I met Jon when I was 7 yrs old in 3rd grade at Waldwick SDA School. We became close friends and remained that way for 15 yrs. I can't express how much I loved him and how much I miss him now. He was and still is an important part of my life. I'm incredibly proud of him and even more so to have known such a wonderful man.
-Kelly Pastor (December 9, 2008)
I am an Army soldier of 21 years and I've never read more loving tributes to a fellow soldier - he and his family were/are blessed to have known each other for his 20+ years. God Bless you All.
-K. Myers (December 8, 2008)
Thinking of you today, Jon, as I know yesterday was supposed to be your two year wedding anniversary to your wonderful wife, Michelle. I wish you were still here to be with her and with us. I miss you dearly and know I always will. At this time of year, I'm VERY thankful and proud to have known you. I can't wait to see you again in heaven! may that time come ever so quickly!
Love, Cousin Jeffrey
- (December 1, 2008)
As another Thanksgiving Day approaches, I remember another Thanksgiving--3 years ago. On that day, I went over early to Fort Sam Houston to meet Jon and "sign him out" of his unit, so that he could join several of us from church (he attended the churcch just a block from the motel where he & his training buddies stayed on the weekend pass) for the wonderful feast. Kay made him feel right at home, as usual, and he enjoyed a great meal--and a lengthy walk along the River Walk afterwards. I still remember seeing him every Sunday in church, in uniform, looking very sharp & handsome. He, and his family, will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow as we all join hands at the dinner table. I'm writing this a day early, as I will be leaving early tomorrow morning to meet and pick up two basic trainees from Lackland AFB to join us for the meal--a tradition that we started a year or two before Jon. Even though I was a bit remiss in not posting a note earlier this month, on Veteran's Day, Jon was again in my thoughts at the services at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
-Neil Williams (November 26, 2008)
I have a friend here at college that is so proud of the troops and their efforts that he wrote a poem in memory of them for Veterans Day. i feel the need to share this.
Giving It All To Freedom by James Gummert (2008)
I see a flag, Waving in the breeze, And I wonder if anyone sees, Or thinks, Or dreams, Or believes, In the ones who’ve given it all.
I see a nation, Protected, safe, noble and free, No place on Earth better to be, To live, To succeed, To be happy, Saved by the grace of God.
I see a soldier, Standing proud and tall, Hearing the shout of his duty’s call, He salutes, And follows, As he falls, To keep his country free.
Great pride I feel, For the protectors of freedom, And the leaders who lead them, To battle, As they wonder, If women and men, Even care if they make it home.
I will always remember, The ones who’ve given it all, Answering their duty’s call, For flag, And for nation, There standing tall, To keep this country free.
When James had me read this, i realized that the pain of losing my cousin is still here yet i know that with every passing day, God's love will strengthen me and my family. Every once in awhile i do think about the old days, of Jon goofing off and letting me ride by myself in a little red wagon down the hill in my neighborhood, but then i think that he is with the Father Almighty and i know that one day, i will go to His kingdom and see my Jonny once again. For anyone who is still in pain and suffering, i know that my words cannot spare you. Just know that you will see him again when you ascend into heaven. Trust in the Lord our God and know that He has a reason for all His actions. Whenever you dispare, go to you Bible and read Hebrews 4:16, Psalms 27:1-6, or Matthew 5:4. May these few verses help guide you. May the Lord keep you, all who are suffering. With my love and God's love. ~ Bonnie
-Bonnie Bekersky (November 17, 2008)
Thinking of you on this Veterans Day, Jonathan, and wishing you were still here to enjoy another Veterans' Day as you used to every single year. Thank-you once again for your tremendous sacrifice for us and our country. I think about you often and miss you very, very much. I can't wait to see you again..it won't be long now. The way things are looking now and according to what the Bible says, I know we are living in the "last days" and we will be reunited with you very soon...so until we meet again, my friend, just know that we love you and always will..you may be gone, but NEVER forgotton..
