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Jonathan Tessar Obituary
Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Tessar, 36, most recently stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., was killed in action in Iraq, Monday, Oct. 31, 2005, by an improvised explosive device while serving while serving his country with the U.S. Army.
Jonathan was raised in Simi Valley and from the time he was a little boy, he dreamed of joining the Army and becoming, as he said it, "a Special Forces ranger with tattoos." He had a flat-top when flat-tops weren't fashionable. In almost 19 years of service to his county, he fulfilled his dreams. He was with the 101st Airborne Division and served in the Berlin Brigade and Desert Storm before joining the Special Forces. He served with the 10th Special Forces Group in Germany and Bosnia, the 96th Civil Affairs and at the JFK Special Warfare School as an instructor. In July 2004, he rejoined the Infantry that he loved. He looked forward to personally training soldiers and knew that they would be well-trained when he fought beside them in war. He had been serving as the first sergeant of Alpha Company "Gators," 2-502 Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Divison, and was well-respected by his soldiers and peers.
He was very brave and ready and willing to do anything for his country. He died with honor alongside his men.
He was a very dedicated and proud father to his three children, Jonathan Jr., Shanna and Mackenzie, and a supportive and loving husband to his wife, Nancy. Anyone who knew him knew how important his family was to him and he talked about them all the time. Jon was a very selfless person and would do anything to help anyone who needed it. He was known for his love of NASCAR and politics, and was always ready for a good debate with anyone who would oblige him.
Jonathan was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Marcia Tessar.
In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his brother and sister-in-law William and Carla and their children, Brando, Kennedy and Dallas; brother and sister-in-law Steve and Marty Gallegos and their children, Joey and Nicole; aunt and uncle Tais and Arthur Chleborowitz; and uncle and aunt Joseph and Marian Tessar.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at St. Peters Claver Church, at Cochran and Stow streets in Simi Valley. A final service and burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Tessar Children College Fund, 2535 Townsgate Road, Suite 305, Westlake Village, CA 91362, attn: American Financial Network -- Keith Ellen.
The family was assisted by Reardon Simi Valley Funeral Home, 2636 Sycamore Drive, Simi Valley; www.caringfuneralservice.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jonathan Tessar
Charlie Gili
June 10, 2025
Hello,
We wanted to let you; your family and friends know that we have made a small donation to the Tunnel To Towers Foundation in honor of Jonathan Tessar US Army Sergeant 1st Class.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families and friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Jack Delaney
November 14, 2024
I served in Iraq that devastating day with 2nd 502nd, 101st in 2005 south Baghdad. I remember when this happened while we were still conducting the hand-off from the previous unit. 1SG Tessar was, and still is, my motivation to be a leader. He set the example for many NCO's and officers alike. He led from the front, never putting his men where he himself wouldn't go. The service, as well as the nation were lucky to have him in their ranks, and I have yet to meet a better soldier. May he be at peace, but I'm sure he would never rest as long as there is a wrong that needs to be rectified in this world. He was my inspiration as a leader myself, and in my personal life. May your legacy live on.
Danny Mathis
September 3, 2019
My name is Danny Mathis Tessar was a great friend in Berlin yrs ago. So many people remember him and I send my deepest condolences. He was a great friend the time I knew him always 100 percent
Nancy Tessar Freeman
October 31, 2017
Jon,
Today we mourn that it has been 12 years since you were killed in Iraq! I hope you are looking down upon us today and everyday and are proud of the lives we now lead! You are always on my mind and forever in my heart! The kids and I treasure the memories we made with you and those memories will last us a lifetime! I miss you!
Nancy
Ken Watson
May 24, 2017
Jon,
Once again think of you brother. I was going through some old photos and saw one of you from Berlin in the field. Miss you and thinking of your wife and kids. Some day you and I will link up.
ATW!
Ken
Nancy
April 5, 2016
Happy 47th Birthday, Jon! I think of you and miss you always!
