In the Fall of 1993, Mr. Hines furthered his education at Pace University, New York City Campus, where he played a key role in the Caribbean Student Association. In May of 1996, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to serve as a combat correspondent.

Graduating at the top of his class in Journalism and Broadcasting from the Defense Information School, Fort Meade, Md., Lance Corporal Hines was assigned to this first duty station, Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jacksonville, N.C. Within a few months, he became the senior editor of the Air Station’s by-weekly newspaper, which later won three U.S.M.C. and two Thomas Jefferson awards for the best military paper in its category, while under his command. He also founded Marine Corps Weekly, the official newsletter serving the entire Marine Corps worldwide.

During his four-year tour in the Marine Corps, he served at the following installations: Vaernes Air Base, Hell, Norway; Pentagon, Washington, D.C.; 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Air Wing; Navy Annex, Henderson Hall, VA; MCAS New River, N.C. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his accomplishments in journalism and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. Sergeant Hines separated from the Marine Corps in May 2001 with a honorable discharge.

After leaving the military, Mr. Hines returned to New York, where he served as the editor for several local newspapers. In April 2001, he ventured out to fulfill a life-long dream and started his own newspaper. Today, Mr. Hines, President and founder of New York Liberty Star, Inc., is the publisher of the Liberty Star by-weekly newspaper. Mr. Hines is also a member of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He was named one of CACCI's Year 2002 Business Visionaries. His company has been recognized by the New York City Council, The Brooklyn Borough President, The NYS Senate and The NYS Assembly.

In June 2004, Mr. Hines received a Bachelor in Theology from the International Theological Seminary of California. In January 2005, he became the Youth Director at Harvest Worhip Center International in the Bronx.

In November 2007, Mr. Hines was named an Ambassador for World Peace by the Universal Peace Foundation, for his contribution in Media and Journalism to the United States and the Caribbean. He currently serves as a member of the School Leadership Committee at P.S. 115 in Brooklyn, where he resides with his wife, daughter and son.

Ivrol Hines Photographs