Robert Mitchler, retired Illinois State Senator, was first elected to the Illinois State Senate in 1964 and was re-elected in 1966, 1970, 1972, and 1976. He retired from the Senate in 1981 and was appointed by Governor Thompson to serve as Legislative Liaison to the Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs.

Prior to being elected, Senator Mitchler served in the Navy in World War II and the Korean War. His assignments included amphibious and minesweeping operations during World War II and staff assignments with the United Nations Military Armistice Command during the Korean War.

For eight years, he was served as Military Naval Aide to the Governor of Illinois, Jim Edgar and was reappointed in 1999 to serve in this capacity with Governor George H. Ryan. Senator Mitchler has served in the Aurora Navy League Council since 1965. He served as National Director of the Navy League in 1982 and was elected as the National Director Emeritus in 1993.

Senator Mitchler and his wife, Helen Drew (EAHS Class of 1942) have three children and nine grandchildren.