Gina Gooding
November 2, 2015
Nancy, I want you to know that his old friends and I honor his memory every year around this time and his birthday. He touched so many of us. He is not forgotten and all of us keep you and the kids in our prayers.
Nancy
October 31, 2015
Today marks 10 years since I lost you. Somedays it feels like it's been 20 years and some days it feels like it was just yesterday. I've been so touched to see the outpouring of love and support from our old friends and also from your soldiers across Facebook who have mentioned you, Johnson, Martin, and Byler. I wish I could go back in time and just talk to you again...knowing what would happen, I have so much I'd want to say! Or if even we could just chat one more time so we could talk about the kids and the paths their lives have taken. I want you to know that I am happy in life though I will always grieve your death, and that no matter where life takes me, I will continue to miss you and to think of you daily!! Always and forever!
Linda Schiaretti
April 4, 2014
Happy Birthday son miss you more everyday
Hailey Schiaretti
April 4, 2014
Happy Birthday Uncle Jon! Love and Miss You Lots!
Nancy
April 4, 2014
Happy Birthday!! You would have been 45 today! Our anniversary was a few days ago as well. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you! So many good memories of birthdays past and making your favorite birthday meal of Linguini with Clam Sauce and Strawberry Shortcake for dessert. Kids are doing well....Kenzie will be a Senior next year...crazy huh? Jonnie is now stationed at Fort Bragg with the 82nd and Shan just deployed a few weeks ago to Afghanistan. You would be so proud of all of them! I miss you always!
Junetta Schiaretti
April 4, 2014
Happy Birthday big brother! Love and miss you more everyday.
Gina Gooding
November 1, 2013
Thinking of you yesterday, Jon and your family. Always our hero!
good ol days
Steve Gallegos
October 31, 2013
Jonny, you are always in my thoughts, and are very missed .I cant believe 8 years already ,your kids are awesome I know you'd be so proud . drinking one for you tonight . see you soon bro
Junetta Schiaretti
October 31, 2013
Jon
Its been a while since I've been on here but think of you daily. I miss you everyday and wish we had more then 5yrs with you. You have touched all of our heart's in that 5yrs and will always hold a special place in it. Austin wants to be just like you and decided to join the Army. You are loved and missed more and more everyday.
October 31, 2013
Jon,
Halloween is always difficult, thinking about the many we shared as kids. 8 years feels like yesterday. I think about you and miss you always.
Love you
Bill
Albert Tessar
August 25, 2013
Someone who I only had the chance to meet once. But who left a legacy, a love, and a journey that endures long after his years on earth. A true tribute to the man.
Gina Gooding
April 9, 2013
http://www.4-thefallen.org/tessar-honorary-page.html
April 9, 2013
http://www.4-thefallen.org/tessar-honorary-page.html
Nancy
April 4, 2013
Today marks what would have been your 44th birthday. It's hard to believe you've been gone for 7 1/2 years already. Not a single day goes by that I don't think of you and smile at the wonderful memories that you, the kids, and I made together. Kenzie and I were just talking about you yesterday, and I know with Jonnie and Shan in the Army, they think about you constantly and wish nothing more than being able to tell you about their days at work and being able to ask your advice. I know you mourn not being there to give it to them just as we mourn not having you around. Just know that we are thinking of you with love on your 44th birthday as we do everyday!
Toni Schiaretti
December 20, 2012
I always thought he was a good men by the way people talk about him and I have looked him up every chance I get and I want to thank you for telling me that I always learn more about him every day
November 8, 2012
Toni, I went to high school with your Uncle. He was a year younger than me. He was a gentleman. He used to carry my books to class for me, not because we were dating or anything because we weren't but just because it was a polite gesture, like opening a door for a lady. This wasn't something that boys his age did in our time. That was something the previous generations young men did but Jon wasn't like other young men. He was very sweet and special. Enjoy learing more about him!
