we want,” Robert said. “It’s the absolute least that we can do to serve our country for four years to help contribute to the freedom of future generations.”

Their father, Nathan, graduated from A&M in 1980 with a degree in journalism. Continuing military tradition in the family, he remains enlisted in the Air Force Reserve.

“People tell me that they are the most respectful kids they’ve ever met,” Nathan said. “They have differences, but their core values are the same. They believe in God, they believe in this country and they believe in this university.”

Nathan said he is honored to be the father of three Aggies.

“My favorite part of the game is sitting there watching [them] march in, being there with my family, and seeing my sons march around the stadium,” he said. “There’s no person prouder than I of them.”

The importance of family and the feeling of pride in lineage is an idea that the Hines share generation to generation. With clashing schedules and the demands of both senatorial work and Corps commitments, Ross said he is thankful for having his brothers nearby.

“I don’t always get to see my brothers that much,” he said. “It’s great knowing that I get to see them sometimes. Everyone else gets a kick out of it, that there’s three Hines boys in the Corps. We get a lot of respect from our name.”

Rather than filling shoes or falling into a shadow, the brothers share a bond of brotherhood.

“We’re really close,” Ross said. “I idolize my older brother a lot. I respect him. He’s accomplished a lot. I’m really hard on my younger brother. I try to keep him motivated. I love them to death and would do anything for them.”

Calvin credits other reasons for respecting his older brothers.

“They’re older than me, and they’ve had a bit more experience,” he said. “Physiologically, they’re a bit taller than me, too.”

While the Hines brothers continue to bring tradition to their name, they are thankful to stand shoulder to shoulder, whether in khaki or in a suit, they are next to each other.

“They can give me a lot of advice, reassurance and confidence,” Calvin said. “I know I’ll always have support because I’ve got two of my brothers there. My favorite two brothers, my only two, but they’re pretty good brothers. They’re support is impeccable.”

This article by Amanda Casanova originally appeared in The Battalion.

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