Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) Robert Totolua Yandall retired on June 7, 2014, at Ft. Bragg, NC, after serving the United States Army over 42+ years.  He is the son of Joseph Yandall of Leloaloa and Saitaua Ripley Alo of Leone and the first Samoan to serve this many years in the United States Army, Active Federal Service. 

Born in American Samoa, he enlisted in the US Army on April 6, 1972

CW5 Yandall’s award and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritourious Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Master Parachutist Badge.

CW5 Yandall has two children: Philip George Yandall CPT, USA and Ms Cristina Marie Yandall.

LTC Marcus L. Bates who hosted the very subdue ceremony summed it up best by saying that CW5 Yandall’s influence will last a very long time because of the many policies that he helped put in place for the community as well as the many soldiers that he has mentored throughout the years.

Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin sent a letter of commendation to CW5 Yandall for his outstanding service and for being a great ambassador for American Samoa.

MAJ (RET) Tuimavave Tauapai Laupola presented the American Samoa House of Representative Concurrent Resolution to CW5 Yandall commending him for his service and being a great role model for young Samoans to follow as well as a letter of commendation signed by Lt Governor Lemanu S.P. Mauga on behalf of Governor Lolo Moliga and the people of American Samoa commending CW5 Yandall for his well-deserved retirement.

CW5 Yandall closed the ceremony by thanking God for his many blessings that enabled him to serve the US Army for these many years. He expressed his gratitude to all his military families who have supported him throughout his career. He said he would be remiss if he does not mention the support of his children, Captain Philip Yandall and Cristina Yandall as well as his niece Gwen Yandall and his brothers Joe, Philip and Thomas Yandall who traveled to attend the ceremony as well as all the well-wishes from families and friends who were unable to attend, and especially to the American Samoa Government for the continued support throughout the years, the House of Representative Concurrent Resolution and the Letters of commendation from Lt. Governor Lemanu SP Mauga on behalf of Governor Lolo M. Moliga and the people of American Samoa, as well as Congressman Faleomavaega E. Hunkin.

According to CW5 Yandall, he dedicated his retirement to his sister Saitaua Rita Yandall, who passed away a couple of months ago.