Base Christmas Tree lights up the plains Published Dec. 9, 2015 71st FTW Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- An excited child draped in a flight jacket from neck to knees lit up the plains of Northwest Oklahoma Dec. 7 when she turned on the lights for the Base Christmas Tree at Vance. Bella Myers, the daughter of Master Sgt. Rick and Rachel Myers, joined Col. James Lackey, the 71st Flying Training Wing vice commander, who helped her flip the switch on Vance's annual holiday tradition. The lights were turned on to the cheers of parents and school children gathered for the event, the base's official kick off to the magical holiday season. While the lighting of tree was the capstone of the evening, the entertainment was the highlight. The gathered Airmen and their families were treated to Christmas carols sung by children from Eisenhower Elementary School. The evening concluded with cookies and drinks provided by Vance Services.