Hi, I met Jon at CUC through my mother, the librarian. I talked with him a lot while he was there. He was always very pleasant and he always had time to talk with me. Even when he left, he stayed in touch. When he called, even right before he left for Iraq, he would always ask em how things were going in school and tell me to keep getting good grades.
-Luke Hecht (November 27, 2007)
I count Jon a friend. He was one of the only people in my unit that I talked to, laughed with, and counted as a friend. Jon always took time out for his fellow Soldiers, no matter how tired he was, when his next mission was, or when he got off his last one. Jon and I attended church together once or twice together and would talk about it afterwards. He was one of the most intellegent people I knew. He knew how to make people smile and laugh, how to lighten the mood, and how to listen. He knew his job and was always wanting to learn more. I hear someone talk with that New York accent and think of him or hear some laugh with a similar laugh and look to find him only to remember he is no longer here. When I found out he was killed I felt like there had to be a huge mistake. Of all the people in the world, Jon made this world a better place to be. He brightened it and made it more bearable. I am so sorry for your loss. I count it a joy to have known your son and brother. He was a wonderful man. ~Kristy Paulson HHC 2d BSTB
-SPC KRisty Paulson (November 23, 2007)
As Thanksgiving comes around again, we are remembering last year at this time when an unexpected knock on the door brought in Jon on a surprise visit home. We were so glad to see him and happy that he was kind enough to share some of his precious leave time with us. Before his return to Iraq, he wanted us to meet lovely Michelle. Their love for each other and pride they took in their jobs was obvious to us.
We knew Jon first as a young boy who came to cat-sit for us. He arrived to meet our cat and learn what to do just before we left on our trip. He was very serious, and had brought a pen and notebook in which he wrote detailed instructions for cat care. It didn’t take long before Jon became a family member to us, and we looked forward to his stopping by for some pancakes and talk. From the first, Jon impressed us by his commitment to one day serve his country.
As all who knew Jon are aware, he was the most thoughtful and caring person. For instance, one snowy winter while we were traveling, he came to our house late at night to shovel a path knowing we would be home early the next day. If we were raking leaves when Jon came jogging by, he’d always stop, pick up a rake and brighten our day. We came to know that this was the kind of thing that Jon would routinely do for all his family and friends. It wasn’t only the help that was appreciated, it was the joy of being with Jon listening to his funny stories and feeling his exhilaration for life.
We think of Jon every day and will always love him.
Jane and Dave Applebaum
-Jane & Dave Applebaum (November 21, 2007)
I was in the same platoon as Cadavero, but did not have the honor in deploying with him. I still cannot believe that he is gone. Its been over a year since I saw him last, and I can still remember exactly what he looks like. I lost a lot of friends this year overseas, but he sticks out in my mind the most. I allways remember how we would be in formation (waiting for something or other) and all we would wanna do is get it over with. We would all be in bad moods, grumpy and tired. But Cadavero never was. He would allways crack jokes, and get us all laughing and smiling. It was like he had the gift to rejuvenate you. He would allways rally us together. To his familly, I would just like you to know that everytime a patriotic song comes on the radio, or they talk about the brave soldiers that sacrificed for us your Soldiers face pops into my head. I will remember him as long as god keeps me on this earth, and I am sure I am just one of many that he has touched. " And we he gets to heaven, to St. Peter he will tell. Another soldier reporting in " Sir, Ive served my time in hell" " If you ever need anything you can reach me at this email: b302truckin@aim.com God Bless
-Brendan Denny ( Danbury, Ct) (November 20, 2007)
God bless Jon and his family and friends. I thank you all for your sacrifice as well as Jon's sacrifice in giving his "last full measure of devotion". No one should ever forget the sacrifices made by those who protect us and this great nation. I don't personally know Jon or his family - but we're all part of the American family - so, I feel his loss in that way. God bless America.
-Pamela Simmons (November 20, 2007)
Another significant day.....It is a dark, dreary, rainy and downright depressing day. I am describing not only the weather outside but how I feel inside as well. One of the last things Jon asked me just before he re-deplooyed to Iraq was if I could come up to Ft. Drum to meet him when he returned to the STates. I told him no force on this side of heaven could prevent me from being there. And, in fact, I would be there days before in case his flight would arrive earlier than scheduled. Today, the 2nd Brigade IS arriving at Ft. Drum from a long tour in Iraq.
Although I am happy for the troops who are coming home, I can't go to Ft. Drum to greet them and be part of the welcoming committee. My son will not be getting off the plane so this is not a joyous occasion for me.
