Mighty Oaks Enter Chapter Eternal
It is with deep respect and a heavy heart that the Fraternity shares the news of several brothers—Mighty Oaks—who entered Chapter Eternal in the past six months. These distinguished men, who dedicated their lives to service, leadership, and sacrifice, leave behind a legacy that profoundly impacted our brotherhood and the world. Each brother exemplified the principles of Love, Honor, and Truth that our Fraternity holds dear. Their contributions to The Legion of Honor and to our country will be remembered with admiration and gratitude.
“He ever bore, without abuse, the grand old name of gentleman.” – In Memoriam (1850) by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Jack R. Hamlin (Drury)
Brother Hamlin entered Chapter Eternal on July 20, 2024, at 102 years old. A World War II hero and member of the Coast Guard on D-Day, Brother Hamlin participated in Operation Overlord, landing on the beaches of Normandy as part of the first wave on June 6, 1944. His job on D-Day was to tie a 25-yard line around his waist, jump into 45-degree water, and swim out to do triage on people after their landing craft sank. Over the years, Brother Hamlin received numerous honors for his service, including the French Legion of Honor medallion, in fitting Sigma Nu fashion. He also traveled to Pearl Harbor and Normandy several times, even meeting Queen Elizabeth II at the 50th D-Day anniversary ceremony in Normandy in 1994. Though he couldn’t travel this year for the 80th anniversary, he was celebrated at The Montclair assisted living facility in Springfield, Mo. During the event, June 6 was designated as "Jack Hamlin Day," and he received a key to the city from Springfield Mayor Ken McClure, surrounded by over 100 well-wishers.
D. Robert “Bob” Graham (Florida)
Former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham entered Chapter Eternal on April 16, 2024, at the age of 87. Brother Graham served as the 38th Governor of Florida from 1979-1987. His keystone accomplishment was the establishment of the Save the Everglades program. He left the governorship with an 83% approval rating and is considered one of Florida’s most popular politicians. In 1986 he was elected to the U.S. Senate and served until retirement in 2005. While in the Senate, he served as Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Brother Graham was initiated by the Epsilon Zeta Chapter at the University of Florida in 1956 and served as a collegiate chapter Commander. He was inducted into Sigma Nu’s Hall of Fame in 2000 at the 59th Grand Chapter in Phoenix, Ariz.
Buddy J. “Bud” Hinkle (Kansas)
Brother B.J. “Bud” Hinkle entered Chapter Eternal on June 9, 2024, at the age of 101. a truly remarkable individual who dedicated his life to service, leadership, and brotherhood. Brother Hinkle was an exemplary member of the Greatest Generation, earning three Bronze Stars for his courageous service as an Army Medic during World War II. His commitment to his country was paralleled by his dedication to Sigma Nu, where he served as Commander of his chapter and as a house corporation officer and advisor for decades. In 2022, in recognition of his exceptional contributions, Brother Hinkle was awarded the Regent’s Medallion of Merit, an honor bestowed by Sigma Nu’s High Council to individuals who exemplify the principles of Love, Honor, and Truth. Beyond his professional success and volunteer leadership, Bud was a devoted family man. His legacy continues through his sons, David and Jim, who followed in his footsteps as initiates of Nu Chapter, and his grandson, Bobby Costello, an initiate of Beta Theta Chapter at Auburn.
Larry R. Hicks (Nevada, Reno)
Judge Larry Hicks entered Chapter Eternal on May 29, 2024, at the age of 80. Brother Hicks was appointed by President George W. Bush and was sworn in as a U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Nevada in 2001. Brother Hicks is a past president of the State Bar of Nevada (1993-1994), the Bruce R. Thompson Chapter of the American Inns of Court in Reno (1999-2000), and the Nevada District Attorneys Association (1977-1978). He served on the Board of Governors of the Nevada State Bar from 1988 to 1994. He was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1998. In 2020, he was awarded the Nevada State Bar President’s Award for lifetime achievement.
Steven D. Symms (Idaho)
Former U.S. Senator Steve Symms entered Chapter Eternal on August 9, 2024, at the age of 86. Following his graduation from the University of Idaho, Brother Symms served in the U.S. Marine Corps, earning the rank of First Lieutenant. In 1972, Brother Symms was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Idaho’s 1st District. He served for four terms before running for the U.S. Senate in 1980, serving two terms.