Four years ago on Thanksgiving, Jon joined several of us from First Presbyterian church for the annual feast with freinds and family. He immediately became part of the eclectic family at the condo on San Antonio's River Walk. Time passes so fast, but Jon and his family are always in my thoughts. I remembered his sacrifice 2 weeks ago at the annual Veteran's Day services at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. I know that I've been remiss in posting my thoughts and comments here, and I was in awe and I was speechless (very rare indeed!!) when I saw that the gymnasium where he went to school was renamed in his honor. Well deserved. Jon--and his family--wiill all be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow as well.
-Neil Williams (November 25, 2009)
On November 15, 2009, our family was honored to have the Waldwick Seventh-day Adventist Academy dedicate the school gymnasium in Jonathan’s honor, in which it was renamed Sgt. Jonathan D. Cadavero Memorial Gymnasium. I would like to thank in particular, Kenton Matthews, school board chair, school board members, Wayne Edwards, principal, and the faculty of the Waldwick Seventh-day Adventist Academy for this special dedication service in honor of Jonathan. Also, a special word of appreciation to Angela Edwards for the many hours of labor that she spent decorating the gymnasium.
I would like to share a few observations that help keep Jonathan’s legacy “alive”: • Soon after Jonathan death on February 27, 2007, Legacy.com, a leading provider of online obituaries provided a guest book for Jon… over 300 people signed and left spirit filled messages. Several months later, Kristia, Jon’s sister, was instrumental in the creation of Jonathan’s website, sgtjon.com, and hundreds more family members and friends (up to 21 pages and counting) left messages and condolences. Our family is deeply appreciative of all the kind expressions of compassion and encouraging words of comfort. • On March 15, 2007, there was a feature article on Jonathan which appeared in Army Times, a newspaper distributed to troops throughout the world. The title of the article was, “Meeting and Grieving for Extraordinary People”. The article stated that sometimes Jon only had two hours of sleep between missions, but when assigned to go on a new mission despite sleep deprivation, his enthusiasm and high energy level was contagious. • In a time of war, the solider most vulnerable to an enemy attack is the medic, whose primary responsibly is to salvage the lives of wounded soldiers. Jonathan went on over 200 consecutive missions in Iraq, and quickly became known by his platoon as one of the top medics, known for his courage and valor, who would do and give his all for his fellow soldiers. How does one develop such courage knowing one’s life is at risk moment-by-moment? Nelson Mandela, former president of South of Africa, provides the following answer to this question:
“Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The brave person is not the one who does not feel afraid, but the one who conquers fear.” Jonathan conquered fear and many of his fellow comrade’s lives were spared because of his caring heart and tenacious courage under enemy fire.
• A few more illustrations that demonstrate some incredible things that happened in Jon’s life of only 24 years: When Jon was a senior at Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University), he worked as a cashier at a Barnes and Noble bookstore near the White House. Coming through line to purchase books was Paul Wolfowitz, the Assistant Secretary of Defense (under Donald Rumsfeld) who got into a conversation with Jon. Wolfowitz was so impressed with Jon’s passion to serve his country, his patriotism and his infectious positive spirit; he took down Jon’s phone number. A few days later Jonathan got a call from a General asking if Jon would like a private tour of the Pentagon. Jon did not hesitate to say yes. Imagine, a 22 year old “kid” getting a private tour of the Pentagon! Jonathan’s strong character was manifested during his formative years. One of Jon’s teachers’s informed me that several classmates offered Jon the opportunity to cheat on a semester examination. Although Jon’s decision not to go along with his classmates was “unpopular”, he stood his ground not to join in this unethical act. Jon led a principled driven life, and always had the conviction never to participate in acts which would undermine his integrity and honor.
