'Tis the season' 2010 Congressional Christmas tree plants roots in Wyoming Published Nov. 19, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Mike Tryon 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO. -- The 2010 Congressional Christmas tree was born and raised not far from here, and because of it, Warren's Mighty Ninety and the rest of Wyoming are getting to relax in its shade. This western Wyoming native is a 65-foot tall tree from the Bridger-Teton National Forest and is currently traveling across the state through the rest of November before finishing its trek to Washington. According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Wyoming has never provided a tree before, but that all changed at the request of Wyoming Senator John Barrasso, who contacted the United States Forest Service back in March and asked if Wyoming could provide this year's tree. The tree arrived early Wednesday morning and was staged at the Cheyenne Depot Plaza, where local citizens had the opportunity to view it. After its stay at the depot, it was hauled here where Air Force Global Strike Command's Mighty Ninety members had the chance to safeguard the tree, and bask in its glory. "It was an honor to host the Congressional Christmas tree at the base," said Col. Scott Fox, 90th Missile Wing vice commander. "And it was an honor to participate in this historic event." Warren's mission is supporting the nation's strategic military objectives, said Capt. Michael Warren, 90th Security Forces Squadron. It's nice, from time to time, to support the country in other ways and the Congressional Christmas tree is a good example of that. "We get the opportunity to safeguard this symbol of the season and help ensure that it makes it to Washington safe and sound," Captain Warren added. "This is not just a tree for our representatives in Congress," he said. "It is our tree; a Wyoming native and a symbol of our nation's abundant natural resources. I'm proud to have a small part in working with the [90th] security forces [group], the wing, Wyoming and the U.S. Forest Service to support this mission." Each year, a different state provides a tree and selects a theme to go along with it. This year's theme is "Wyoming - Forever West." After the tour is complete, it will make its home in Washington, where it will be lowered into a five-foot deep hole, strung up with lights and adorned with thousands of handcrafted ornaments. The ornaments were made and donated by Wyomingites back in October. On Dec. 7, the Speaker of the House and a Wyoming student will light the tree which will "showcase Wyoming's historical, cultural and natural beauty." The tree will be on display throughout the holiday season, lit at dusk every night through Jan. 1, 2011. For more information on the Congressional Christmas tree, visit http://capitolchristmastree2010.org.