Retired Maj. Gen. Thomas A. Braaten, former commander of Marine Corps Air Bases East and commanding general of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, speaks to a crowd of 500 Cherry Point and surrounding community residents during an annual aviation history gala at the Havelock Tourist and Event Center in Havelock, N.C., Jan. 27. - Retired Maj. Gen. Thomas A. Braaten, former commander of Marine Corps Air Bases East and commanding general of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, speaks to a crowd of 500 Cherry Point and surrounding community residents during an annual aviation history gala at the Havelock Tourist and Event Center in Havelock, N.C., Jan. 27.