Our response to the following questions regarding Jon’s death has significant implications: Why should we turn for comfort to God who permitted this to happen? I’ve come to the conclusion that the question as to why bad things happen to good people translates itself into a different question—no longer asking why Jon was taken away from us in the prime of his life—but what do we intend to do since that tragic event on February 27, 2007. Jon’s life has taught us to make every day count—in fact, one of Jon’s favorite expressions was to “live for the moment.” In other words, every moment in our life is special and to maximize the experience.
After reading the hundreds of tributes on legacy.com and SgtJon.com, one can easily conclude that Jon did not lead an “average” life—not even “above average.” He led an extraordinary life filled with exhilaration and a desire to be of service to others—even up until his last moment. Michelle Tan, staff writer for Army Times, wrote an exclusive on Jon on March 13, 2007 titled, “Meeting—and grieving for extraordinary people.” (This article was sent to Army troops throughout the world.) One of her personal glimpses about how Jon carried out his responsibilities as a medic was that, “his enthusiasm and willingness to pitch-in and do his share were infectious.” (This was the case despite only getting 2-3 hours of sleep between many missions.) How typical for Jon! Each of us by our actions preach a sermon every day. Jon preached a better sermon through his life than with his lips.
Before his deployment to Iraq, Jon called his sister, Kristia. He recognized the danger he would be facing as a medic in a war zone. He gave two specific requests: “If I don’t make it, I want to have a military burial and be buried in a veteran’s cemetery.” In addition, Jon had an aesthetic appreciation for stone churches. His funeral service was held on March 9, 2007, in a stone church. It was the largest funeral service held for any soldier who was buried in Orange County Veterans Cemetery in Goshen, New York. The service was conducted by West Point Military Academy. The following day after the service, I went back to the church where the service was conducted, and thanked the pastor for including such an inspirational poem on the back cover of Jon’s memorial bulletin. The pastor, David Calvin Kingsley, said that he included the same poem when his father passed away over 20 years ago—and has served as an inspiration to many who have struggled with the meaning of death. It says the following:
You can Shed Tears That He Is Gone, Or You Can Smile Because He Has Lived.
You Can Close Your Eyes And Pray That He’ll Come Back, Or You Can Open Your Eyes And See All He’s Left.
Your Heart Can Be Empty Because You Can’t See Him. Or You Can Be Full Of The Love You Shared.
You Can Turn Your Back On Tomorrow And Live Yesterday, Or You Can Be Happy For Tomorrow Because Of Yesterday.
You Can Remember Him And Only That He’s Gone, Or You Can Cherish His Memory And Let It Live On.
You Can Cry and Close Your Mind, Be Empty And Turn Your Back, Or You Can Do What He’d Want:
Smile, Open Your Eyes, Love, And Go On.
Author Unknown
It has been said, “When someone dies, you don’t get over it by forgetting, you get over it by remembering, and you are aware that no person is ever truly lost or gone once they have been in our life and loved us, as we have loved them.” Jon had a “love bond” with hundreds of people—from relatives to soldiers, to fellow classmates, to neighbors who considered him their “son”, to people in all walks of life—from the founding director of the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., to his barber, as well as a sergeant from the Tuxedo Police Department, but especially his mother, who he adored—not to mention his beautiful wife, Michelle, and his gifted sister, Kristia.
Jon’s death has been the darkest hour for our family—but God is penetrating our darkest moments of despair. We treasure the life that Jon led as a beloved son who felt compelled with a passion to serve his country. We thank God for the gift of Jon for 24 ˝ years, and he will forever live in our hearts—today, tomorrow, and into eternity. God bless America!
David A. Cadavero Jonathan’s Father
-David A. Cadavero (February 26, 2008)
As the end of the first year after Jon's passing nears (anniversary just does not seem like the right word to use at this time), I want to once again let you know that all members of Jon's family are in my thoughts and prayers as this time nears.
I personally know how difficult these milestones are, as my mother passed away about 6 1/12 weeks before Jon, and thus I have already gone through a difficult and challenging time. However, knowing that both Mom & Jon are at peace--and more importantly with the Lord--there is the realization that although they are not physically with us, they will always be in hour hearts. I feel so blessed to have gotten to know Jon during his training here in San Antonio, and to correspond occasionally after his departure. Yet, there is a deep void in my heart. In fact, last spring, a good friend (who hosted us at Thanksgiving) said that she felt I was taking Jon's death much harder than my mother's. In a way that was true, for I knew that my mother's passing was probable, while Jon's remained on a possiblity upon his deployment.
