Base Christmas Tree lights up holiday nights Published Dec. 3, 2013 VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- When Baily Daniel, an Eisenhower Elementary School student, threw the power switch shortly after retreat Dec. 2, more than 1,000 lights on the Vance Air Force Base Christmas Tree came to life. She was assisted by Col. Darren James, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, and watched by all those attending the annual tree-lighting ceremony. The Eisenhower choir, under the direction of Nancy Dillard, sang four traditional holiday songs - "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Little Drummer Boy," "Jingle Bells" and "White Christmas." Hot chocolate and cookies were served by the Chapel staff. The tree, a 25-foot pine, is decorated by more than 50 ornaments, all carefully secured against the Oklahoma wind by the PAE team from Pavements and Grounds. "We added about 100 more lights to the tree this year," said Troy McDonald, who headed up the team and operated the lift used to decorate the tree. The star topping the tree is probably serving its last season, said McDonald. "It has been with us a while and needs rebuilding." The lights are wired into an electric eye that turns them on at night and off in the morning. "Not only does that save electricity, but reduces wear and tear on the lights," said McDonald. Working with McDonald for almost a week to get the tree ready were: Dusty Sullivan, Dustin Parks, Riley Chance, Brian Hicks, Phil Robins and Teddy Thomas.