Robert "Rob” Bailey is the State Commander for the Department of Illinois Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), elected to the post in June 2026. A native of Edgewater, New Jersey, Commander Bailey’s career of service began in October 1996 when he enlisted in the United States Navy in Brooklyn, New York.

Following his training at Recruit Training Command and Engineman "A” School at Naval Training Center Great Lakes, Illinois, he was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in Everett, Washington. Serving from 1997 to 2000 while in the nuclear reactor department, he also trained as a collateral duty Master-at-Arms and completed his tour assigned to the ship's Security Force. In 1998, he deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch, earning the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Commander Bailey joined the VFW Montgomery Memorial Post 7452 in 2013, where he is a Gold Legacy Life Member. He served as Post Commander from 2016 to 2022, earning recognition as a five-time All-State Post Commander and an All-American Post Commander in 2020. His leadership extended to the district and department levels, where he served as District Commander, State Inspector (2022–2023), State Chief of Staff (2023–2024), State Junior Vice Commander (2024–2025), and State Senior Vice Commander (2025–2026).

Beyond the VFW, Commander Bailey maintains an active leadership footprint in the veteran community. He is a Life Member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® (CVMA®) 24-2, serving as Chapter Treasurer from 2019 to 2025 and currently as the CVMA® State Treasurer. He is a member of the Yorkville American Legion Post 489, The Naval Order of the United States, a Life Member of AmVets Post 103, and a Charter Member and past Camp Secretary of the Pvt. Henry M. Hardenbergh Camp No. 39, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. He has also lent his administrative expertise to civilian veteran initiatives, previously serving as Treasurer for the Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission Executive Board and as Public Relations Officer for Save A Joe, Inc. Veterans Charities.

Now retired, Commander Bailey resides in Oswego, Illinois, with his fiancé and children.