Toni Schiaretti
November 7, 2012
Uncle Jon
so today at school I was thinking how fun it would be to read more about you when I got home but my teacher let us have some free time so I read about you I thin it will be good for me to know more about you because I really wanted to know you better then I did so when I get home I am going to read more about u if I can
Toni Schiaretti
November 6, 2012
Hey Uncle jon
I miss you and I wish I could know more about you so ever chanc I have I am going to look you up and I will read all day about you if I can but I am in 6th grade now and I miss you and I have only seen you like 2 times but I know you were and are a great man an ever Halloween I think about you and sometimes I feel really upset and dont want to got out for it but I do because I know u would not want me to sit inside upset love you
November 1, 2012
Thought of Jon last night so many times as I had several boys Trick Or Treating dressed as Army men. Sending my best to Jon's family. Rest in Peace, Hero!
Nancy
October 31, 2012
It's been both a long 7 years and it feels sometimes like it w just yesterday that I got the news you were killed in Iraq. So much has changed in the last 7 years...not the least of which is Jonnie and Shan following in your footsteps in the Army! Jonnie is deployed to Afghanistan right now and Shan is living in Korea. I know how proud you'd be of both of them! One thing, however, never changes...I think of you daily and will miss you always!!
Bill Tessar
October 31, 2012
Jon,
Thinking of you on this day 7 years from the time you were taken from us. A day doesn't go by that I don't think of you and miss you. With all my love
Bill
Joel Rapp
September 1, 2012
Johnny,
We hadn't talked in years, but I remember the day you decided to join the army like it was yesterday. We chose different paths. I never had the conviction in mine that you had in yours. I will always remember you as the man who taught me why I had to fight for something if I believed in it.
J
Shanna Tessar
June 9, 2012
Hello Dad! I'm close to graduating from AIT then I'm getting stationed at Benning! I'll be deploying later in the year. I think of you everyday and wish you were here to see me. I know you would be proud. I love you.
Gina Gooding
April 5, 2012
A bit belated but wanted to send my birthday wishes to Heaven for Jon! Hope everyone is remembering good times from past birthdays with Jon. God Bless!
Leon Hill
April 4, 2012
Strange how you can think of someone, come here and see that it is your birthday. You must still be watching over all of us. Thanks for being there for me when I needed it back in the day. Happy birthday Jon. You are missed.
April 4, 2012
Jonnie,
Thinking about and missing you on your Birthday. Your memory lives strong in all of our lives and your sacrifice is never forgotten. I love you very much.
Bill
Nancy
April 4, 2012
Happy Birthday Jon!! You would have been 43 today! If we were back at Bragg, I know we'd be celebrating your birthday at 316 Oyster Bar with mussels and fried clam strips or at home with linguine and clam sauce and strawberry shortcake for dessert! I think about you everyday! The kids are doing great! Jonnie is busy with training gearing up to deploy in a few months! :( I think he's excited about it, but I wish he didn't have to go. I'm hoping to get to see him before he deploys. Shan is now doing her AIT training to be a combat medic at Fort Sam Houston, and she says she loves it so far. She just about maxed out her PT test. I was able to go to her graduation from Basic in March...she looked awesome in uniform, and I know you'd be so proud....of both of them!! Kenzie is doing great in school....awesome grades, the teachers all like her, lots of friends and she's 'running' track this year. She's not so excited about track, but I'm happy she's getting outside and being active! I wish you could see these kids! All so grown up and different (and yet the same) as when you left! One things for sure, we ALL still love and miss you! I wish I could spend the day with you in Arlington, but I'll be thinking of you just the same!! Happy Birthday!
COL Ken Watson
December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas Brother! You are missed!
Steve Gallegos
November 11, 2011
Jonny ,We miss you. 6 Years today, in the most beautiful place you were laid to rest.Thank you for all you have done for our country , and our freedom.The seed you embedded was deep.Your kids Jon and Shanna and My son Joseph are going to serve our country in honer of you and love of our country.I think you gotta be smiling right about now.Love you man ,will never forget you.
