Sadly, Jean-Marie Heskett passed away of Stage IV pancreatic cancer on October 28, 2022.
Please note that beginning November 1, 2022, all appearance news, dates, and event pictures will no longer be posted on this site. You may find them instead at the following locations:
Through My Mother’s Eyes Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/michaelmccoy/
Michael McCoy’s website at https://www.docmccoy.com
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Past appearances:
Monday, May 27, 2019 – Jean-Marie was a distinguished guest at the 61st Annual Sonoma Valley Joint Memorial Day Observance at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park (adjacent to the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Building) at 126 First Street West in Sonoma, CA. The event started at 11:00 a.m.
Friday, December 14, 2018 – Jean-Marie and Michael were guest speakers at the VFW Post 8750 monthly meeting at the War Memorial Community Center at 6655 Mission Street in Daly City, California. After the meeting and lunch, there was a book signing for the members and their guests.
Thursday, September 20, 2018 – Jean-Marie was an honored guest speaker at the San Francisco VA Medical Center (Fort Miley) at a public ceremony from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Monday, May 28, 2018 – Jean-Marie was a distinguished guest at the 60th Annual Sonoma Valley Joint Memorial Day Observance at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park (adjacent to the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Building) at 126 First Street West in Sonoma, CA.
Monday, April 30, 2018 – Jean-Marie and Michael gave a presentation to students at Windsor High School in Windsor, California. The students are enrolled in history classes and are studying the history of WWII.
Friday, September 16, 2016 – Jean-Marie and Michael were guest speakers at the National POW/MIA Recognition Day Observance, sponsored by the American Legion Sotoyome Post 111 and hosted by the Santa Rosa Memorial Park. The ceremony began at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Lawn at 1900 Franklin Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA.
Saturday, September 10, 2016 – Jean-Marie and Michael were guest speakers at a meeting of the Santa Rosa Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Rosa, CA.
Monday, May 30, 2016 – Jean-Marie was a distinguished guest at the 58th Annual Sonoma Valley Joint Memorial Day Observance at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park (adjacent to the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Building) at 126 First Street West in Sonoma, CA.
Monday, April 4 and Tuesday April 5, 2016 – Jean-Marie and Michael were guest speakers at Windsor High School in Windsor, California. The students were enrolled in history classes and were studying the history of WWII. This special event was well attended, with over 200 students on each day.
Friday, December 18, 2015 – Jean-Marie and Michael were special guests at a speaking engagement and book signing event at the Tudor Rose English Tea Room at 733 4th Street in Santa Rosa from 4 pm to 6 pm. Tudor Rose made this a special event package for the audience that included tea, traditional English fare, and more. It was a well-attended event! A portion of the proceeds went to Sonoma County VetConnect, helping local veterans in need.
Sunday, December 6, 2015 – Michael and Jean-Marie were on-air guests on the Sonoma County Focus radio show with host Michelle Marques on KSRO 1350 AM. You can hear the interview here. Michael and Jean-Marie were joined by Angela Grant, owner of the Tudor Rose English Tea Room, who invited Michael and Jean-Marie to the speaking event and book signing at her tea room on Friday December 18th. Also on the show was Richard Jones, president of Sonoma County Vet Connect. A portion of the Tudor Rose event went to Sonoma County Vet Connect to help veterans in need.
Monday, May 25, 2015 – Jean-Marie was a distinguished guest at the 57th Annual Memorial Day Observance at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park (adjacent to the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Building) at 126 First Street West in Sonoma, CA.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015 – Michael and Jean-Marie were studio guests on Sonoma County’s Morning News with host Melanie Morgan at 8:10 am on KSRO 1350 AM and 103.5 FM, Santa Rosa, CA. Click here to hear an audio recording of the interview.
Saturday, December 13, 2014 – Jean-Marie was the honorary POW/MIA wreath presenter at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park in Sonoma, CA.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014 – “Under the Rising Sun” was ranked among the top 50 scripts in the 2014 Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting in Los Angeles, in a record-breaking year of 7,511 entered scripts.
