This is Jeff Cordes. Jeff works for the City as a Forestry Technician. Jeff’s job is to assess and resolve tree problems in Eden Prairie. Let me tell you, there are a lot of trees in Eden Prairie. In addition to all the trees on public land, Jeff also assesses tree issues on private property that is covered by conservation easements. That covers a huge percentage of land in Eden Prairie.
Jeff is a good guy. Solid employee. He was deployed this week with the 34th Infintry Division to Bosnia to support the U.S. peacekeeping mission there. There was a nice article in the Eden Prairie News about Jeff and his mission.
I had the opportunity to attend an informational event for employers of Reserve soldiers at the 34th’s headquarters in Rosemount about a month ago. Bob Lambert, our Director of Parks & Recreation and Jeff’s direct supervisor, attended the event. We met many of Jeff’s co-workers and supervisors. We learned about their mission.
I came away from that event very impressed with the organization of Jeff’s unit and respectful of their mission. These soldiers are making very significant sacrafices to follow through on the political commitments of our elected officials. This is not an easy mission. I look forward to Jeff’s safe return, and to peace in the Balkans. That is the end result he is seeking as well.
Godspeed, Jeff.
