Havelock, N.C. — Preparations are under way for the Eastern Carolina Aviation Heritage Foundation Annual Gala.

The fundraiser will celebration the 100th anniversary of Marine Corps Aviation. The Gala will take place on Jan. 27 at the Havelock Tourist and Event Center. Former Marine Corps pilot Danny Walsh said the event will also unveil a new exhibit that showcases aviation history.
 
"Those pictures are of my history, my time in the Marine Corps and others that I know that have past away and some that are still young,"  said Walsh.
 
Walsh said he enjoys reminiscing about his time in flight and emphasizes the importance of appreciating aviation advancement over the past 100 years.
 
"The big thing is, if we don't remember our history. We don't know what we're all about, why were here and what we do," said Walsh
 
Major Gen. Tom Braaten and former commander of MCAS-Cherry Point will be the gala's emcee. He said he is excited to host the event. 

"We've come a long way since 1912 until now and we are going to review several of the aircraft we flew early on and talk about some of the people who were pioneers in Marine aviation," said Braaten.
 
Drew Wilson volunteered to help organizers gather film of early aviation which hasn't been seen in nearly 50 years. He successfully collected vintage Marine Corps films from the USMC Gray Research Center. The films will be shown at the Gala.  
 
"The 100 year review, there's going to be some humor in there, some memories, and then for all of us to learn what will happen in the future will be really key for us," said Braaten.
 
Braaten said Marine Corps Aviation will continue to soar.  "You have faster machines now.  You have better weapons systems than you have had before so all those things that technology drives allow you to do your mission more effectively and more quickly," said Braaten.
 
For tickets to the annual gala, call Cathy Campbell at (252) 444-6400.  Organizers say space is filling up quickly.