Tanya Gustafson
November 3, 2011
My name is Tanya Gustafson and I don't formally know your family...but I am a Marine Corps wife and my husband is currently serving in Afghan. I just wanted to stop by and give my heartfelt condolences to your family! What a brave, wonderful soul to give his all so we may sleep in peace at night. Thank you to him and to you for being so brave and keeping his memory alive. <3
Gina Gooding
November 1, 2011
You're still in our prayers Tessar Family. Jon is an American hero....
Linda Schiaretti
November 1, 2011
I miss you and love you today is the day I got the call will never forget love mom
Peggy Childers
October 31, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Tessar:
Please accept my remembrance of Jonathan on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Shanna Tessar
October 31, 2011
Hello Dad,
I think of you everyday and I miss you and love you so much. I am going to basic training early January! I know you'd be proud. It is comforting that you are with Grandma and Grandpa (and Stalin) in heaven. I promise to come visit you in my uniform : ) I love you and will never forget how great of a father you were. You continue to shape me into the person I am today. I love you always.
October 31, 2011
Jon,
Halloweens have never been the same for me. Miss you and think of you always. There will never be another one like you.
Your brother
Bill
Nancy
October 31, 2011
Jon....it's now been 6 years since you were taken from us. Not a day has passed that I have not thought of you and memories of our family and our years together! I was just telling Marley that we'd make some caramel apples today. Then it hit me....the last time I started to make caramel apples was 6 years ago today. The girls and I had just started to unwrap the caramels while watching Gilmore Girls after school when the doorbell rang. I never thought for a second that there would be 2 soldiers standing on my doorstep to inform me of your death. I try not to think of how it all happened and the rest of that day because it's still hard!! The kids and I miss you incredibly, and the impact you had on all of us will last our lifetime! I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you, Spc Byler, PFC Martin, and PVT Johnson today. I miss you!
Marc Istook
August 19, 2011
Jon,
I've been thinking about you today and the impact you had on my family and those who loved you - and continue to. I hope you've been able to rest peacefully these past years, knowing that even though your time on this earth has passed, your memory lives on.
Nancy
May 30, 2011
Thank you for the sacrifice you made for me, Jonnie, Shan, Kenzie, and our great nation. I find peace knowing that you died doing what you loved for a country you loved. I think of you daily with smiles and love. I miss you!
hernan udaeta
May 2, 2011
John.... I always remember the day you told me you had just joined the Army for 20 years....you had a can of chew in your mouth... you were only in 11 th grade... I thought... I wish I was as tough as you... now I wish I was a hero like you. I miss you john Tessar... Hernan.
Gina Gooding
May 2, 2011
Thinking of you on this historic day! Rest in Peace Jon!
May 1, 2011
Today is the day that your sacrifice was given meaning. God bless you John.
Nancy
April 5, 2011
Happy Birthday! Can't believe you would have just turned 42! Cassie and her kids went out to visit you at Arlington National Cemetery yesterday. She said someone had left a little cherub angel at your headstone. I love knowing that you've had visitors....and I so appreciate Cassie visiting you regularly! I wish I could have had some strawberry shortcake yesterday to celebrate your birthday...I know how much you loved it! I talked to Shanna yesterday...she's doing great. Her boyfriend has joined the Army and is off at Basic Training...I just wish you were here to meet him. Kenzie, Jonnie, Shan and I love you and miss you always and forever!!!
April 4, 2011
Happy Birthday son I miss you and think of you everyday. mom
Junetta Schiaretti
April 4, 2011
Happy Birthday Jon I love and miss you everyday.
April 4, 2011
Happy Birthday Jon. Love and Miss you every day.
Bill
Teri O'Hara
March 28, 2011
Mackenzie, I'm so sorry for you lose! I tell you basically everyday that I'm so sorry! And always worried that you'll start crying, but your very strong and I'm so glad you came to AOSR! I love you very much, and everyone in your family or who loved him...Your very strong people! <3
Steve Gallegos
November 10, 2010
Jonny,It dosent seem that long ago because you gave us so many good memories.Just thinking about you makes me smile ,and thats every day.Thank you and Love you Bro, I will drink a few for you today.
