William Hughes served in the United States Air Force as a Pararescueman from 1969 to 1974, he was a founding member of the Pararescue Team, 106th Rescue Group; New York Air National Guard serving from 1975 until 1991 and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant. Bill is a decorated Vietnam veteran, having received the Distinguished Flying Cross; several Air Medals, and the Meritorious Service Medal along with numerous other awards and decorations. Bill also worked for the Southampton Town Police and retired as a Lieutenant in 2010. He is an active volunteer in several Veteran and service organizations including:

Senior Vice Commander VFW District 11 Dept of New York 2022

Commander Suffolk County Council, Veterans of Foreign Wars 2018

Commander and Gold Legacy Life Member Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 5350, Westhampton Beach; All American Post 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021

Department of New York, Voice of Democracy Chairman 2021

Department of New York, Membership Chairman 2017, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Department of New York, Vice Chair Membership 2016, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Honorary National Deputy Chief of Staff 2017, Veterans of Foreign Wars

New York State- Veterans Hall of Fame 2014

VFW National Home- Life Member

Disabled American Veterans- Life Member

American Legion Post 924, Hampton Bays

FBI National Academy Associates

Knights of Columbus, Hampton Bays/East Quogue- Past Grand Knight

Eucharistic Minister

Hampton Bays Lions Club

106th Rescue Wing Alumni Association

Southampton Town Police Superior Officers Association-Life Member

Wounded Warrior Foundation - Top Fundraiser for Wounded Warrior Ride- "The Hamptons” in 2009 & 2010

Bill and his wife Linda live in Hampton Bays and have two adult children, their daughter Elizabeth is a school psychologist in Suffolk County, and their son Will is a licensed Mariner and a Captain in the NYANG 106th Rescue Wing