COL Michael D. Hughes was commissioned as an Infantry officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School at the Empire State Military Academy in August 1977. His first duty assignment was as Training Officer and Acting Commander, Company A, 3d Bn. 391st Regiment, 98th Division.

His notable assignments include Commander, 3d Bn. 322d Regiment, 78th Division; Commander, 3d Bn. 309th Regiment, 78th Division; Commander, 6th Brigade, 98th Division; Assistant Division Commander-Support, 84th Division; Assistant Division Commander-Support, 100th Division; Deputy Commander, 84th Training Command and Chief of Staff, Army Material Command- Southwest Asia.  In his last assignment he served as Deputy Commander, 408th Contracting Support Brigade, Kuwait.

His military education includes Drill Sergeant School, Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Career Courses, Ordnance Officer Basic Course, United States Army Command and General Staff College and Army War College.

His highest military awards are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (7 awards), Army Commendation Medal (3 awards), Army Achievement Medal and Army Drill Sergeant Badge.

He is a Member of the Order of Saint Maurice, the Order of Saint Barbara and the Ordnance Corps Order of Samuel Sharpe.  An active leader with the Boy Scouts of America for over 40 years, he has been recognized with the Silver Beaver Award and the prestigious Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.