Steve
October 31, 2010
Hello,
Just wanted to stop by , thinking about Jon today,
Nancy
October 31, 2010
Jon,
I received the most devastating and painful news ever of your death 5 years ago today. Sometimes, it's still hard for me to believe that you are gone forever! Kenzie and I went and saw Jonnie last weekend for Family Day during Basic Training at Fort Benning. Jon, he looked so good in his uniform...so handsome and mature. He says that he really likes Basic Training and is having a good time. We are just waiting on hearing where he'll be stationed. Shanna flew in from her school in Tampa to come as well. So it was a great weekend having all the kids together! I know you would be so proud, and I just wish you were there to see them yourself! The kids and I talk about you whenever we are together, and it's always fun laughing and sharing in our memories of you. We love you, Jon, always, and you are never far from our thoughts!!
Peggy Childers
October 29, 2010
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Tessar:
Remembering Jonathan on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Nancy
October 1, 2010
Jon,
It was 5 years ago today that you left the kids and I to deploy to Iraq. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. So much has changed for the kids and me over these last 5 years, we are all happy and doing well, but what hasn't changed is that we continue to miss you. Jonnie is at Basic Training right now...can you believe it? He's not a little boy anymore! He'll be 20 this year. Taking after his dad!! It sounds from his letters that he's doing well, and I can't wait to see him in a few weeks at Family Day. Shan's coming too, and I can't wait to see her either. She started college this year in Tampa. Not a little girl anymore either, but always your "little bug." Kenzie is in 8th grade going on 30! She's already passed me up in height, and she's such a good student and bright young woman. I know you'd be so proud of all of them. We all miss you...the goodbye we said that day just wasn't enough!!
Me and my Dad
Shanna Tessar
September 30, 2010
I love you Dad!
July 16, 2010
Jonnie,
Just thinking of you today. Know that you are missed friend.
Mark Haban
Gina Gooding
July 5, 2010
As I enjoy my day off of work in honor of our country's birthday, I am thinking of Jon and all that he did to help America stay free. Never forgotten!
Gina Gooding
May 31, 2010
We had a wonderful weekend at our countries beautiful beaches...full of kids, outdoors and freedom. Thank you to all who serve and gave the ultimate sacrafice so my family could make memories like these! God bless you Jon Tessar and may you and God watch over your family! Always in our heart! Happy Memorial Day!
May 31, 2010
think of you today and every day, miss you lots, love you marti
May 31, 2010
Thinknig of Jon today, very thankful for his sacrafices. I have very fond memories of Jon, and he will always be remembered by me. Rest in peace Jon. Thank You. Karen Gravenish
May 31, 2010
Nancy
May 31, 2010
It's Memorial Day! I wish I could be in D.C. at Arlington right now visiting with you. I think of you and miss you everyday. It might sound weird for your wife to say this, but Thank You for your sacrifice. I am proud to live in this country, and I know you would have been honored to die in service to your country. I am proud of you and the amazing and inspiring soldier that you were. Jonnie, Shanna, Kenzie and I will always love you and never forget all the wonderful memories we have of our too short time with you! We miss you!
jon wright
May 20, 2010
sgt tessar was my squad leader a long time ago at ft campbell a great man rip jon by the way blue made it
Junetta Schiaretti
April 6, 2010
I have tried writing this maybe 15 times now and backspace has become my friend.There is so much I want to say but I just can't get it out.For now I want to wish you a Happy Birthday and tell you I miss you very much.I love you Jon and think of you every day.I will right more soon just know you are always on my mind and in my heart.I miss you big brother.
Bill Tessar
April 6, 2010
Jon, miss you dearly every day. Happy Birthday little brother.
Bill
Nancy
April 5, 2010
Yesterday was both Easter and your birthday. We had a great day celebrating with friends. I thought about you all throughout the day. You would have been 41 this year! We had your favorite birthday dessert, Strawberry Shortcake, to celebrate your life! The kids and I miss you always.
