I didn't realize until recently that May is Military Appreciation Month. As I thought about Jon (of course) and our troops who have been overseas and those who are still there, it is easy to forget or take for granted what they face on a daily basis. So in honor of our soldiers, the following few words:
We complain about how hot it is. A soldier wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
We go out to lunch & complain because the restaurant got our order wrong. A soldier doesn't get to eat today.
Our mothers/wives make our bed & wash our clothes. A soldier wears the same things for weeks but he makes sure his weapons are clean.
We go to the mall & get our hair re-done. A soldier doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
We get angry when we have to work 5 minutes overtime. A soldier is told he will be held over for an extra 2 months.
We hug & kiss our parents/boyfriend/girlfriend like we do every day. A soldier holds the letter he got from home close to his heart & anxiously waits for another one.
We are asked to go to the store to run an errand. We don't feel like going. A soldier does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.
We call a friend to go out for the evening. A soldier waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
We hug & kiss our husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend, like we do every day. A soldier holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
Our cell phone is in our pocket. A soldier clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tag.
We talk to friends and miss those who live far away. A soldier knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
We go to a beach & go for a stroll. A soldier patrols the streets, searching for insurgents & terrorists.
We stay at home & watch TV. A soldier takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep and eat.
We hear the jokes about the war which make fun of our troops. A soldier hears gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
We see/hear only what the media wants us to see & hear. A soldier sees the broken bodies lying around him......................
Using the term "soldier" I would like to think that term applies to all the military men & women. Let's remember our troops (whatever the branch) and thank those who served, and those who are still serving.
My personal thanks to all the men & women who trained with Jon, and who also served with him in Iraq. My special thanks to Michelle, who not only served alongside with Jon and put herself in harms way, but also gave Jon a home away from home - a "safe" haven in the midst of hell. I know only too well firsthand what your lives were like on a daily bais. My sincere thanks and appreciation to you all for you dedication, service and sacrifice. Last but not least, thank you Jon for all you did in your usual unselfish, dedicated, caring manner. How I wish you didn't have to give the ultimiate sacrifice.
Remember our troops & let us not forget them later. Let us not forget Jon. Love you my son. Mom
-Nadia Cadavero (May 12, 2009)
I know I never write anything on here, it's still very hard for me to write something "in memory" of my husband. He was supposed to be the man that I spend the rest of my life with. I read all these wonderful memories others share here, it just makes me so proud that he picked me. He taught me so much and I know I am the person I am today because of him. I love him so much and I am so blessed that I have him in all of my memories. I miss him and think of him every day. Michelle Cadavero
-Michelle Cadavero (May 4, 2009)
And when i get to heaven to St. Peter I will tell another soldier reporting for duty sir I've served my time in hell
-spc Adam N Denton (April 17, 2009)
No one had to remind me that March 9th marked 2 years since Jon's funeral service. I think of that day often and wish I could remember more details and recall more faces. But 2 years later things are still a blur and perhaps I am still in a shockmode.
We were invited to attend a special memorial service honoring the medics, nurses, and doctors who died in the war held at Arlington National Cemetery on March 11th. How bizarre the coinciding dates so close together. As the various speakers spoke of the bravery & courage each medical personnel displayed on the battle field, no one had to tell me about how brave & courageous Jon was. Even at an early age Jon never feared to do what was right and many times he stood alone.. Jon showed courage and strength by not following the crowd, by not cheating on a test, stealing, and covering up, or lying. Many times he was ridiculed but he always said he didn't care because he ended the day with a clear conscience.
Emailing & talking to a number of men/women who servied with Jon in both Ft. Drum and Iraq, and knowing the person he was, it doesn't surprise me that he showed the same strength, courage and bravery on the battle field. To the lives he saved, he will remain a hero. To me, he already was a hero before he even enlisted.
Jon is missed so much by so many. But put all those together doesn't even come close to how much I, his mother, miss him.
You have fought a good fight my son. Now rest in peace. Jon is thought of countless times during the day, missed beyond words, and loved to the depths of my soul. Mom
-Nadia Cadavero (April 15, 2009)
Thank you for your service to our country, and for your sacrifice. God bless you and your family for all you have given to us.
William A. Sweet Captain, Armor United States Army
-CPT Bill Sweet (March 30, 2009)
Jon was like my big brother. I cant believe that he is gone. I could never forget him as long as i live. He had a big influence in my life. Everytime I seen him i smiled and I knew that I was just so special because I knew him...
I love you Jon and I carry you in my heart
-Angelique Byers (March 25, 2009)
Bro i still cant believe its been two years for me it's still just like yesterday we were in the motor pool on stryker screwing around smoking and joking and man i still remember how well u did when we took fire on route peggy and u didn't even flinch how calm u seemed and i still remember how we had to stop the entire convoy just for u when you forgot you're nods on the buffalo lol. I served in iraq with jon in iraq with task force iron claw he was attached to my platoon when we got in country as my platoon was to be routed to support his company as their infantry element he was a great friend and an awesome medic who was absolutely fearless at times when it came to doing his job and for that i am so greatful because i was always at peace with jon by my side on patrol knowing i had tge best right beside me keeping me safe one of my only regrets is not having been on that mission to help give him peace of mind like he had done for me so many times. Jon thank you for watching over me when i was wounded and brought here to walter reed i miss u bro and i'll never forget
-Spc Adam N Denton (March 12, 2009)
Jonny I think about you all the time...I remember sharing bubble gum on field trips, handing out pizza and juice on Fridays, fall picnics and ice skating in Bear Mountain...the list just goes on and on...My prayers are always with your family., especially your Mom, whom you so graciously shared with all your Waldwick brothers and sisters throughout our best years....I hope to see again in heaven...Love you.
-Yanivis Fragozo (March 4, 2009)
We all came together, Both you and old To Fight for our freedom, To stand and be bold.
In the Midst of all evil, We stand our ground, And we protect our country From all terror around.
Peace and not war is what some people say, But I'll give my life, So YOU can live the American way.
I give you the right to talk of your peace To stand in your groups, And protest in our streets.
But still I fight on, I don't bitch, I don't whine. I'm just one of the people who is doing YOUR time.
I'm harder then nails, Stronger then any man I'm the Immortal US soldier the one that always can
So stand in my shoes, and leave your home. Fight for the people who hate you, With the protests they've shown.
Fight for the sick, fight for the poor fight for the cripple Who lives next door.
Fight for the stranger, and fight for the young. So they all may have, The greatest freedom that I've won.
But when your time comes, do what I've done. For if you stand up for freedom, You'll stand when the fight's done.
--To my brother in arms and friend-- Jonathon Cadavero
I've lost several good friends in Iraq but when I first heard of Jon's passing I just could not believe it.....not Jon. All I could do was hold my girls tight and when my oldest asked me, "what's wrong daddy." All I could say was a very good man died sweetie, a brother...
The news of Jon's passing hit very close to my heart. It almost seemed impossible for something like that to happen to someone like Jon. Jon and I were best friends for many of our years growing up in Waldwick. And even though our last few years in waldwick we drifted apart there was always that love and real friendship. We really were something though....we liked the same sports, teams, girls and would even wear the same outfits to school so we could look the same. He always called me, my brother from another mother....
Jon truely was one of those people that touched your life and changed it. My heart goes out to his family but especially Mrs. Cadavero....an amazing woman who loved us all so very much.
Jon.....you guard them gates of Heaven buddy, I'll be up there some day to relieve you.
-SGT StevenYoussef USMC (March 1, 2009)
Leave your own memories & condolences of Sgt. Jonathan Cadavero.
