Hugh Shelton is a retired four-star general in the United States Army who served as the 14th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1997 to 2001. He was born on January 2, 1943, in North Carolina and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1966. Shelton had a distinguished military career, participating in various operations, including the Gulf War. After retiring from the military, Shelton became involved in several business and educational initiatives. He served on the boards of various organizations and was a professor at North Carolina State University. His leadership and experience have made him a respected figure in both military and civilian sectors.