Captain Wyatt Ruehling, who has been called to active duty, is honored at school-wide assembly and at CHS vs Sparta football game
BY JIM BEER
Chester High School teacher and football coach, Wyatt Ruehling, was honored at a school-wide assembly Friday September 11. Ruehling is both a social studies teacher at CHS as well as an Assistant Coach for the Chester YellowJacket Football Team.
He is well liked and very good at what he does. He is popular with the students and staff at CHS and has always served students with professionalism, dedication and loyalty. Mr. Ruehling is also considered to be beneficial to the football program. He is definitely considered to be a valuable member of the Chester High School family!
Chester High School Principal Jeremy Blechle honors CHS Teacher, Coach, and Soldier Captain Ryatt Ruehling at an all-school assembly Friday September 11. Ruehling, a Captain in the United States Air Force Reserves has been called to Active Duty and Deployed into Service. The assembly was to honor Ruehling and give him an official send-off as he will be absent from school until after his deployment. Jim Beers Photo
For the assembly, the entire CHS faculty and staff work specially designed white T-shirts that displayed the Chester YellowJacket logo, only in red, white, and blue silkscreened print. The Colbert Memorial Gymnasium was packed with heart-felt appreciation, admiration, and love for Mr. Ruehling!
Ruehling was notified recently that he would be called to “active duty” and “deployed” in his even more important role in his other job as a Captain in the United States Air Force! Earlier in his career, Ruehling served for four years in the United States Air Force. He further served for two-years in the Illinois National Guard as an Intelligence Officer. He continues to serve in the National Guard.
Chester High School Teacher-Coach-Soldier, Captain Wyatt Ruehling addresses the All-School Assembly on his final day of school prior to his deployment. Ruehling is popular Social Sciences Teacher, Assistant Football Coach, at CHS and Captain in the United States Air Force Reserves. He has been called into Active Duty. Ruehling was extremely thankful for the tribute and promised to return to CHS upon the completion of his deployment. Jim Beers Photo
Jeremy Blechle, CHS Principal, said, “Throughout his years in the Air Force and National Guard, Wyatt has demonstrated the qualities often associated with those brave men and women who wear the uniform, such as, integrity, courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to something bigger than himself!”
“With Captain Ruehling it is still much more than his military accomplishments for which he is recognized. He is a teacher! He is mentor! He is a colleague! And he is our own!”
Three Chester High School students volunteered to present CHS Teacher-Coach-Soldier Wyatt Ruehling with three certificates signed by fellow teachers, staff and students. The certificates were wishing Ruehling a safe deployment on his final day of school prior to being moved into active duty. The presentation took place Friday September 11 at an all-school assembly in his honor. Jim Beers Photo
Blechle remembered the days when Ruehling was a student at Chester High School. Blechle said, “I had the privilege of watching that young man grow. I remember his passion, his excitement, and most importantly his love for his country. Now, years later, I have the incredible honor of watching that same young man answer his country’s call to duty.”
“Captain Ruehling is being called to active duty because his country needs him. When his country called, Captain Ruehling answered! That is the very definition of service.” Principal Blechle stated, “It is easy to say that we love our country, but it takes something different to actually raise your hand, put on the uniform, leave your family, your career, your students, and your country all behind and say, I WILL GO!”
Wyatt Ruehling, in US Air Force fatigues (front row center) poses with his fellow teachers, administration and staff following being honored at an all-school assembly Friday September 11. The occasion was his last day of school prior to leaving for a military deployment in the United States Air Force Reserves. He will begin an “Active Duty” assignment immediately and promises to return to CHS after his call to duty. Ruehling is a popular Teacher and Assistant Football Coach at CHS. Jim Beers Photo
As Mr. Blechle spoke, the entire student body listened intently and followed his every spoken word. Teachers and staff were located on the Colbert Memorial Gymnasium floor on both sides of the speaker’s podium, and in the background was the giant video screen on which various slides were being displayed by Dwight Lochhead, CHS Math Teacher and Audio-Video Technician.
In closing, Principal Blechle said, “Captain Ruehling made the choice to serve, and today we want him to know that he does not leave alone! He carries with him the pride of his family, the support of his colleagues, the admiration of his students, and the gratitude of the entire Chester High School community.”
“We are incredibly proud to call you one of our own. WE SAY THANK YOU! Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your willingness to serve. Most importantly, thank you for answering the call when your country asked you to do so!”
Following Principal Blechle’s tribute, Mr. Ruehling came to the podium and addressed the assembly. He thanked everyone for their support and consideration, and promised to return to CHS following his deployment.
After the assembly, Ruehling took time to greet his students, take photos with them and bid them a temporary farewell. That photo session concluded with a staff photo with Captain in the center of the love, respect, and admiration of all of his Chester High School Brothers and Sisters.
Later that same night at the CHS YellowJackets vs Sparta-Steeleville Bulldogs Football Game, Mr. Ruehling was once again recognized, this time by the hundreds of fans, both Chester and Sparta-Steeleville, that stood in silence as he was praised for his patriotism and willingness to serve his country. He received a huge round of applause as well as cheers following the tribute!
Hats off to CHS Principal Jeremy Blechle, for organizing this tribute. Also to be commended are Dwight Lochhead, CHS Teachers and Staff, the entire CHS Student Body, as well as the hundreds of people from the communities of Chester, Sparta and Steeleville, who helped to send United States Air Force Captain Wyatt Ruehling off to his deployment with much support, love, prayers, support and admiration.