First African American Female Command Chief Master Sergeant 189th Airlift Wing

Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) Regina L. Monk:

CMSgt Monk graduated from El Dorado High School in May 1982. She received an Associate Degree in Logistics Management from the Community College of the Air Force in 2011, and an Associate of Art Degree from Arkansas State University-Beebe in 2012. CMSgt Monk later received a Bachelor Degree in Professional Development-Criminal Studies from Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, in 2014.

Her dynamic military career started in September 1982, when she enlisted in the United States Air Force. She attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas and Technical School at Sheppard AFB, Texas. In February 1983, CMSgt Monk was assigned as a Student Traffic Management Specialist at Sheppard AFB. She later served as a Passenger and Household Goods Specialist until August 1986 when she received a remote assignment to Comiso Air Station, Sicily. At Comiso Air Station, CMSgt Monk served as an Outbound Cargo Specialist. In October 1987, she received a follow-on assignment to Eaker AFB, Blytheville, Arkansas as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Outbound Cargo. Chief Monk was later assigned to Taegu Air Base, South Korea in October 1989 as a Traffic Management Specialist. Her follow-on assignment in December 1990, was with the Royal Air Force Upper Heyford, United Kingdom.

In July 1992, CMSgt Monk separated from active duty at Charleston AFB, South Carolina and remained as an inactive reservist until 1994. In September 1998, she enlisted into the Air Force Reserve and was assigned to the 917th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. She remained with the Air Force Reserve unit until October 2000. In December 2000, CMSgt Monk enlisted into the Arkansas Air National Guard and was assigned to the 189th Logistic Readiness Squadron as a Cargo Movement Specialist. In March 2010, she became the Distribution Superintendent with the responsibility of overseeing cargo movement, passenger travel and ground operations. In October 2020, she was assigned as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the 189th Mission Support Group and in October 2022, CMSgt Monk was selected as Command Chief of the 189th Airlift Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard. With this assignment, she became the first African American Female assigned as the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 189th Airlift Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard.

As the Command Chief for the 189th Airlift Wing, she advises commanders and staff on mission effectiveness, professional development, military readiness, training, utilization, health, morale,
and welfare of the wing’s Enlisted Airmen and takes action to address shortfalls and challenges. She provides leadership to the enlisted force and is the functional manager for Group Superintendents and First Sergeants within the 189th Airlift Wing.

CMSgt Monk’s military education includes the Traffic Management Apprentice Course, Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Course, Noncommissioned Officer Academy Course, Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, CMSgt Orientation Course and the CMSgt Command Chief Course.

Her awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Service Medal.

CMSgt Regina L. Monk currently works full-time for the 189th Airlift Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard. She is a member of the Top III which is an enlisted organization for E7-E9 members, and she serves as a member of the Little Rock Air Force Base Chief’s Council. The Chief’s Council is an organization in which its members are represented by every Air Force organization on LRAFB. CMSgt Monk is a member of EANGUS, and she served as a Volunteer Victim Advocate in 2019-2022. She also volunteers with the Special Olympics, Chief’s Golf Tournament, the Arkansas Food Bank, the 5K Run for Fallen Soldiers and Senior Induction Ceremonies.

CMSgt Monk is a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church where she serves as Chief Usher, and she serves as an Usher of the Union District of Arkansas.