Charles Cordery takes over reins of Caballeros

Charles Cordery has had experiences that have taken him to different parts of the United States. But Yuma is the place he calls home.

Growing up, Cordery said he remembers Yuma as a small town. "There was not all the different things to do. ... We did a lot of outdoor things - hunting, fishing, a lot of sports. I played baseball."

Cordery, whose recent accomplishments include taking over as el presidente of the Caballeros de Yuma, graduated from Kofa High School and got a degree in business from the University of Arizona. Today he is a stockbroker for Edward Jones Investments in Yuma.

But as a young boy, Cordery imagined himself playing professional baseball. "I actually signed a contract. I was drafted by the (Cincinnati) Reds out of high school to play baseball. … But unfortunately I threw my arm out as a pitcher, and that ended that.

"So I had to go to school and learn to read and write," he said.

Cordery said that his time with the Reds was great, but today his life centers on his family, his work and his chance to give back to the community.

Cordery, who was elected in June as el presidente of the Caballeros, said he grew up in the organization because of the involvement of his parents, Don and Mary. "My dad was one of the original members of the Caballeros."

Caballeros de Yuma is an organization that hosts events such as Midnight at the Oasis, spring baseball and the Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival. It also supports the Yuma community financially by donating money and scholarships.

"I'm excited from a president's standpoint," said Cordery. "I'm really excited about having the opportunity to try and help Yuma grow and improve the quality of life in Yuma. It's a great group of individuals that we work with."

And though Cordery is kept busy with his roles as a husband, father and el presidente, he takes time to pursue his other passion: NASCAR racing.

"I like to drive fast, I like the speed. Obviously the road or the street is no place to do that, but I do enjoy going fast. And there are very few places that you can get into a car that has 800 horsepower and drive 160 miles an hour. It's just a blast."

Last summer Cordery went to Orlando, Fla., and drove on the Trioval, a track that has three turns.

However, Cordery said that his children and family are the real light of his life. Cordery has been married to his wife, Dianne, for 12 years. They have two daughters, Megan and Jordan.

"I mean that is really where I put my effort and time. And if nothing else, I hope that my kids come out with a kind Christian giving spirit," Cordery said. "I really hope that they don't look for the bad in people, but look on the other side of how can I help? How can I be a problem solver and not just a complainer? … And … how do we solve things? How do we get together as a community and make things better for all of us?"