Nadia, David and Kristia. We want to express our thoughts to you on this 3rd anniversary of Jon's death. When we hear of our brave men and women losing their lives in this turmoil of war, we are reminded how brave and courageous and high spirited Jon was. He accepted the challenges with courage and honor, knowing (and not knowing) what could lie ahead of him each day. He is greatly missed. You were great parents, and Kristia a great sister. Thank you for keeping his legacy alive. Even though Jon was taken from us all too soon, we'll see him again someday. God bless America and our troops who continue to serve.
-Uncle Rich and Aunt Barbara Cadavero, (February 27, 2010) (February 26, 2010)
My sympathies are extended to Jon's family. Each American is safer because of his service and owes a debt of gratitude to him and his family.
-David Polyansky (February 25, 2010)
As the third anniversary of Jon's passing approaches, I think again of the impact that he had on my life in the short time that I knew him. The messages on this site are testament to the tremendous impact that Jon had on everyone that he met--and that met him. Although I have been less frequent in my postings on this site, he still remains in my memory every day; every Sunday, as I greet those entering church for services, I am reminded of Jon every time the front door opens, for I can see the motel where he and his friends stayed each weekend as they enjoyed the sights and sounds and life of San Antonio. A few weeks after the listing of Jon's death in the paper (after the information was released by the Department of Defense and after I confirmed it by several searches on the web), a very good friend (she hosted us for that memorable Thanksgiving dinner when Jon joined us) told me that I was taking his death harder than I was taking my mother's death a few weeks before. And it was probably true. On my hotmail account, I still have the email that Jon sent a few weeks before his death after I'd told him of my mother's passing; he had met her only briefly at church but had such kind and touching words for me. That is the type of man that Jon was--and the inspiration that he remains to me.
You will always live in my heart, Jon.
-Neil Williams (February 25, 2010)
February 27, 2010, is the third year “anniversary” of a brave, courageous American solider - Sgt. Jonathan D. Cadavero, a medic, who died in Baghdad, Iraq, while on a mission: hunting Improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s), bombs that took the lives of hundreds of American soldiers. There is a numbing pain in the heart of Nadia (Jon’s mother) that remains just as fresh today as the day when two officers from West Point Military Academy informed her that Jon died. (Of course, the entire family continues to feel the pain of Jon’s loss, but a mother’s pain is most acute). Some have even told Nadia, “It’s been several years since Jon died, it’s time to move on with your life.” The following questions may be asked: Is there a way to heal the hole in one’s heart caused by the death of a loved one? Should one put a “time limit” on the healing process? Rabbi Marc Gellman in an article that appeared in Newsday gave the advice that it was not necessary to apologize for the grief you feel about the death of a loved one – no matter how long one has been grieving. Jon’s love for his mother was unconditional. To experience unconditional love is a great blessing, and the loss of such love is a great loss.
Rabbi Gellman’s counsel to people who have lost a loved one is very poignant. He says “to thank God for their pain.” When he gives this counsel, most people look at him as if he were “nuts”. But he says that “the only way to take away their pain would be to take away the love they felt for the person who died.” He then asks “if they would be willing to wipe away all the memories of that love one so they wouldn’t care that the person died and not feel the pain of loss.” Every person he counseled stated that, “they never would want the memory of love wiped out.” Gellman then says, “to be proud of your pain, treasure it and thank God for it as indisputable evidence that they had the courage to love deeply.” This is how holes in one’s heart are comforted. This is how love is repaid. It doesn’t stop a mother (or anyone else) from sobbing – 1, 2, 3 or 10 years later for the loss of her son (or a love one). But it does reflect on the fact that she owns this pain of loss , and is blessed by it because that is what love does to us when it is given to us, and when it is taken from us.
Sgt. Jonathan D. Cadavero may have died on February 27, 2007, but his life remains a lasting testimony of an exemplary person who was able to face danger and life threatening situations while in Iraq, day–in and day-out, and still carry out his duties as a medic with consummate skills, compassion and composure. Several soldiers are alive today who trace their life to specific acts of heroism that Jon courageously demonstrated in the battlefield under enemy fire. Jon was never “average.” He was not even “above” average, he was an extraordinary human being and solider, and hundreds of lives have been touched by his life of integrity, honor and character.
His legacy is etched in the hearts of all the people he touched – today, tomorrow and into eternity. Jon was a hero to his entire family, and we are grateful that he had the opportunity to serve our great nation. John F. Kennedy observed, “The courage of life is often a less dramatic spectacle than the courage of a final moment, but it is no less a magnificent mixture of triumph and tragedy. A man does what he must – in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers – and that is the basis of all morality.” Jon demonstrated acts of uncommon valor and altruism and paid the ultimate sacrifice. What an honor to have him as a son and see him grow into a human being who demonstrated acts worthy of emulation. We know that Jon looks forward with great anticipation to meet his Maker – Jesus Christ. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
David A. Cadavero Jonathan’s father
-David A. Cadavero (February 23, 2010)
I was listening to dc Talk today and thought of Jon. He introduced me to my favorite all time band and it was good remembering why they became my favorite. Ever now and then, I remember the good times like the summers at lake Michigan when the family would come and visit or the Thanksgivings were we would goof around and shoot the bb guns. I remember when Jon would go to one of the local parks in my home town and play basketball with random guys there. He was always great at meeting new people and making friends. I miss him but I'm so thankful for the times we spent together, the good and the bad, and I know that he is happy and hanging with the Lord. God Bless.
-Bonnie B (February 13, 2010)
Jon, I hope you've been reading all these messages of love, hope and gratitude ~ you are greatly missed by all. Your light and legacy are shining brightly, still. Lighting Christmas candles in your memory!
-Debra Valle (cousin) (December 22, 2009)
I miss you everyday bro...watch over us all...
-Ssg. Randy Acord (December 18, 2009)
Sgt. Jonathan Cadavero, your life was like a flash in a pan. It was brief but brilliant. The short time you spent on this earth was so meaningful and productive. You paved the way by setting a worthy example for others to follow. For the love of God and country, you paid the ultimate price. Your life epitomized the words of Cicero: "Ad bene vivendum breve tempus satis est."- For living well, a short time is enough. May God keep you safe until the blessed morning.
Dr. Hermann V.A. Kuma, Ph.D. Director, Multi-Ethnic Ministries Greater New York Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
-Dr. Hermann V.A. Kuma, Ph.D. (December 11, 2009)
the cadavero clan in the philippines expresses our heartfilt condolence to the cadavero family for the untimely death of jonathan. may he rest in peace
-toni m. cadavero - cabadbaran city, agusan del norte philippines (tentwohorizon@yahoo.com) (December 10, 2009)
Three years ago today I saw Jon for the last time. Instead of waiting for Jon to come home or call, I spent the afternoon at the cemetery thinking about that hour at the airport just before he left to go back to Iraq. I will never understand how the army can send soldiers home for R&R when there is a war going on but perhaps Jon was supposed to come home for those 10 days and be with his family. More than ever I miss Jon. I miss his warmth, his friendliness, his caring nature. I miss his smile and the goofy faces he used to make. I miss his sense of humor and positive attitude. I miss his ability to look and find something good in everyone. I miss not seeing him cutting the front lawn & singing at the top of his lungs. I miss his calls & just hearing his voice saying "hi ma".............I miss our talks until the wee hours of the morning. I miss Jon. I miss my son. I carry him & his memory in my heart every day. Always will. Love you son, now & forever. Mom
-Nadia Cadavero (December 4, 2009)
Leave your own memories & condolences of Sgt. Jonathan Cadavero.
