It was so great to see you this past week in Portland and to hear of this Website. I still remember doing a week of prayer at Waldwick and meeting your son Jonathan for the first time. He was one of the nicest kids that we have ever met! All he could talk about was his love for basketball, and at the end of the week, his love for Jesus. Jon wrote me a thank you note that I have kept to this day. We remember and honor Jonathan and thank God for the privilege of knowing the Cadavero family'. We also are thankful and remain confident, that because of Christ.... we will see him again!! You remain in our prayers.
-Frank and Odette Runnels (February 28, 2009)
I can't believe it's been two years. I'll never forget my soldier friend, Jon, since I met him at CUC. I'll be going to college in another year and i wonder what advice he would have for me.
-Luke Hecht (February 28, 2009)
I only want to say that we still remeber and pray for you every day. It has been two years today, but your grief is still fresh, may God continue to hold your hand this day and the next! God bless.
-Larry Blackmer (February 27, 2009)
On this day, we remember the ultimate sacrifice that Jon made two years ago. It's hard to believe that so much time as passed. Although I have been remiss in checking this site and reading the comments, Jon--and his family--have never been out of my thoughts. You are all in my prayers every day. I know that God brought us together as friends, even for the short time that Jon was here, so that we could--and would--remember him and his family. The impace he made on every person who has written is a testament to him--and to the values that his family instilled in him. I still drean/wish/feel that Jon will write or call to tell me when he is returning to San Antonio for that reunion with his classmates and friends. I still have--and treasure--the email that he sent me from Iraq after I told him that I had lost my mother, whom he had met at church that fall. His kind words live on, and comfort me daily. Again, my condolences to the family. Please know that Jon lives on in the memory of his many friends.
-Neil Williams (nwilliams48@hotmail.com) (February 27, 2009)
Hello everyone, I was pleasantly surprised to find this website. I was Jon's Platoon Leader in Iraq. I am sorry that I have not contacted you all in the last 2 years, but I have felt a loss of words each time I tried. I want you to know that Jon was absolutely everything you knew he was during our deployment. He was a great confident of mine, someone I could turn to for advice and hear exactly what I needed to hear. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Today is a tough day for me, I can't imagine what it is for you. If you would ever like to talk, my phone number is (315)681-8481
Doc, thanks for your sacrifice and thanks for the great life you lived. My children will grow up knowing the stories of the Heros of the 27th of February and know that they owe their thanks to you, Henry, Sou and SSG Schlitz.
-Dan Patterson (February 27, 2009)
Anniversary dates have a way of tugging on our heart strings. They carry way more emotional weight than other ordinary days on the calendar throughout the year. Today is one such day. So on this somber 2nd anniversary, we will look for ways to celebrate Jon’s life. In that way, we honor his memory and keep his legacy alive and well.
Jon lived his life extraordinarily well in his twenty-four brief years on this earth ~ as expressed in this poem written by Ralph Waldo Emerson, entitled “Those are a Success”:
“Those are a success who have lived well, laughed often and loved much; Who have gained the respect of intelligent people and the love of children; Who have filled their niche and accomplished their task; Who leave the world better than they found it, Whether by a perfect poem or a rescued soul; Who never lacked appreciation of the earth’s beauty or failed to express it; Who looked for the best in others and gave the best they had.”
And Jon did just that – gave the very best he had every single day of his short life, rescued more of his fellow comrades-in-arms than we'll probably ever know, and left the world better than he found it. Flying with angels now! And forever in our hearts ....
“A loved one is never forgotten, and to dwell in the hearts of those still here, is to live forever.”
~ Debra Valle (cousin) and Family Dudley, Massachusetts
-Debra Valle (February 27, 2009)
Today marks 2 years when an Army Chaplin and Casualty Officer from West Point came to my house to give me news that would change my life forever and put me in an on going nightmare. On this second anniversary I wish to dedicate the following few words in loving memory of my beloved son:
"They say there is a reason; they say that time will heal. But neither time nor reason will change the way I feel. No one knows the heartache that lies beyond my smiles, No one knows how many times I have broken down and cried. I want to tell you something so there won't be any doubt, Jon is so wonderful to think about but so hard to live without. They say that time will heal all wounds and help me to forget, But time has only proved to me how much I miss Jon yet."
Today of all days I sadly miss you Jon but you will never be forgotten. I hold you close in my heart, always in my mind. Rest in peace - I love you. Mom
-Nadia Cadavero (February 27, 2009)
Dear Cadavero family,
So....tomorrow.....two years. It must seem like just a moment ago and a lifetime ago.
I continue to pray for you. Hold on until Jesus comes, when you get to wrap your arms around Jon again, look into his face and hear him say, "I love you".
Hold on,
Kallie Kirchberg
-Kallie Kirchberg (February 26, 2009)
To all Jon's family and friends - know that he is not forgotten by his Alma Mater, Columbia Union College and the Weis Library staff who mourn his loss. Every year that takes us farther from his passing brings us closer to our reunion with him. God Bless.
-Kathy Hecht (February 25, 2009)
Its been near two years, and I re-live that day way too often. Jon and I had many fun days. Almost every mission I stayed right next to him, keeping watch over him. He always made fun of me for being his bodyguard. He always made me laugh too. No matter what would be going on around us, Jon always saw the humor in things and told some of the best jokes. I miss Doc everyday. I learned so much from him as did so many others. I wish everyday that things didnt happen the way they did. Know that I will never forget. I miss you Jon...
-SGT Casey McFarlin (February 25, 2009)
Leave your own memories & condolences of Sgt. Jonathan Cadavero.