Again, please know that you are ALWAYS in my thoughts and prayers.s
Neil Williams San Antonio TX
-Neil Williams (February 23, 2008)
Dear Michelle
As the anniversary of Jonathan’s sacrifice approaches, I want to relay how thankful I am to have heroes like Jon who served – and are serving - our great country. While I never had the privilege to know Jon personally, I take pride in belonging to that same great fraternity of service-members, as well as a brother in the Adventist faith. I recall expressing to his father David, during a personal conversation a few years ago, how much esteem those of us in the military have for front-line medics like Jon. Truly, there is no greater calling - no greater gift of oneself - than to minister to a brother or sister during the most vulnerable time of any firefight – when comrades have suffered injury and require immediate medical attention. Often provided under hostile fire, while full exposed to continued harm, these brave men and women nevertheless choose to place themselves at great risk – such is the bravery and courage of every Army medic or Navy corpsman. There can be no greater example of love in action. In the era of non-volunteer recruitment of the past, Seventh-day Adventist draftees often entered service as non-combatants – principally in the medical corps. Willing to confront the hazards of fire while providing relief to the wounded made them a much-admired and often beloved component of the platoon or company they served. Yet I believe such gallantry is even more remarkable in this day of an all-volunteer force - to find such valor as exemplified by those called to provide comfort and care on the battlefield – a true ministry of healing. Such is the example of Desmond Doss – and Jonathan Cadavero. Statistically, a Soldier, Airman or Marine knows that if they can reach the first echelon of medical care they have better than a 98% chance of survival. Translated into real-world, this means that their embedded medic is more than just another Soldier – he or she is their lifeline and rescuer. Oftentimes, the first words the wounded or nearby battle buddy would shout at the earliest opportunity would be “medic!” Through the efforts of a wonderful Vietnam veteran – Michael G. Reagan, and his special endeavor to pay tribute to fallen American heroes like Jon while providing some solace to family members, a picture of Jon that I pulled off the tribute site was rendered in pencil art at no charge and should arrive shortly, thanks to the efforts of Bill Beans of the Robbinsville SDA church who coordinated the framing and shipping. I hope this small token of esteem and admiration for Jon fills an enduring place within your heart. You may also view Mr Reagan’s ministry at www.michaelgreaganartist.com or at www.fallenheroesproject.org. Should there be anything that I can do for you in the future, please don’t hesitate to ask – and please extend my well wishes to Jonathan’s family – especially David and Nadia.
With Highest Regards and Deepest Condolences,
JAMES B. MOTT, Major, USAF, MSC Commander, Air Force Medical Operations Agency, Detachment USAMMCE
-Major James Mott (February 21, 2008)
Dear Cadavero Family, As we approach the one year anniversary of Jon's passing, I just would like to tell you that your son is still in the thoughts and prayers of many. On friday, the 15th of February, my wife Rebecca and I suprised our daughter Grace and took her to the Toby Keith concert for her 6th Birthday. She had a wonderful time and was very well behaved. In his second and final encore, he sang "American Soldier" and "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue." After the concert was over Grace said to me "I'm glad Toby sang the soldier song for your friend Jon who died fighting for us, I hope he heard it in heaven." As I tried in vein to hold back a tear I thought the impression that this fine young man made on the local community and the world will never be lost. His legacy will last forever. I hope he heard it...I'm sure he did.
-Sgt. Patrick Welsh, Town of Tuxedo PD (February 18, 2008)
What a beautiful tribute to a beloved son, husband and brother. Jon is a testament to the excellence of our country and the purpose for this nation to remain true to Jon and the other soldiers who make and keep our nation free.
It is easy to say, “freedom is not free.” But when the family, friends and loved ones of a fallen soldier feel the pain of loss and still fight on because freedom is not free, we all need to stand and take notice.
Thank you, Cadavero family. You are blessed and in my prayers.
-Shak Hill (February 13, 2008)
Jon, It will be that time again when we are faced with the reality of what happened. I remember coming home from work and finding out. I was shocked. I was in denial. Then as more news came in, it started to sink in. It was a couple weeks before my birthday I remember. I will always be thankful for knowing you and learning from you to live life with out regrets. Rest for now my friend.
-Rosezanne Dakanay (February 9, 2008)
I have wanted to write a message here for sometime now. Although in my mind I knew what I wanted to write, the words just would not come out. My thoughts are constantly about my son. November & December were difficult and painful months. The Holidays have come & gone and now are just a faint & distant memory. I just couldn't send any Holiday cards. The thought of sending cards beginning with "merry" and "happy" pierced my heart. This year the outside lights remained in a box in the closet, indoor decorations were at a minimum, and a tree stood bare in the corner for over a week. Kristia came home & finally decorated the tree, placing Jon's favorite ornaments on top. It was good to be off from school and have Kristia home. I was surrounded by the people I love the most in this world: my family & close friends. And yet, I felt empty and alone. The house was full of people but one person was missing and will always be missing from now on.