Saturday, December 14, 2013 – Jean-Marie was the honorary POW/MIA wreath presenter at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park in Sonoma, CA.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013 – “Under the Rising Sun” was named the Bronze Award Winner (top three Finalist) in the prestigious PAGE Awards International Screenplay Competition in Los Angeles!
Monday, May 28, 2012 – Jean-Marie was a distinguished guest at the 54th Annual Memorial Day Observance at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park (adjacent to the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Building) at 126 First Street West in Sonoma, CA.
Monday, September 12, 2011 – “Under the Rising Sun” was named the GRAND PRIZE WINNER of the Creative World Awards International Screenplay Competition in Los Angeles! CWA was voted as one of the top 3 most significant contests from Moviebytes.com, and winning screenplays are circulated to top agencies, film studios, managers, producers, and international financers looking for their next project and writer. Additionally, CWA has secured an unprecedented amount of commitments from prominent companies to take first looks at their top winners.
Saturday, September 17, 2011 – Jean-Marie and Michael were special guests at a Constitution Day Ceremony, with a special tribute to veterans and active-duty men and women, at the Seventh Day Adventist Building, 840 Sonoma Avenue in Santa Rosa, CA. The ceremony started at 11 a.m. followed by a BBQ lunch for all.
Friday, September 16, 2011 – Jean-Marie and Michael were special guests at a salute to POWs and MIAs at Santa Rosa Memorial Park, 1900 Franklin Avenue in Santa Rosa, CA. The ceremony started at 11 a.m., followed by a reception. The highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the new MIA/POW Memorial.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011 – Jean-Marie and Michael were the guest speakers at a breakfast of the Men’s Club of the Varenna of Fountaingrove Retirement Community in Santa Rosa, CA.
Monday, May 30, 2011 – Jean-Marie was a distinguished guest at the 53rd Annual Memorial Day Observance at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park (adjacent to the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Building) beginning at 11:00 a.m. at 126 First Street West in Sonoma, CA.
Friday, April 15, 2011 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the guest speakers at a luncheon of the Sons in Retirement, Branch 17, at the Masonic Lodge at 600 Acacia Lane, Santa Rosa CA.
Saturday, February 12, 2011 – Michael and Jean-Marie were at an author “Meet and Greet” at Copperfield’s Books in Montgomery Village, 2316 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, California, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the guest speakers at a luncheon of the Santa Rosa Kiwanis Club at 12 noon at Chloe’s French Cafe, 3883 Airway Drive in Santa Rosa, CA.
Monday, December 27, 2010 – Michael and Jean-Marie were special guests on KSRO 1350 AM with hosts Michelle Marques and Tony Landucci.
Saturday, December 11, 2010 – Jean-Marie was the honorary POW/MIA wreath presenter at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park in Sonoma, CA .
Tuesday, November 9, 2010 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the guest speakers at a luncheon of the Newcomers Club of Santa Rosa at the Fountaingrove Golf and Country Club, 1525 Fountaingrove Parkway in Santa Rosa, CA. A book signing followed.
Thursday, October 21, 2010 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the guest speakers and signed books at a luncheon of the Luther Burbank Memorial Foundation Guild, at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, CA.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the guest speakers at a meeting of the United Methodist Women at the First United Methodist Church Meeting House on Montgomery Drive in Santa Rosa, CA. A book signing followed.
Friday, September 17, 2010 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the guest speakers at a meeting of the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Chapter HJ in Santa Rosa, CA.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the guest speakers at a luncheon of the Sons in Retirement, Branch 53, at the Oakmont East Recreation Center at 7902 Oakmont Drive in the Oakmont Village Retirement Community, in Santa Rosa, CA.
Saturday, June 12, 2010 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the guest speakers at a special Flag Day ceremony sponsored by the American Legion Post 28 of Petaluma. The event was held at the Petaluma Veterans Memorial Building in Petaluma, CA.