There were three key family members who helped Jonathan in developing a path leading to a life of significance. The most instrumental person in helping to shape Jonathan’s life into a model of excellence in every facet of his development was his mother, Nadia. All of her years of love, motherly counsel, and discipline paid off, and Jon developed into a superb human being. His sister, Kristia, who was Jonathan’s best friend, shared many things in common, and one, in particular – their love for America. She graduated in May 2009 with a Master of Science (Summa Cum Laude) in Defense and Strategic Studies. Kristia is dedicating the rest of her life to protecting and defending America. Jonathan was also blessed to interact on a regular basis with his Aunt Daria, whom he deeply respected and admired. Winston Churchill once declared, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give”. Jon gave his all. His final words to his sister two weeks before he was killed in Iraq were the following: “I have no regrets. I would do this all over again. I love being an American”. In Luke 6:45 it says “A good person brings good out of the treasury of good things in his heart”. Jon left us a lasting legacy of good things, because he had a heart that was right with his Lord. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
David A. Cadavero Jonathan's Father
-David A. Cadavero (November 25, 2009)
To the Cadavero family, please know how much you're thought of and constantly prayed for. I was truly blessed to meet Mrs. Cadavero, Kristia, and Jon's Aunt at the honorary program held at Waldwick SDA School. It was also a blessing to see Mr. Cadavero (fmr. boss). Truly a fitting tribute to a special young man who's had such a positive impact on so many people. There's a lesson we can all draw from Jonathan Cadavero and one of them is service, which I plan to instill in my life. My thoughts, my prayers continue to be with each of you. With love.
-Kimi-Roux James (November 19, 2009)
Jonathan Cadavero. A wonderful young man to be sure. With his loss the Body of Christ and the family of man is less than it should be. Less than it might have been with the power of a young man and a talented individual who gave his all for those who now enjoy another day of life.
Thank you Jonathan for all that you have given. Thank you to your mother, father and sister for keeping your memory alive and for raising a wonderful young man who is an inspiration to me.
Rest my young friend. Rest.
-Tony Romeo (November 16, 2009)
This evening, the academy that Jonny and I attended had a special banquet in his honor. The gym was renamed after Jon and will forever be the “Sgt. Jonathan Cadavero Memorial Gymnasium.” Jon’s family and I would like to thank all those who attended and who made this event a wonderful success. Below is a little speech that I gave during the event tonight that I would like to share:
"One of the most common requests I get asked from people is to tell them about my brother. Although they find his army life interesting, they typically would like to know something more personal that reveals who Jon really was. There is no shortage of funny stories about Jon; our mother described him as “colorful” and although he was a very good child he had a close friendship with mischief.
I’ll briefly share one of those amusing stories with you: when Jonny was 8 years old we saw the video of the movie Home Alone. Then next day, thinking he was being funny and innocently not realizing that someone could take offense, he told our waitress to “keep the change you filthy animal.” Our waitress had seen the movie and laughed; our mother gave Jon a lecture about not acting out what he saw in movies.
One really could talk forever about all the qualities that made Jon, Jon. His favorite running trail during his years at Washington Adventist University was a 13-mile path from the Capital building to the Jefferson Memorial to the White House and back. His favorite place in the world to pray was the War Memorial Chapel at the National Cathedral. His favorite method of taking pictures was to hold the camera in front of him, ask everyone to crowd around him, and then click his camera (somehow those pictures would always come out perfectly centered).
Another one of Jon’s attributes was his love of inspirational quotes. He was especially drawn to passages about patriotism, love, and how to raise one’s character to live with honor and courage. He always appreciated how words placed within a sentence or two could succinctly convey an entire idea of inspiration. Jon’s favorite quotes from historical figures were those from Ronald Reagan, General George Patton, and Winston Churchill. The books that he underlined the most, which contained passages that he wanted to remember, were Tuesdays with Morrie, The Purpose Driven Life, and The Lord of the Rings.
Jon even took random sayings that he saw on bumper stickers, magnets, and tee shirts. Only Jon had charisma enough to ask someone to stop so he could write down the phrase that was on their tee shirt, but that was exactly how he got a favorite expression that he used during psychology classes in college: Life is not about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself.
When Jon joined the army I signed up on several websites to receive inspirational quotes daily via email, and when I read a moving one I would send it to him, and when Jon found it particularly inspiring he would read it to his troops. In his honor I still received these quotes every day and always think of Jon when I’m reading them. This past Wednesday, on Veterans Day, I read a quote from Gandhi that described Jon exactly. Gandhi stated, “Infinite love is a weapon of matchless potency…It is an attribute of the brave, in face it is their all. It does not come within reach of the coward.”
Jon was not just a brave soldier but he was a brave person, and this enhanced his capability of great love. He was never hesitant to show his love for others, from the care he showed his family and friends; to the concern he showed this school that he loved; to the dedication he had toward his community and country; to the honor he showed America’s veterans; to the way he put the soldiers he served with above himself when, as their medic, he ran through bombs and bullets to save their lives. Jon was a true example of how one should live.