The last Christmas Jon was home was in 2005. He was part of a mass exodus from Ft. Sam Houston as thousands of soldiers went home for the Holidays. I remember Jon telling me early that December not to get him any gifts because while he was in the army he really didn't need anything. However, he continued by saying, "but if you want to get me anything".......then his list was a mile long! He mostly asked for books which thrilled me to no end. It was torture for Jon to read anything but sports magazines while growing up but now, here he was a young man and an avid reader. His interests ranged from history to politics, from religion to science. Whenever Jon was home, he had a knack of somehow bringing noise, life, and laughter along with him.
I can't say my (our) Holidays were bad. However, the sense of loss and knowing that all the Holidays to come there will be that empty seat that Jon will never sit in again put a dark cloud over my head & heart. How can anything ever be the same? One would think that, as each day passes, life would be more tolerable. It hasn't. It can't. It won't. I'm a mother first and my heart longs for my son. On Christmas Day friends & former students called to wish us well. I couldn't answer the phone but brave & strong Kristia did. Every time the phone rang we would look at each other and, as if we both know what the other was thinking, Kristia would say, "I know mom. I wish it was Jon too."
Jon called twice last Christmas Day 2006. He was in Iraq. Each time he mentioned how that would be the first & last time he would miss Christmas at home. He missed his family, Christmas dinner, and all the usual family traditions. We all missed him as well, I cried after each phone call, but we all talked about the next Christmas when Jon would be home. No one ever expected otherwise. No one thought about Jon never coming home again.,
This Christmas Day, as I missed Jon beyond words, I couldn't help but think of all the thousands of families who also lost a son, brother, husband, loved one in this war. In a split second, thousands of lives changed forever. And nothing would ever be the same again. Unless you have experienced this kind of loss, you have no idea what my family and I went through this past Holiday Season. What we go through each day.
There are no words to express how I miss Jon. How I long to see him, hear his voice. Son, half of me is with you. I will love you always & forever. Mom
-Nadia Cadavero, Mother (January 24, 2008)
I've learned of the very unfortunate news of my student, but most importantly my GOOD FRIEND Jon. I'm not really good at releasing my feelings, but Jon will always be missed...and to this day I still miss Jon. I still remember the times we trained in the Martial Arts together and once in a while we'll go out and grab a bite to eat and just talk. He was a very strong willed man, and I could never understand why he was so into becoming a soldier, but I realized how much he loved his country and how he would do anything to serve it. And he did...he gave his life...and Jon I THANK YOU FOR THE SACRIFICE YOU HAVE MADE FOR THIS COUNTRY! I WILL NEVER TAKE THIS LIGHTLY! Its pretty hard typing while tearing up, but Jon.....I miss you, and to his family my prayers go out to you..I pray that the Lord will bring peace to the whole Cadavero family and he will. God bless you all! "Cast your cares upon him, for him (the Lord) careth for you" 1 Peter 5:7
-Jeremy L. Smith (January 22, 2008)
Dear Cadavero Family,
As we visit this site we immediately learn of the positive impact Jonathan had on everyone he came in contact with throughout his lifetime. What a fine Christian example he set over and over, showing concern and service for others. There is never an acceptable time to lose a loved one so young, but it must be so comforting to realize how much Jonathan meant to such a large number of people! Even within our classrooms, Jonathan's story will be used to emphasize the value of true dedicated service and the importance of doing more than your honest part in every task. What a legacy he has left for our students to ponder. Our thoughts continue to be with you. January 22, 2007
-Cohansey School Students and Principal Tomlinson (January 22, 2008)
I had the privilege of working for Jon's father, David Cadavero, at New Jersey Conference. I know how much David loved Jon, for his children were the main theme of his conversations. Jon had wonderful parents, and a very loving extended family. I have no doubt that Jon had the best of his parents in him. He died a hero. But in reality, heros never die. They live on in the memories they leave behind. And, knowing that death is but a temporary state of slumber . . .soon he will awaken, and we will all be joined together in the realms of eternity.
My prayer is that our loving, compassionate and merciful God bring peace to your hearts, comfort to your souls, and that his promise of the resurrection sustain you.
-Gloria Huerta (January 15, 2008)
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