Monday, May 31, 2010 – Jean-Marie was a distinguished guest at the 52nd Annual Memorial Day Observance at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park (adjacent to the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Building), at 126 First Street West in Sonoma, CA.
Saturday, March 20, 2010 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the guest speakers at a luncheon sponsored by the veterans of the 187th Airborne. The event started at 11:30 a.m. at Jonesy’s Famous Restaurant, 2044 Airport Road, Napa, CA.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the guest speakers at a luncheon of the Sons in Retirement, Branch 92, in Santa Rosa, CA. The event started at noon at the Berger Community Center at 6633 Oakmont Drive in the Oakmont Village Retirement Community.
Saturday, March 6, 2010 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the guest speakers at a luncheon of the Redwood Empire Sons of the American Revolution. The event began at 11:30 a.m. at Marie Callender’s Restaurant and Bakery, 2460 Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa, CA. A book signing followed.
Sunday, February 21, 2010 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the guest speakers at a book signing at Brighton Gardens in Santa Rosa, CA.
Thursday, February 11, 2010 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the guest speakers at a luncheon of the Rotary Club of Rancho Cotati – Rohnert Park. The event started at 12 noon at Sally Tomatoes in the Sonoma Mountain Village, 1100 Valley House Drive in Rohnert Park, CA. A book signing followed.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the guest speakers at the January breakfast meeting of the Rotary Club of Rohnert Park/Cotati and Petaluma. The breakfast started at 8 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Rohnert Park, and Michael and Jean-Marie signed books afterwards.
Thursday, January 7, 2010 – Michael and Jean-Marie were guest speakers at the Porter Creek Social Club at 1 p.m. in Calistoga, CA. Michael and Jean-Marie signed books after the program.
Saturday, December 12, 2009 – Jean-Marie was the honorary POW/MIA wreath presenter at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park in Sonoma, CA .
Monday, December 7, 2009 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the keynote speakers at a breakfast and memorial of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Chapter 23 (Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino Counties), 9:00 a.m. at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building, Santa Rosa, CA. Read the article by Chris Smith of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here.
Monday, November 2, 2009 – Michael and Jean-Marie were guests on “Mornings in Sonoma” on community radio station KSVY 91.3 FM at 8:30 a.m. in Sonoma, CA. The show was simulcast on cable TV station SVTV Channel 27.
Saturday, September 19, 2009 – Michael and Jean-Marie were guest speakers at a special meeting of the American Legion Post 21 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lodge Room of the Veterans Memorial Building, Santa Rosa, CA.
July – August 2009 – Michael and Jean-Marie were featured once again on Comcast Newsmakers of Northern California, a five-minute news interview program that ran along CNN Headline News. The segment was hosted by Jack Hanson, formerly with KGO Channel 7 in San Francisco and aired daily through August 2009.
Thursday, August 20, 2009 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the guest speakers at a dinner and book signing with the Windsor Lions Club at 7 p.m. at the Windsor Community Center, 901 Adele St., Windsor, CA.
Saturday, June 13, 2009 – Michael and Jean-Marie signed books and were guest speakers at a luncheon for the First Marine Division Association, Redwood Empire Chapter, at 11:30 a.m. at the Boulevard Cafe, 1096 Petaluma Boulevard North in Petaluma, CA.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 – Jean-Marie was the guest speaker at a luncheon with the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 48 at the Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Rosa, CA.
Thursday, May 28 – Sunday, May 31, 2009 – Michael and Jean-Marie attended BookExpo America, the largest book publishing event in North America. The event was held at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. Michael and Jean-Marie had a live broadcast from New York on Friday, May 29 on KSRO 1350 AM on “The Drive” with host Steve Jaxon.
Saturday, May 9, 2009 - Michael and Jean-Marie were the special guest speakers at the Veterans Home of California, Yountville, 180 California Drive, Yountville, CA.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 - Michael and Jean-Marie were the guest speakers at a special event for the Redwood Empire Food Bank, at 3320 Industrial Drive, Santa Rosa, CA.
