MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Apr. 9, 2010)—After more than 30 years in the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Enrique X. Hines, former sergeant major of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, bid farewell to the Corps aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., during his retirement ceremony today.
Hines, who moved to the Bronx, New York from Costa Rica when he was four-years-old, said he knew he wanted to join the military when he was only 16. After talking to his uncle, a captain with the Army 82nd Airborne Division, he made his decision to joined the few and the proud. His uncle’s insight from working with Marines and Hines’ strong determination to finish all things through to the end are unswervingly accountable for the place he is at today.
In the 11th grade Hines enlisted in the Marines with a military occupational specialty of combat engineer. However, for Hines doing his job and nothing more, was not quite enough. He used his background in martial arts to learn and teach every form of hand-to-hand combat he encountered during his career.
By the time he achieved the rank of sergeant, he was sure he wanted to do at least 20 years and retire from the Marine Corps.
“Sgt. Maj. Hines is the best combination of power and love I have ever seen in a Marine,” said Col. David W. Coffman, commanding officer, 13th MEU. “He is the example of everything we want our warriors to be.”
Hines said it was the Marines he served with that made him most proud during his 30 years. He described how it mea
ns much more to get appreciation from someone who served under you than from someone senior in rank.
For Hines, it was the magnitude of people he met that made the Corps enjoyable for the 30 years he was in.
“People make the Corps,” said Hines, “we should never forget that.”
Today, the Corps continues to drive on one sergeant major short of yesterday. The contributions Hines left behind will be remembered by all those who have served with him—his service will not be forgotten.
Hines, who moved to the Bronx, New York from Costa Rica when he was four-years-old, said he knew he wanted to join the military when he was only 16. After talking to his uncle, a captain with the Army 82nd Airborne Division, he made his decision to joined the few and the proud. His uncle’s insight from working with Marines and Hines’ strong determination to finish all things through to the end are unswervingly accountable for the place he is at today.In the 11th grade Hines enlisted in the Marines with a military occupational specialty of combat engineer. However, for Hines doing his job and nothing more, was not quite enough. He used his background in martial arts to learn and teach every form of hand-to-hand combat he encountered during his career.
By the time he achieved the rank of sergeant, he was sure he wanted to do at least 20 years and retire from the Marine Corps.
“Sgt. Maj. Hines is the best combination of power and love I have ever seen in a Marine,” said Col. David W. Coffman, commanding officer, 13th MEU. “He is the example of everything we want our warriors to be.”
Hines said it was the Marines he served with that made him most proud during his 30 years. He described how it mea
ns much more to get appreciation from someone who served under you than from someone senior in rank.For Hines, it was the magnitude of people he met that made the Corps enjoyable for the 30 years he was in.
“People make the Corps,” said Hines, “we should never forget that.”
Today, the Corps continues to drive on one sergeant major short of yesterday. The contributions Hines left behind will be remembered by all those who have served with him—his service will not be forgotten.
Honored to have served with Sgt Major Hines!!
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