Edward Kofi Yankson

Lieutenant Colonel Edward Kofi Yankson, United States Air Force (Retired), was born on September 19, 1954, in Makeni, Sierra Leone, to the late Robert Seth Boy Yankson and Hannah Sinnah Yankson. He graduated from Saint Francis Secondary School in Makeni in 1971. In 1972, he came to the United States as a foreign student and began a remarkable journey of service to his adopted country.

In 1979, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Personnel Specialist. While serving, he also taught college courses in Personnel Management, Principles of Management, Human Resource Management, and French for the University of Maryland, Southern Illinois University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He earned his commission through Air Force Officer Training School in 1985 and went on to hold numerous leadership assignments in the United States and overseas, including in Germany, Belgium, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, as well as joint roles supporting NATO. His final active-duty position was as Chief, Military Personnel Programs Support Division at U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia.

Following his retirement from active duty on October 31, 2004, Lieutenant Colonel Yankson continued his service as a GS-15 federal civilian with U.S. Joint Forces Command and later The Joint Staff in Suffolk, Virginia, until his final retirement in April 2018. Over 38 years of combined military and federal service, he distinguished himself through dedication, integrity, and leadership. He held a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Park College and a Master of Science in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas, and he completed professional military education at Squadron Officer School and Air Command and Staff College. His service was recognized with many honors, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and numerous other awards.

Above all, Lieutenant Colonel Yankson was a devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend. He is survived by his beloved wife, Christina Lynn (Chissell) Yankson, and their daughter, Ericka. His life was marked by faith, service, and an unwavering commitment to family and country.