Saturday, May 2, 2009 – Michael and Jean-Marie spoke and signed books from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Borders bookstore, located at 2825 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA.
Saturday, April 18, 2009 – Michael and Jean-Marie were the keynote speakers at the Cloverdale Senior Center for their Fifth Annual Literary Luncheon from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., 311 North Main Street, Cloverdale, CA.
March 2009 – Throughout the month of March, Michael and Jean-Marie were seen on their first television appearance for “Through My Mother’s Eyes!” Michael and Jean-Marie were featured on Comcast Newsmakers of Northern California, a five-minute news interview program that ran along CNN Headline News. Michael and Jean-Marie were taped on Thursday, February 26th at the Starmont Winery the Napa Valley. The segment aired on a regular basis throughout the month of March, with host Jack Hanson, formerly with KGO Channel 7 in San Francisco, conducting the interview.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 – Michael and Jean-Marie were guest speakers at the Kiwanis Club of Healdsburg, at the Villa Chanticleer Annex, 1248 North Fitch Mountain Road, Healdsburg, CA.
Saturday, March 28, 2009 – Michael and Jean-Marie spoke and signed books from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Borders bookstore, located at 2825 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA.
Saturday, February 28, 2009 – Michael and Jean-Marie spoke and signed books at a ”Meet & Greet” from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Copperfield’s bookstore in the Montgomery Village shopping center, Santa Rosa, CA.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 – Michael and Jean-Marie were guest speakers and signed books at the Rotary Club of Santa Rosa luncheon at the Flamingo Hotel, Fourth Street and Farmers Lane, in Santa Rosa, CA.
Saturday, February 7, 2009 – Michael and Jean-Marie returned to Borders bookstore, located at 2825 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA., for another very successful book signing and speaking invitation.
Friday, January 30, 2009 – Michael and Jean-Marie were guest speakers and signed books at the Empire Breakfast Club at the Fountaingrove Inn, located at 101 Fountaingrove Parkway, Santa Rosa, CA.
Monday, January 12, 2009 – Michael and Jean-Marie were featured in a wonderful story on the front page of the “Empire News” section of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. The Press Democrat has a readership of about a quarter million adults and is the largest newspaper between San Francisco and the Oregon border.
Sunday, December 14, 2008 – Michael and Jean-Marie were guest speakers and signed books at Brighton Gardens, Santa Rosa, CA. Michael and Jean-Marie had an opportunity to meet two veterans of the Pacific Theatre during WWII, Jim Van Ry and Ed Philipp. Jim was a captain in the US Marine Corp, flying missions over the Philippines and later in Korea. Ed was a Technical Sergeant in the US Army 108th Infantry and saw action in Guadalcanal, Midway, and the Philippines. Michael and Jean-Marie also had the privilege to meet with Adele Zygielbaum, who, like Jean-Marie, was also a child POW during the war, but was on the other side of the world as a prisoner in three German concentration camps. A very special event for all that day and one that Michael and Jean-Marie will always treasure. See our pictures in the “Past Events Gallery” page!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 - Michael and Jean-Marie were guests at a special book signing at Borders bookstore, located at 2825 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA. The event was a huge success and Borders has asked them back in February of 2009!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 – Michael and Jean-Marie were invited back as returning guests on “The Drive” with host Steve Jaxon, KSRO 1350 AM, Santa Rosa, CA.
Thursday, October 9, 2008 – Michael and Jean-Marie were guests on “The Drive” with host Steve Jaxon, KSRO 1350 AM, Santa Rosa, CA.
September 2008 – Through My Mother’s Eyes was officially released by Strategic Book Publishing in New York.
Thursday, June 26, 2008 – Michael and Jean-Marie were guests on “The David Glass Show” with host David Glass, KSRO 1350 AM, Santa Rosa, CA.