Linda Schiaretti
April 4, 2010
Jon, Thinking of you today and every day. Miss you with all my heart. Happy Easter, and Happy Birthday I Love You and miss you. Love Mom
Steve Gallegos
April 4, 2010
always thinking of you Jon . you are my hero and brother in my hart forever.I will have i few in your Honor today.
Nancy Tessar Freeman
April 1, 2010
Thinking of you on this special day that would have been our 10th anniversary. I continue to miss you each and every day!
Victoria Glynn
April 1, 2010
Jon,
Jonathan is enlisting today. He is joining the infantry and wants to go to the Ranger Rgt. Nancy and I couldn't be more proud. I think we have managed the last few years better than either of us thought possible, but J is back in your hands now. Keep our boy safe. I know you are with him.
January 4, 2010
Jon I miss you with all my heart. Love Mom.
December 2, 2009
Jon,
It was wonderful getting to visit you this past weekend, what an absolute beautiful day in the middle of an ugly week. It still amazes me how this quiet still just comes over every person walking on such hallowed grounds. It still takes my breath away seeing your name and remembering the weeks after we found out you were taken. You had the most strong amazing and graceful wife - I am honored to call both of you my friends. Think of you often - lots of love!
Sue
Nancy Tessar Freeman
November 11, 2009
Jon,
I'm thinking of and remembering you today, Veteran's Day, as always. It was on this day, 4 years ago, that we had a memorial service for you in Simi Valley. I went to Arlington this past weekend to visit you. I hope you were able to feel my presence. Remember Cassie Bonnette?...she, her husband, and her children were there with me as well. Chuck was also able to come for the first time with me. It was so good to sit there with you again and incredibly sad to leave. I miss you. Someone else had been by to visit you...there were a few stones on your headstone and most importantly...a can of Copenhagen. Your favorite!! I feel so happy knowing that someone had come to visit you other than myself. I just wish I knew which one of your soldiers or old Army buddies it was! I just want to say Thank You for your sacrifice to this country...I wish you hadn't had to make it, but I know you would have been honored to die that way. Loving and thinking of you always!
November 11, 2009
Thinking of you today Jon! Rest in Peace brave soul! Blessings to his family and Bill!
Bill Tessar
October 31, 2009
Jon,
Halloween has never been the same. I think of you daily, surround my home and office with memories of you and miss you dearly. All my love
Bill
Junetta Schiaretti
October 31, 2009
Another year has gone by and I still think about you everyday.We talk about you all the time and how you use to call Toni the diabolical baby.She hasn't changed much now she's the diabolical kid.I can't believe it's been 4yrs it feels like just yesterday you found us.The 5yrs we had you were the best years of our lives and will never forget them.The memories will stay with us forever.Just know Jon I think of you and miss you more and more everyday.I love you big brother with all my heart and miss you very much.
David and Heather Evans
October 31, 2009
We just wanted to let you know that even after 4 long years you are still in our thoughts.
Lori Crandall
October 31, 2009
Thinking about you today Jon. You and your family are in our thoughts today.
Nancy Tessar Freeman
October 30, 2009
Jon,
Today marks 4 long years since you were taken from Jonnie, Shanna, Kenzie and I. Some days it feels like it was a lifetime ago, and others, the pain is still so fresh. All of the kids are doing well...Jonnie is at Junior College and hopefully planning on attending a Military College in January, Shan is a senior in high school and doing awesome. She's planning on going to college in Tampa next year, and Kenzie is also doing great. She's 7th grade now, straight A's and she's as tall as I am! I hate that you are not here to see the young adults our kids have become! You would be so proud! I just want you to know how much we all miss you and always will and that though we still feel the pain of your death, we are all happy and doing well! You remain forever in our hearts and minds!
