Fort Huachuca, Arizona - If Hermey the Elf from "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer" who wanted to be a dentist rather than make toys were a real person who became a Soldier, he might have become Lt. Col. Eric Danko.
Whether he's channeling the spirit of Hermey the Elf, is obsessed with Christmas, or simply following his passion, it's clear that Danko, Fort Huachuca's dental clinic commander, loves Christmas lights. So much so, he has rigged 33,000 of them in a blinking, synchronized to music display in front of his home in Sierra Vista, Arizona.
It's impressive and hard to miss, but Danko's passion for Christmas lights doesn't stop with his front yard. He has created a popular Facebook group, Sierra Vista Christmas Lights 2017, which maps out other holiday displays in the community and provides a space where fans of holiday lights can post pictures of their favorite setups.
Obsession vs. Passion
The Army dentist carefully explains the difference between obsession and passion. One being craziness and the other inspiring others. A quick look down his street verifies his passion is infectious. A few houses rival the set up at the Danko family home but others are more modest. He proudly points out a home where the residents did not decorate for many years and now is illuminated with a colorful string of lights for the first time.
Most evenings this time of year, Danko can be found outside adjusting lights and greeting drivers who pull up to admire his work. He keeps a stash of candy canes in a mail box, covered in lights of course, to hand out to visitors. In addition to dispensing sweet holiday treats, Danko also provides tips on where to see the best lights in town.
Danko denies being bit by a rabid Christmas elf. His love of lights was initially small, but continues to grow.
"It starts off like a little snowball and then every year you keep adding to it," Danko said. "I'm honestly scared to see what it will look like next year," he added.
A permanent change of station is planned for the Danko family in 2018.
"I'm going to be moving to Joint Base Lewis-McChord next summer," he said. Finding the right home for the Christmas display is a high priority. "Hanging ability and decorative ability is a big factor when choosing a house. You want to make sure you've got enough space to display all your lights," said Danko.
Tips
"First, start planning ahead. This year when Christmas is over on December 26, head to the store and buy things at 50-percent off or come back a week later when they're 75-percent off. I had this design in mind before I even took down the lights last year," Danko advised. "Secondly, walk around and talk to your neighbors. I got several tips this year by getting around and talking to my neighbors. Everyone likes to share their story of Christmas lights."
Regardless of where the Army sends them in the future, the Dankos will carry their tradition, along with their 33,000 lights, of lighting up their neighborhood and sharing their passion for Christmas with them.
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