In closing, I would like to share one final quote of Jon’s favorite Bible verse. Proverbs 3:27 reads, “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.” That is what everyone who is here tonight is achieving, as Jon’s memorial scholarship fund is helping students at this academy who need assistance. Thank you for showing love toward Jon and toward the many students who will be positively impacted. Jon’s legacy will always be with us, and through his scholarship fund we can ensure that the love he had toward his community will continue through all of us."
-Kristia Cavere (November 15, 2009)
Its incredible the way the Jonny has impacted the lives that surronded him. He left a butterfly effect that when he was kind to someone, they would be kind to another, and another, and so on. Seeing this has taught me that we should all be kind to those around us.
When God finds a gift in someone, He tries to show that person their gift, and help them use that gift. I know that one of Jonny's many gifts was kindness to others. Another was always being able to make someone laugh when they were having a bad day.
I will forever remember the times that we spent together. I always looked up to him, because i saw how good he was. I used to think "how can someone be that nice to everyone?" Jonny made it look so easy. He was truly doing the work of God in being a kind soul to everyone he met.
I know it must be hard to deal with another holiday season rolling around. But I just want to say to the Cadavero family, you are some of the strongest people I know. To make this website and have that beautiful memorial service for Jonny helps his friends and family not to mourn his death, but celebrate his life.
We will always miss his presence here with us. But we know that one day we will all gather together and once again be reunited with our God in heaven.
With all that being said, I'd like to finish with this verse: "In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a plce for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:2,3
Jonny is forever in our hearts and minds. I love you Jonny, and I'll see you soon (:
-Amanda Azar (November 15, 2009)
Every time that a holiday or special day of significance approaches, I always think about what I want to write on Jon’s memorial page. But my feelings of grief get in the way, and the words get trapped between my heart and my throat, and I’m unable to write anything comprehensible.
My message today is simple and one of love for my brother and admiration for his service, of honor and appreciation for our veterans, and of thankfulness for our country. Jon was very patriotic and showed his appreciation for our veterans every chance he could. To him Veterans Day was every day. And that is a true example of how an American should live.
Jon always loved to receive inspirational quotes, and after he deployed I signed up on several websites to receive motivational messages daily via email. When I read a particularly poignant one, I would send it to him.
One of the quotes I read this morning was an accurate description of Jon. The words are from Gandhi and state, “Infinite love is a weapon of matchless potency…It is an attribute of the brave, in face it is their all. It does not come within reach of the coward.”
Jon was very brave, and he was very loving. He was never hesitant to show his love for his family and friends, his community and school, his brothers-in-arms and country, and the many veterans that he knew. On this day when we remember our Veterans, I am reminded of how Jon honored their service and send out my gratitude to all our members of our Armed Forces, our veterans, and our brave fallen.
Honoring my cousin, Jon, and all his fellow Veterans extra-specially today -- and always!! We miss you dearly, yet are grateful for your service beyond measure. Rest in peace in the arms of God.
-Debra Valle (November 11, 2009)
Today, November 11th, Veterans Day, we come together as a Nation to thank and honor Veterans for their service. All over our Nation there are community parades, patriotic ceremonies, and military tributes. Our veterans share a legacy of service that crosses generational lines and upholds the values upon which our Nation was founded: service to a cause greater than self.
"A Prayer for Veterans Proud of our nation, they answered her call - defending the freedom and safety of all. On land or on sea, or in jets high above, they went out of duty and honor and love, but however they served, Lord, wherever they went, please bless them and help them to know what it meant! And help us to thank them on Veteran's Day - for we owe them far more than we ever could say."
I am thinking of Jon and how every year he would send cards to all the Veterans he knew to thank them for their service. Most of all today, I am thinking about Jon's outstanding courage and commitment to freedom. I am thankful to Jon and to all fine Americans like him who have given so much to our great country.
Recently Kristia gave me a wood carving of a woman (could be a mother, wife, sister) clutching an American tri-folded flag to her chest. A card came with the carving with the following inscription: "Hero, we honor thee, keeping safe your memory."
Jon was always my hero........I was always proud of him. Today, I will place baskets of flowers at his grave along with all my love. Son, you will never be forgotten. Never. I love you - mom
-Nadia Cadavero (November 11, 2009)
My Deepest condolences I can only imagine the pain of losing a close family member in the military. My son has served two tours in Iraq and we were proud and blessed that he has returned home to us. God Bless them all.
-Ronald Trapani (October 30, 2009)
Leave your own memories & condolences of Sgt. Jonathan Cadavero.
