Cook County Clerk Mourns Death of Decorated Marine Veteran (Cook County, IL) – Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon is mourning the passing of Commander Robert “Bob” Pluskota, a decorated United States Marine Corps veteran and longtime south suburban resident who devoted more than two decades to military service.
Pluskota died Dec. 25, 2025. He served 20 years, seven months and three days in the Marine Corps, beginning his career during the Cuban Missile Crisis and completing four tours in Vietnam.
Shortly before his death, Pluskota was honored at a long-overdue “Welcome Home” celebration organized by Steger VFW Post 8283, Bloom Township Veterans Affairs and Honor Flight Chicago. Although his health prevented him from traveling to Washington, D.C., for an Honor Flight, organizers brought the spirit of that tribute directly to him.
Gordon, who attended the event, said the celebration gave the community a chance to thank a veteran who had not received the recognition he deserved when he returned from war.
“Commander Pluskota represented the very best of what it means to serve with honor and humility,” Gordon said. “Like so many veterans of his generation, he did not receive the welcome home he deserved. I am grateful that our community was able to come together to say thank you, to honor his service, and to ensure he knew how deeply he was appreciated.”
Gordon extended condolences to Pluskota’s family, fellow Marines and members of the veteran community, saying his service and legacy will not be forgotten.
The Cook County Clerk’s Office also used the occasion to highlight services available to veterans and their families. Those include recording of DD-214 discharge papers, the Veterans Discount Card Program, special ticket offers in partnership with the Chicago Wolves and Chicago White Sox, and ongoing collaboration with organizations that support veterans.
More information about veterans’ services is available at www.cookcountyclerk.com/veterans.
Cook County Clerk Mourns Death of Decorated Marine Veteran
