My wife and I were fortunate to watch Jon grow up. For years, we ran down the hill past the Cadavero house as we started, and finished, our workouts. We watched Jon grow from a tiny little kid into a fine young man.
We knew Jon as a little boy playing in the yard, to a teen doing yard work, to the man who met us on the street to tell us that he had enlisted and was headed for basic training. We were both amazed at how he had changed, the confidence, the determination, the pride. He had grown up before our very eyes.
I remember when Jon got his dog Rusty, yes, the dog featured on his site. He was so proud of Rusty...my wife was the only one that could groom him..and Jon happily walked him in to the kennel every so often for his trim and his nails. Another time to see Jon and feel his warmth and humor.
We know that Nadia, and Krista and David and Michelle and all of his family must ache. Jon was such a special person you have to believe that it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.
We still finish our runs at the hill by his house and stop at "Jon's rock," the big one right by the school bus stop. It is our way of remembering.
-Charlie and Ann Marie Hunt (October 5, 2009)
Although I don't always write a message on this website, the proverb "Out of sight, out of mind," never applies to a mother's relationship with her child. And it certainly does not apply to me and the relationship I had with my son, Jon. Certain days that passed were difficult but I have not, cannot, will not ever forget: *June 13th - Jon's birthday and that he would have been 27 years old this year *the last two weeks in July when Jon had his last long home leave before deployment *August 13 when he was delployed to Iraq. Every summer will be especially bitter sweet because of my loss. I will have to find some comfort in all the wonderful memories I hold dear in my heart.
"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path." Agatha Christie
I miss Jon more today than ever before. Even though death comes, love never goes away. Death came all too quickly and took my beloved Jon. I loved him with all my heart and soul. I still do. Rest in peace. Mom
-Nadia Cadavero (September 15, 2009)
Today 9/11 is set aside as a National Day of Remembrance to remember the innocent lives lost on that tragic day and to honor the heroes who risked their lives to save others. That day changed all our lives; however, this day has a little more significance for me. It’s a day that changed Jon’s life and changed any and all plans he had for himself and for his future. After 9/11 he felt a stronger “calling” to serve his country, defend its freedom, and fight the war on terrorism. It’s not easy being a soldier. There’s hard training, discipline, separation from family, physical training in rain and shine, heat or snow, 24-hour duty, lack of sleep, lack of food, never mind the prospects of war hanging over your head the knowing that one day you will be on the front line.
But Jon had a passion and didn’t fear any of the hardships. In fact, even after facing many of the things listed above, he would always say he had no regrets and would do it all over again. He loved and believed in this country and wanted others to have the same opportunities and freedoms we have. He was willing to fight for it and even die for it.
Today there are scores of memorial services from Maine to California all honoring the victims, families, and heroes. Although at the time Jon was just a college student, today I also honor Jon, my son and hero. He is thought of and remembered with incomprehensible love. Today and Always.
Mom
-Nadia Cadavero (September 11, 2009)
I find it amazing how one person can make such an impact on those around him. It's just an incredible sight to see how many people care about a single person. This loss, in a sense, has made me stronger. I've learned that life is so precious. I've learned that there's nothing more amazing than being with those you love the most; and most importantly, that God should always be your best friend.
I remember when I first met him. He immediately became my hero. Immediately. Every day, I grow, more and more like a man that God wants me to be. But, I'm happy to say that Jonny, even years later, plays a huge role in what I hope to become. He was so much more than a substitute, or a gym teacher. He was someone who reflected the image of God. He was someone who will one day hear from the King of kings, Himself, "Well done, good & faithful servant."
We will all forever miss him, but we rest in that promise that we will one day see him again under that tree of life.
For those who still can't find that peace, here's a promise from God. I hope that you will keep it in your hearts and whenever you're feeling down, remember its words. Claim this promise to God in your times of sorrow and trust that your prayer will be answered:
"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, because I am your God! I will strengthen you, YES! I will help you; And I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
Love you Jonny! See you in paradise!
-Jonathan Candelaria (September 10, 2009)
As a decorated Air Force veteran, I understand your brothers sacrifice for our beloved nation. Having attended more military funerals than I wish to recount, I extend to you Krista and your loving family my sympathies. I also want to thank you for memorializing your brother in this way.
-Bob Kemp (July 20, 2009)
On this day when we celebrate our independence, we remember and give thanks for those who gave their lives to maintain this freedom. Jon--you are always in my thoughts, and your family is always in my prayers. You were loved by all who knew you. Thanks for your service--and sacrifice. We miss you and will always honor what you have done.
