Hughes.....
One of the most respected man I have seen in the Anime/Manga. He isn't like most of the people in the military. He's a hardworking, caring man who helps his old bud Roy to reach his goal. They have known each other most likely before the Ishbalan War, maybe their whole lives. He is also a loving man, a great father figure who cares for his family, Glacier and Elysia.
Yes yes he can be an annoyance to Roy Mustang on the phone, or others by talking about his lovely adorable cute sugar plum Elysia, and some of his wife as well (especially in the manga when she was pregnant) But thats how he is: Goofy and the comedy to bring a stressed Roy some happiness..
Though, I feel like there had been hints that Maes was like a father to the Elrics, specifically Ed. I can understand this, since he cares so much about them, trying to help them reach their goal.
Though, sadly they barely show his abilities in fighting, but he is known to be great at the ability of knives. Having them at the back of his uniform, mostly where a gun would be, instead replaced by his knife, or I believe he keeps on in his sleeve. Very quick movement, which did good for him before. Its really said to see a character go down, what makes it dramatic is how he does die..
Yes there is a Alter Hughes in the Full Metal Alchemist Movie. His name is only known as Policeman I believe, nothing else. They say he has a crush on a girl, which is the Alter Glacier (awwwww :3 ) I heard he finally gets to talk to her in the end of the movie, cause he was shy or so I heard (another awwwwwww).
Hughes....working...helpful...father figure....annoyance.....and.....obsessed about his daughter Elysia xD