LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Command Chief Master Sergeant David D.
Heckman upon the occasion of his retirement after 39 years of military
service

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals who have honorably and courageously served this country in
order to protect the life and liberty of our citizens and to support
civilian authorities during times of crisis; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to hereby
honor Command Chief Master Sergeant David D. Heckman upon the occasion
of his retirement from the 174th Fighter Wing, New York Air National
Guard in Syracuse, New York, after 39 years of military service; and
WHEREAS, In 1972, at the age of 17, Command Chief Master Sergeant
David Heckman enlisted in the United States Air Force and then completed
basic military training; and
WHEREAS, Command Chief Master Sergeant David Heckman's first assign-
ment was at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina as a Weap-
ons Loader on F-4 E aircrafts; and
WHEREAS, In March of 1975, Command Chief Master Sergeant David Heckman
was transferred to the 174th Fighter Wing in Syracuse, New York, where
he served as a Weapons Loader, helping to repair and maintain F-16
fighter jets; and
WHEREAS, Over his long and distinguished career, Command Chief Master
Sergeant David Heckman has been involved in several military assign-
ments, was activated for Desert Storm and deployed to Saudi Arabia in
1990, where he served as an NCOIC for the Wing Safety Office; and
WHEREAS, Command Chief Master Sergeant David Heckman, who received
various promotions over his accomplished career, assumed his current
role as Deputy Command Sergeant of Airfield Management in 2007, making
him an Advisor to the Wing Commander on all issues affecting the health
and wellness of the enlisted force; and
WHEREAS, Command Chief Master Sergeant David Heckman has received many
awards and decorations for his outstanding performance, including the
Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and
the National Defense Service Medal; and
WHEREAS, Command Chief Master Sergeant David Heckman has gone above
and beyond his duties with the Air National Guard; in addition, he was a
member of the Constantia Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as
the Fire Commissioner for five years; and
WHEREAS, Individuals who dedicate their lives to military service
merit the commendation and applause of all the citizens of this great
Empire State for their commitment to the preservation of American free-
dom; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor and recognize Command Chief Master Sergeant David D. Heckman upon
his retirement after more than 39 years of dedicated and decorated mili-
tary service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Command Chief Master Sergeant David D. Heckman.