[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 144 (Tuesday, November 13, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF WARREN HECKMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2012

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Warren Heckman who has spent 
his life serving our community and sharing his passion for music with 
those around him.
  As a teacher and band instructor, Mr. Heckman brought the joy of 
music to hundreds of students for more than thirty years. He started 
teaching at South San Francisco High School in 1950, and created the 
Blue Knights, a jazz ensemble that won countless awards and put South 
San Francisco High School's music program on the map. The Blue Knights 
were one of the first high school jazz ensembles and paved the way for 
similar programs around the country. This jazz group is still part of 
South San Francisco High School's music program today.
  Mr. Heckman's passion for music spread to his students, many of whom 
have remained in touch with him. In 2006, 180 former Blue Knights from 
around the country gathered together for a reunion. Many of them 
continue to play music, both recreationally and professionally, a 
testament to Mr. Heckman's influence on his pupils at such a 
transformative age.
  In 1958, Mr. Heckman received his Master's degree from San Francisco 
State University. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music in 
1949 and a teaching credential in 1950 from the University of 
California-Berkeley where he met his wife, Marie, who has since passed 
away.
  During World War II, Mr. Heckman served his country in the United 
States Navy. He entered the Navy in 1943 one month after graduating 
from high school. He attended college in Missouri for 18 months, then 
transferred to midshipman school at Cornell University where he 
received his commission in May 1945. He attended Fire Control School in 
Fort Lauderdale, Florida and was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier 
USS Midway CV-41. As a Fire Control Officer he spent one year on board 
the Midway until he was honorably discharged in July of 1946.
  For many years, Mr. Heckman participated in community organizations, 
including a long tenure as a member of the South San Francisco Elks 
Lodge. In addition, he helped create the School Personnel Credit Union 
and led that organization for 17 years, contributing as a board member, 
secretary and president.
  After retiring, Mr. Heckman began a successful business tuning 
pianos. At 87, Mr. Heckman continues to play the trombone with a group 
of local musicians. Mr. Heckman believes that music is a lifetime 
adventure, and he's been playing the trombone since he was 7 or 8 years 
old.
  Family has always been an important part of Mr. Heckman's life. He 
enjoys spending time with his son, Mark, and his daughter-in-law, 
Kathy, who live locally. His twin daughters, Patty and Tina, both live 
in Gridley, California. Mr. Heckman is also the proud grandfather of 
David, Sean, Kelly and JW, and the great-grandfather of James.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask this body to rise with me to honor the outstanding 
service of Warren Heckman to the city of South San Francisco and the 
whole of San Mateo County. He was a role model for other teachers, a 
beacon for his students, and he will be remembered as an exceptional 
human being for many years to come.

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