Peggy Childers
October 17, 2009
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Tessar:
Jonathan gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
October 13, 2009
I was talking about Jon today with a friend of ours who we haven't seen in years. My son once again reminded me of the story that got us all laughing. Hard to believe he's been gone from us almost 4 years.
He thought he could save money by buying goats to mow his grass instead of a riding lawnmower. Three days after he got the goats he came over our house and said Hey do you know where I can drop off some goats? We were like why? He said those goats didn't eat a single blade of grass but they are eating the siding off my house.
We miss you my friend.
Nancy I hope your doing well and know we are thinking of you and the family.
Love you guys
Lori, Rich and Mike Crandall
Tim Oursler
July 27, 2009
My best memory of Jon was standing out in the Ilizda compound in Sarajevo one cold morning during the JCO days. He just bummed dip of Copenhagen off me, when Col. Bruce Hoover (CJSOTF Commander) walked over and introduced himself. He wanted to congradulate him for his role in getting a road built to some remote village. Jon just stared at him a few seconds and said "Never Heard of ya" and walked off. Think he was on ODA 014 at the time....good times
Calvin Grayson
June 2, 2009
SFC Tessar and I worked side by side in Ft Campbell as well as in Iraq. I was in change HHQ Platoon. He was an outstanding leader and friend and i miss him alot.
Kenna Larra
May 28, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Steve
May 25, 2009
Jon,
Thanks for all you gave for all of us. Thanks for your friendship. Thanks for being the professional Soldier you were.
Linda Schiaretti
May 25, 2009
Jon It has been nine years since you were brought back in to my life, so thank you Nancy for not giving up. Those were a very special five years with Jon I never thought I would get. I miss you son. You are forever in my heart. Love mom
Robert L
May 24, 2009
I don't know Jonathan nor the family, on this Memorial Weekend, I just wanted to salute our men/women whom defending our great country.
Gina Gooding (Colello)
May 22, 2009
On this Memorial Day weekend...thinking of you, Jon and your family. You are forever in our hearts!
Frank Levesque
May 21, 2009
Jon was one of the best in the company. He served on the MFF (Military Free Fall) detachment with me in Germany. We further deployed to Bosnia for about 4 months. Jon was written up by the local newspaper for a great job he had done. Jon was responsible for building a major road in one of the towns that we had JCO teams in. That full page spread was what I used to build a going away gift when he left Germany for the 96th Civil Affairs at Bragg. I ran into him again during my inprocessing also for the 96th. I loved his enthusiasm for life. Please remember him and all the others who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Freedom is not free.
CSM (R) Frank Levesque
Fred Riemann
April 12, 2009
I served with Jon in B Co. 3-502nd Infantry @ Ft. Campbell, Ky (1990 - 92). I consider myself a better person for having the honor of knowing him and learning from him!
He gave me my nickname - a name I still have 20 yrs later.... lol - thanks Jon!
He is the exact type of man that I pray my son grows up to be.
I was a young pv2 fresh out of AIT / Airborne school when I 1st met him - he taught me many things - both in the field and in garrison - that made me a better solider and a better man.
He knew how to have fun - but he also knew when it was time to do work. And he was the best - a "leader among leaders" and Heaven is a better place now because Jon Tessar is there.
RIP Jon
Fred Riemann
"Tank"
B Co 5/502
101st Airborne
Ft. Campbell, Ky
Ank
April 10, 2009
A grateful nation thanks you for your sacrifice.
Miles
April 10, 2009
I never met your son. That said, he will always be one of my heroes.
Clark
April 10, 2009
Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. RIP.
Todd
April 10, 2009
RIP, Sgt Tessar. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Michael
April 10, 2009
Much gratitude for a family's sacrifice.
Kevin
April 10, 2009
Sgt. Tessar, your service is greatly appreciated. I will pray for you and your family.
Kyle McDaniel
April 10, 2009
Thank you Sgt. Tessar for your dedication to our country and the ideals for which it stands. Thank you to the Tessar family for lying such an awesome sacrifice on the alter of freedom. God bless you.
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