Hugh Roberts graduated in 1956 from the Valley Forge Military Academy, Wayne, Pennsylvania. Shortly after, he enlisted in the Army and spent eight years as a noncommissioned officer in both active units and in the Army Reserve 83d "Thunderbolt" Division. Rising to the rank of sergeant, Roberts served as an infantry squad leader and a 105mm howitzer chief. Retired, he's a member of VFW Post 15 in Cleveland, Ohio, and a VFW honor guard member.