Cochran's Christmas musical lighting show

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Christen Downing
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  The holiday season brings about generosity, time with family and creative Christmas light displays synchronized to music.

Staff Sgt. Clifford Cochran, 321st Missile Squadron facility manager, illuminated his on-base house to music for the holiday season.

Cochran said he welcomes his fellow Airmen to stop their vehicles in front of his house on Muskogee Loop to watch the colorful lights that are set to music playing on station 91.7 FM.

This year, Cochran planned out four separate 15-minute shows that he rotates throughout the week. He continually plays the show from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Using more than a half mile of extension cords, this elaborate process takes about a week and a half to set up. However, the programming end takes about five months to complete.

"It's a lot of work, but I mainly do it for the enjoyment of everyone else," Cochran explained.

A fellow facility manager from the 319th MS came by with his 15-year-old son.

"He was just loving it and dancing in the car," Cochran said. "That's why I do it: to bring some joy to other people."

Cochran has been synchronizing his Christmas lights to music for approximately seven years, two of which have been at F. E. Warren.

"My wife inspired me to start this Christmas display and got the ball rolling," Cochran said.

Every year the setup is a little different. Cochran and his wife also choose different songs each year to put a fresh look and feel to the shows.

Using the computerized show program, Light-ORama, Cochran synchronizes the color and beat of the lights to the intensity and beat of the music.

The Cochrans are not the only ones decorating their house with lights this year. Balfour Beatty is hosting a Christmas decorating contest where judges will evaluate the houses in the Atlas East and West, Capehart, Carlin Heights, Historic District and Sergeant's Row neighborhoods Dec. 18.

Balfour Beatty will announce the winner from each neighborhood Dec. 20. Winners will receive a gift basket from Harvest Farm and Gifts.

Although Cochran is not participating in the contest, he has volunteered to judge.

"With the contest this year, hopefully we will have people put up more Christmas cheer," Cochran said. Per base regulations, the Cochran's will keep up their Christmas lights and continue playing their light shows through Jan. 1, 2013.