Asst. Command NCO
Illinois Wing Assistant Command NCO
Senior Master Sergeant Kris Matthews, CAP
About SMSgt Matthews
As the Wing Assistant Command NCO, Senior Master Sergeant Kris Matthews works closely with the Command NCO, assisting in the decision-making process, as appropriate, on technical, operational and organizational issues, promotes NCO mentorship of cadets and officers within the wing, assists NCOs and commanders in the areas of NCO education, promotion and uniform wear, and advocates for recruitment and retention of the NCO Corps.
SMSgt Matthews served as a Security Forces Defender in the US Air Force from 2003 to 2011, with assignments to the United Kingdom and Republic of Korea as well as the 820th Base Defense Group. His experience includes deployments to the Middle East, Horn of Africa, and Central America.
SMSgt Matthews joined Civil Air Patrol in 2016 as a Staff Sergeant at the Scott Composite Squadron. He has also served at the group, wing, region, and national levels in the Cadet Programs, Emergency Services, and Education & Training functional areas. He is currently also assigned to the 286th Composite Squadron as its Squadron NCO and manages the wing’s Phoenix CLAW leadership training and ILWG Ranger Program.
SMSgt Matthews has attended 10 encampments, serving in roles such as Training NCO, Commandant of Cadets, and Encampment NCO. He is a graduate of Hawk Mountain Ranger School’s Team Commander Course and serves on the school’s staff. In 2019 he was awarded the CAP National Jack V. Sorenson Cadet Programs Officer of the Year.
SMSgt Matthews has degrees from the Community College of the Air Force, University of Mississippi, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. A former high school social studies teacher, he is currently the historian for the 375th Air Mobility Wing at Scott AFB. He lives in Highland, IL with his illustrious wife Mallory and their two children, Evie and Sirius.
The Assistant Command NCO serves at the pleasure of the Wing Commander under the Command NCO. As Assistant Command NCO, SMSgt Matthews advises the wing commander, aids in decisions and policy making, advocates for the NCOs under his purview, and promotes recruiting of enlisted service members into the CAP NCO corps.
Last reviewed 5 Sep 23