Much Love, Your Cousin, Jeffrey Cadavero & The Cadavero Family
- (November 11, 2008)
I know Jon would want to know that he's being remembered extra-specially today. He is. No one felt a stronger commitment to God and country, and for that, we are truly thankful. Let no Veteran ever be forgotten. We cherish their memories in our hearts and souls and honor them each and every day. But extra-specially today.
-Debra Valle (Jon's cousin) (November 11, 2008)
We thank you yet again, Jonny, as well as all your fellow Veterans ~ especially on this day. Our true American heroes!
You will always be dearly missed .... never, ever forgotten.
-Debra Valle and Family (Jon's cousin) (November 11, 2008)
What can I say about Sgt. Jonathan Cadavero? I didn't personally know Jon but from what I have read of those who did have the privilege of knowing him, I have to say, I feel cheated. I first learned of Jon's tragic story while I was working in Michigan. Glancing over the Greater New York Conference website I came across the sad and disturbing news. Having known Jon's grandmother, Justine Cadavero, I felt the sudden sting of loss. Being a father myself, I cannot comprehend the pain that must attend Jon's parents. David and Nadia, you have my most heartfelt sympathy. I do not pretend to imagine what you're pain must be like from day to day; how you manage to find the resolve to press on. I'm certain God's grace has meant more to you now than ever before. Recently, about 2 weeks ago, I had the opportunity of sitting with David at a restaurant while I asked him questions about his son. Wow! You should have seen his face light up. His esteem and love for his son was emotionally charged. I sat there in amazement trying to gather a glimpse of a man I never knew. David, you painted a perfect portrait. Thank you for sharing Jon's life with me. You see my friend, I don't feel cheated anymore for having never known Jon...for I met him through your eyes and heart. Thank you. As I sit here writing this my heart is heavy. Not heavy with despair and uncertainty, but heavy with hope. Hope that someday soon I will have the great privilege of seeing you all re-united again. Then, finally being able to look into Jon's eyes for the first time...only to recognize and old friend!
My deepest respect and thanks to Jon for his selfless sacrifice.
My even more profound respect to his parents who helped to shape such a timeless character.
With a father's love, Anthony Rivera.
-Anthony Rivera (November 11, 2008)
As Americans, we have set aside November 11th as Veterans Day. A day to reflect, remember, and honor those who have served in the United States Armed Force. We should especially honor those who have given their last full measure - our Fallen Heroes.
Families with a loved one who is currently serving overseas,reflect on the volatility of their status and pray for their safe return. Families of Fallen Heroes are reminded of their loss and grieve anew for their loved one.
We must never forget that America's greatness is due to the dedication and heroism of those who risked their lives defending our freedom. By their service they have kept America strong & have protected our way of life.
Looking through one of Jon's army folders, I came across the following:
"It is the VETERAN, not the preacher Who has given us freedom of religion. It is the VETERAN, not the reporter Who has given us freedom of press. It is the VETERAN, not the poet Who has given us freedom of speech. It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer Who has given us freedom to assemble. It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer Who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the VETERAN, not the politician Who has given us the right to vote." Author Unknown
Because he never forgot, Jon would send Veteran Day cards to all the VETS he knew to thank them for serving this great land of ours. On behalf of Jon, I would like to thank the VETS he remembered & respected: his hero Uncle Ihor, Michelle, Uncle Richard, Peter, Lee, Frank, Jon's dentist, his neighbors Capt. Jack, Sylvia, Mr. Bradey, barber Art, Shea, Kristy, Andrew and scores of soldiers Jon served with here in the United States & in Iraq, to all in Alpha Co., his fellow medics and the men & women in the 2nd Battalion from Ft. Drum. Special thanks to all and if Jon is looking down at you, he is ever so proud to have known you and/or served with you.
Today there are nearly 25 million military veterans living among us. Thanks for your service, for teaching us invaluable lessons about liberty, patriotism and democracy.
Thank you Jon. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten as well. Rest in peace my beloved son with all your fallen band of brothers.
Miss & love you son - Mom
-Nadia Cadavero (November 11, 2008)
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