In fact, this has got to be one of my hardest days because Jon should be on the flight home; I should be at Ft. Drum waiting for his plane to land; he should be walking down the stairs carrying his duffle bag, smiling and happy to be back home. Jon did come home but not in the way he and anyone else expected.
I don't blame God for Jon's death. But God parted the Red Sea, healed the sick & lame, restored the sight of the blind, brought the dead back to life....why couldn't He protect my son? God promised to take care of His children. Jon was a child of God, so why isn't he coming home today? I just don't understand the purpose of this. Perhaps I never will.
Jon enjoyed gospel music and one of his favorite songs was "Help Me" sung by Elvis. Part of the song goes like this:
"Lord, help me walk another mile today....just one more mile. Lord, help me smile just amother smile today....just one more smile. I can't make it on my own. With a humble heart, on bended knees I'm begging you....help me."
Well, today I am begging YOU, "help me."
I miss and think of Jon every day, every hour. But there are days that are more significant, painful and highly emotional for me. Today is one of those days. How I wish today could be different. If I could, I would trade places with Jon in a heartbeat.
Rest young warrior (as Jon liked to call himself). You are missed and loved by so many people. Most of all by me.
I love you son. Mom
-Nadia Cadavero (November 20, 2007)
To the family of Sgt. Jon,
I never met Jon, but was moved by a notice of his tragic death I received as a member of the Patriot Guard to add a comment to his page at Legacy,com. Words are such feeble things. Despite the effort with which I attempt to assemble them, they never come close to conveying what is in my heart when trying to comfort a greiving family. Simply put, I am in awe of brave men like Jon who freely place themselves in harms way to preserve the freedom that my family and I enjoy back here in the US. I owe him a debt which I can never repay - except to publicly thank him for his service and sacrifice and thank you, his family, for nurturing and raising such a fine man.
We do share a birthday. - June 13th. For what it's worth, take some comfort n the fact that I will remember his sacrifice on that day and pray that I may be worthy of his sacrifice.
-Don Calderalo (November 20, 2007)
Lord, Grant that we may hold dear the memory of your servant, never bitter for what we have lost nor in regret of the past, but always in hope of the eternal kingdom where you will bring us together again. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.
My daughter, Cara, and Jon were at CUC together. She always remembered how much he wanted to serve his country. What a blessing to have had him in her life. thank you.
-Dunbar Henri (November 20, 2007)
I've been dreading coming back from Iraq for a long time. I was SGT Cadavero's boss from the beginning of his journey in his new unit. SGT Cadavero came arrived at Fort Drum one late Friday evening. He said, SGT Wright, I don't think I'm suppose to be here, I was suppose to be at Fort Bliss, TX. I said, I will find out and get back with you, in the mean while, you can settle in here. He always had a story to tell to the medics and Doc Reynolds. I used to pronounce his last name wrong, so he decided to tell me it's just like saying C A D I L L A C, SGT Wright, C A D A V E R O. After that day, I had no problem. I was like his away from home mother, I am to all of the medics. I'm always trying to protect and train them. He didn't always know what to do, but he was willing to learn. He never failed me or any of his comrades. His last words to me was, my mom and my sister will be taken care of. I told him, I understand that, but you're not looking so well to me, maybe you need a break. He told me I don't need no break SGT Wright, I'm alright. That's was his answer whenever I wanted him to take a break. To Mrs. Nadia Cadavero and Krista, my condolences. I would like to visit, both of you soon. We are now settle here at Ft. Drum and I will be calling in order to meet you in person. All Jon ever talked about was the both of you and oh, I can't forget grandma. I gave him the gifts for your foot massage. Mrs. Nadia Cadavero, I sent a Soldier Medic Statue to you in memory of what type of medic Jon was. I could not enscribed it the way I wanted to due to me being in Iraq. I often have to take a break from everyday life because I asked my mom, how will I tell his mom, I took him over here, but I'm not bringing him back. I prayed each and everyday, praying I bring all of my medics back. I get so attached that it takes a toll on me sometimes. I remember, he needed a car to take Michele out and anytime he needed a better car then his own, I would let him borrow my truck. Anything to take care of my Soldiers. Mrs. Nadia Cadavero and Krista, I was talking from my heart in writing this message and crying at the same time. I sorry you all could not make it to our Brigade Ceremony today. But, I will visit soon! I feel I know the both of you through Jon. I love you both and God Speed. Our Soldier has went to a place in heaven and he is watching over us. I often call his name like he's still here. I have a pic of all of us a his first Army Ball. I will send it to you. I feel much better after months of dreading to contact you all.
-Sergeant First Class Daviada Wright, Sr. Medic of Cadavero's unit (November 20, 2007)
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