Free Cote

Here is the story…

Washington Post-soldiers-of-misfortune.pdf

Here are the stories below…

Donn Esmonde Cote’s Spirit

Book Signing

Candlelight

Good Morning Buffalo

Detailed New Book Offers

Jennifer Stanonis interview Jon’s father Francis Cote’ and author Steve Fainaru on the book and displays the bronze plaque in front of COTE’s tree given by IBM. 

Note: no profits are gained by the Cote’s for this publication.  Let the story be told!

By Dan Herbeck
News Staff Reporter

When Jonathon M. Cote and four private security co-workers were abducted in Iraq in 2006, the U. S. government did not make rescue efforts a “high priority,” according to an award-winning journalist who has written a book about the crime.
.

And when authorities finally recovered the bodies this April, they made the gruesome discovery that Cote had been beheaded, according to reporter Steve Fainaru.  
.

“Before they were abducted, these men had talked openly about fears that they could be kidnapped, tortured and mutilated,” Fainaru said.

Read the whole story by clicking on the link below….

20081029-buffalo-news-detailed-new-book-offers.pdf

Sunday, November 16, 2008, will mark the two year anniversary of Jonathon’s kidnapping.  To mark the occasion we will be having a Candlelight Vigil on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 6:30PM at Williamsville North High School, 1595 Hopkins Road (at Dodge), Williamsville, NY. 

IBM has graciously donated a tree in Jon’s memory which has been planted directly in front of the school next to the circle driveway.  We will also be placing a bronze plaque in front of the tree and dedicating it that night.

Please join us.

Click here to see the book ad  …….book-ad-buffalo-beige.pdf

Steve Fainaru, Pulitzer Prize Winner and Washington Post Reporter, interviewed, lived with and traveled with Jonathon and the other Crescent Security Group members just one week before they were kidnapped.  Steve has just finished writing, “Big Boy Rules, In the Company of America’s Mercenaries Fighting in Iraq.”  His book is about contracting firms in Iraq and details the Crescent Security Group kidnapping on November 16, 2006.  Jonathon is the central figure in the book.  Mr. Fainaru will be in Buffalo to kick off his book signing tour on November 17, 2008.  Steve’s book will be available for purchase ($26.00) and he will also be signing the books on November 17, 2008 at 6:30PM at the Fairdale Banquet Center, 672 Wehrle Drive, Amherst, NY where hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be available.  Steve, Francis Coté and Christopher Coté will also be doing some readings from the book at this event.

To all gathered here,

My name is Francis Coté and it is my privilege to address you today.  And receive this plaque for placement on the wonderful tree planted here to commemorate our son Jon.

On November 16, 2006, my son Jonathon was kidnapped in southern Iraq along with three other Americans and an Austrian citizen.  Jonathon was a veteran who served in the US Army, 82nd Airborne Unit and had completed tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  The others kidnapped with Jon were also veterans. 

In April of this year, after a 17 month wait, we learned that Jonathon had been killed along with the others. 

Although Jonathon and the others were working as security contractors when they were kidnapped, they were providing vital services to the war effort.  That is, to the war on terrorism.

You see, although Jon did not die on September 11, 2001, he too was a victim of terrorism. 

On September 11th, 2001, the citizens of our great country saw that vast oceans or great distances could no longer keep us safe.  I for one am glad that our Commander in Chief made a decision on that day that America will not wait to be attacked again. 

We’re winning the war on terror. Our nation is safer because citizens like Jon are willing to put on the uniform and defend our freedom.  The service of our military men and women, along with private contractors assisting in the war effort, serve with courage and determination and they’re bringing us to victory in the global war on terror.  Their work is vital to the security of our country and the peace of the world.

We cannot let the fact that America hasn’t been attacked since 2001, lull us into an illusion that the threats to our nation have disappeared.  America remains at risk, so we must remain vigilant. We must remain on the offensive. We must hunt down the terrorists and we must never rest until this threat to the American people is removed. But victory will require more courage and sacrifice. Brave Americans like Jon have given their lives for this cause that is just and necessary for the security of our country. Their sacrifice has spared millions from lives of tyranny and sorrow. We must honor their sacrifice by completing the mission.  We have to fight and win.  We have to be certain that America remains a free and sovereign nation.

Thank you for being here today and may God bless America!