-Neil Williams (nwilliams48@hotmail.com) (July 4, 2009)
DEAR CADAVERO FAMILY, I HAVE JUST FOUND YOUR SITE. I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW SORRY I AM FOR YOUR LOSS. NOR CAN I EXPRESS HOW PROUD I AM ON READING ABOUT JONATHAN. I SPENT 13 1/2 MONTHS WITH SPECIAL OPS IN VIETNAM AND KNOW WHAT IT IS TO LOSE MEN. IT IS SOMETHING YOU THINK ABOUT AND LIVE WITH E V E R Y D A Y. YOU WILL SEE HIM AGAIN AND IT WILL BE WITH A JOY THAT NO ONE WILL EVER BE ABLE TO TAKE FROM YOU, GOD BLESS YOU, ALWAYS, ALL WAYS,
JOSEPH CANTONE josephcantone@yahoo.com
-JOSEPH CANTONE (June 24, 2009)
Here's to Jon, blowing out his birthday candles up in heaven tomorrow on June 13th, alongside his cherished grandfather who shared the same birthday. Beloved son, brother, husband, grandson, cousin, friend, extraordinary soldier and medic: your light still shines brightly down here on earth!
~ Debra Valle (cousin)
-Debra Valle (June 12, 2009)
The wars in Iraq/Afghanistan have resulted in the deaths of 403 medical personnel (through March 10, 2009). Dr. S. Ward Casscells, M.D., Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, coordinated a special program to commemorate the service of these fallen military personnel. It was held on March 11, 2009 at Arlington National Cemetery. Approximately 100 families were in attendance to honor their fallen "hero". The program bulletin was entitled, "A Time of Remembrance-The First Annual Remembrance Ceremony Dedicated to Fallen Medical Military Personnel". At the service, Dr. Casscells stated that all the parents would be receiving a publication, "When It Mattered Most: Remembering Our Fallen Military Medical Personnel in Iraq/Afghanistan", which pays tribute to these caring and courageous souls who gave their "all". Each book was personally inscribed by Dr. Casscells, who authored and championed this book. It was funded through the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine. Included below is a verbatim transcription from this 460 page publication:
Sergeant Jonathan D. Cadavero was killed on February 27, 2007, when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq. He died while on an IED-hunting mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 24-year old combat medic served with the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) out of Fort Drum, NY. He was buried at the Orange County Veterans' Cemetery in Goshen, NY.
Jon, as he was known by friends and family, graduated cum laude from Columbia Union College, Takoma Park, Maryland, in 2004, with a bachelor's degree in counseling psychology. He made the Dean's List every year and played on the basketball team, despite being only 5' 7" tall. He belonged to both an academic and a psychology honor society. He intended to attend graduate school after finishing his Army service. From the time he was a little boy, Jon was determined to join the Army. He told his sister, "Kris, I want to fight so that your kids don't have to." He was willing to make a sacrifice in the hope that America's children, and their children's children, would never have to. Jon had married a fellow Soldier from his unit, military policewoman, Michelle Heiter, the previous Thanksgiving. He adored his beautiful wife and they planned to have a big church wedding upon returning from Iraq.
Family and friends remembered the young medic as a protector and leader who was full of compassion. He stood up to bullies and befriended those less fortunate. Jon's parents, Nadia and David, are humbled and honored by the impact Jon had on friends and soldiers alike. They read with great pride the comments left on line speaking of Jon's compassion and humor; how he never missed a mission; how he was always there when anyone needed his help; and how he selflessly put aside his own needs for those of others. He is remembered as caring, and warm and very funny. He could make anyone laugh. He was everyone's friend, and he gave people a sense of belonging. In his Bible, he underlined a passage that exemplied his sense of purpose: "Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it."
Cadavero was a medic with a platoon tasked with hunting IEDs and disposing of them before they could explode - one of the most vital and dangerous assignments in Iraq. In a six-month period, Cadavero's platoon found and disposed of 172 IEDs, 62 of which had the potential to explode. Even given the choice of staying on base to work in the medical clinic, Cadavero insisted on being on the front lines. Cadavero believed deeply in the U.S. mission in Iraq and all that America stood for. He would regularly send veterans cards on Veteran's Day thanking them for their service to this country. He served his country as he lived his life - with commitment, integrity, and honor. Sergeant Randy Acord served with Cadavero in Advanced Individual Training and in Iraq, and was there on the day he died. "He was a true friend, a great American, and the best Soldier I ever met. You are my hero, Jon." Major James Mott of the U.S. Air Force spoke with Cadavero's father. He explained that, "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 fully 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."
Sergeant Cadavero's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Combat Medical Badge.
Jon is survived by his wife Michelle, his parents Nadia and David, and his sister Kristia Cavere.
The previous sentence ends the material in the publication "When It Mattered Most". We find comfort in knowing that we are not alone in sharing our grief for Jon and that other families of fallen soldiers also stand tall for our fallen "heroes". Every fallen Soldier is special and each family has their own story of personal pride. Jonathan left a legacy of love, compassion, and service worthy of emulation. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
David A. Cadavero Jonathan's Father
-David A. Cadavero (June 5, 2009)
Jon was my psychology major classmate at Columbia Union College. He was also one of my best friends in the dorm. He had an amazing sense of humor. He was into filming funny skits around the dorm, in which I took part in. I will always remember him. I still can't believe he is gone. I will miss him the rest of my life but I will also treasure the memories of him in my heart. My prayers will always be with his family. Thanks Jon for living life to the fullest!
-Ricardo Bacchus (June 2, 2009)
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