Tribute took place at CHS vs Red Bud football game; Mehring is an Assistant Coach for the Musketeers and just returned from a 7-month deployment
BY JIM BEERS
Chester High School recently recognized and honored a local soldier at a pre-game ceremony of the Chester vs Red Bud Football game, Friday October 9, 2026. Master Sergeant Mathew Mehring of the United States Air Force just returned to the states after being deployed overseas for more than seven months.
Mehring is the husband of former Chester High School student, Michelle Mehring (Belton). She and Mathew have three children, Mason, Madox, and Marshall. Oldest son, Mason, is a football player on the Red Bud Musketeer Football team.
Chester Head Football Coach, Billy Belton, is Michelle’s brother and Mathew Mehring’s Brother-in-Law. Chester High School Principal, Jeremy Blechle, is a cousin to Michelle, and close to the Mehring family. Both Coach Belton and Principal Blechle were instrumental in organizing and coordinating the tribute to Sgt. Mehring, upon his long-awaited return to the area following his deployment.
The tribute began with a brief welcome and introduction regarding the tribute which took place during pre-game festivities. “Tonight, Chester High School has the distinct honor and privilege of recognizing a very special individual. A devoted husband, a loving father, a dedicated coach, and a man who has answered the call to serve something greater than himself.”
“Please join us in welcoming Master Sergeant Mat Mehring of the United States Air Force. For those who serve our country, sacrifice is measured in more than miles traveled or months spent away. It is measured in the moments that cannot be returned such as birthdays missed, holidays spent apart, milestones celebrated from a distance, and simple, irreplaceable moments of everyday life with those they love most!”
“For every service member who answers the call to duty, there is a family member at home quietly answering a call of its own, carrying on through the uncertainty, the worry, and the empty place at the dinner table, holding tightly to the hope of a safe return.”
“Tonight that hope has become a homecoming. Master Sergeant Mehring, we recognize not only your commitment to defending our nation, but also the love, strength, and sacrifice of Michelle, Mason, Madox, and Marshall, who have shared in that service in ways that words can never fully express.”
At this time, CHS Principal, Jeremy Blechle, Head Football Coach Billy Belton, and all of the CHS Football senior captains presented Sgt./ Coach Mehring with an American Flag that has proudly flown over Chester High School, as a gift of appreciation for his service to America.
“This flag represents far more than the material from which it is made. It symbolizes the freedoms we enjoy, the sacrifices made to preserve them, and the generations of Americans who have stood willing to defend them!”
Included in presenting the flag to Sgt./Coach Mehring, was his son, Mason, a Red Bud Football player. He joined the others on the 50-yardline for the presentation. The following was read over the CHS Public Address System at W.O. Smith Field.
“Master Sgt. Mehring, no gift could ever truly repay the time you have given, the moments you have missed, or the sacrifices your family has endured. But we hope that whenever you look upon this flag, you will be reminded that your service matters, your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and your community stands deeply grateful!
W.O. Smith Field was very crowded for the game. The grandstands on both Red Bud’s and Chester’s sides of the field were full, and throughout the entire presentation, YellowJacket and Musketeer fans stood in silence in respect for Master Sgt. Mehring. Immediately following the presentation, the Chester High School Band performed the National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner” to a very patriotic crowd.
Mat Mehring had several comments regarding the event. “I want to extend my deepest and most sincere gratitude the Chester Community, Principal Jeremy Blechle, Head Coach Billy Belton, and the entire YellowJacket Football Program for the world-class welcome home ceremony before the game. Stepping back onto the field since my deployment was already emotional, but what the Chester community did for me, my wife Michelle, and my sons Mason, Maddox, and Marshall is something I will never forget!”
“In the midst of a heated rivalry game with massive playoff implications, Coach Belton and Principal Blechle reminded everyone that some things transcend football. Their words about sacrifice, honor, and how communities can unite to support our service members truly resonated with my family.”
Chester High School Senior Football Captains, Head Cioach Billy Beltn and CHS Principal Jeremy Blechle greet and welcome Red Bud Assistant Coach, Mat Mehring and his son, Mason, a Red Bud Football layer, at a pre-game ceremony welcoming Master Seargent Mat Mehring back to the United States after fulfilling a more than 7-month deployment overseas. The community of Chester and Red Bud Football fans witnessed the ceremony at a packed W.O. Smith Field in Chester prior to a thrilling CHS vs Red Bud football game. Mehring is an assistant coach for the Musketeers. Friday October 9. Jim Beers Photo