Eleventh Annual TBM Avenger Reunion and Salute to Veterans 2026

Photos and text by Greg Morehead

Whether escaping the traffic- and stress-filled tempo of the big city or the polarized and impersonal World Wide Web, there are still places and events that allow hardworking Americans to reconnect with simpler times. Simpler not in complexity, but in clarity. In a world fragmented by opposing ideologies, the older generation celebrates the cohesion of the past while younger generations learn their identity through the stories of their forefathers. Understanding what makes America exceptional requires a look into the past, when tough times made strong men, and strong men made good times. The inheritance of peace and prosperity fosters gratitude for the protectors and warriors who paid for it in blood, sweat, and tears. Literally.

(Image credit: Photo by Greg Morehead)

One such event is the eleventh annual TBM Avenger Reunion and Salute to Veterans, held in Peru, Illinois. It is a gathering that attracts Americans from every living generation. Walking through the entrance gate and lifting an iPhone to snap a wide-angle photo, a spectator captures a row of WWII-era TBM Avengers parked prominently together, surrounded by many other historic aircraft. Walking closer and zooming in, the cell phone captures the rarest sight at the show—a veteran who actually flew TBMs 80 years ago. Just a few feet away, a six-year-old girl dressed as wartime Rosie the Riveter poses for photos. Families pull wagons filled with everything needed for a picnic on the grass. As the show begins and airplanes roar across the sky, children look upward in amazement or happily chase one another in circles. Others explore the many displays, including military reenactors camping in vintage Army tents, driving Willys Jeeps, or strolling among the aircraft while asking questions of a pilot diligently wiping bugs from the leading edge of his airplane’s wings.

How much does it cost to enjoy a day at the show? At most large airshows, a family of four can’t get through the gate for less than $100, and by the time they head home, another small fortune has been spent. Miraculously, the TBM Reunion charges no admission, and visitors are welcome to bring their own food. A few years ago, when organizers suggested charging for parking, the City of Peru declined. “The show belongs to the people of Peru,” city leaders said. The city provides first responders for safety and security while also sponsoring an impressive fireworks display. Bringing the world-famous Titan Aerobatic Team from the Deep South is made possible by the generous support of the Marquis Company. Investing heavily in the event, keeping the aircraft fueled, and managing hundreds of behind-the-scenes details is the airport’s FBO, Midwest Aero, led by Airport Manager Cody Williams. Booking performers, narrating the show, and organizing the Salute to Veterans falls to Tim Gillian, while Airboss Greg Witmer safely conducts the entire aerial symphony. A small army of volunteers, led by Vicki Tedeschi, takes on countless thankless jobs, from parking cars to collecting trash.

(Image credit: Photo by Greg Morehead)

Although veterans are honored throughout the weekend, the official Salute to Veterans ceremony takes place Saturday morning. It begins with a parade of veterans walking through an avenue lined with grateful citizens holding American flags waving in the dependable northern Illinois breeze. Representing veterans who are no longer living, family members carry folded American flags that are collected at the end of the procession and loaded aboard a waiting TBM Avenger. The flags are flown aboard a formation of TBMs, and as the mournful notes of Taps echo across the airport, the Avengers pass overhead. The aircraft carrying the flags then pulls away from the formation, turning westward to complete the Missing Man Formation.

(Image credit: Photo by Greg Morehead)

(Image credit: Photo by Greg Morehead)

The idea for the flag-laden flight originated with retired commercial pilot Brian Safran, an aviation mechanic at the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton, Ohio, along the shores of Lake Erie. He created Flight of the Flags when two passions came together. His father served in Korea but never received the honor of a military funeral. At the same time, the warbirds he maintained were expensive to operate, and every flight deserved a meaningful purpose. Flight of the Flags gave each mission significance, both operationally and emotionally. Safran’s idea was so well received that it eventually led to the creation of a nonprofit organization supporting Flight of the Flags events across the country. For more information, visit https://flightoftheflags.org.

The format for the 11th annual airshow followed tradition, beginning with a daytime show on Friday, followed that evening by a TBM Avenger Glow and a night airshow featuring “Scoop” Heavey’s MiG-17 afterburner demonstration and the Titan Aerobatic Team. The evening concluded with the City of Peru’s outstanding fireworks display. Daytime performances included TBM formation and solo flights, J.T. Mellor flying Spanish Lady in an aerobatic demonstration, a T-6 formation by Job Savage, Laura Stants, and J.P. Mellor, “Scoop” Heavey’s MiG-17 demonstration, Stephen Jones flying the T-33, and formation passes by the MiG-17 and T-33. Greg “Wired” Colyer flew an impressive jet demonstration in his T-33 Ace Maker, while the Tri-State Warbird Museum’s Grumman HU-16 Albatross was expertly flown by Trevor Henson, with co-pilot and Director of Maintenance Mike Durkee. Saturday began with the veterans’ ceremony and Flight of the Flags, followed by the airshow opening with a jump aircraft piloted by Rook Nelson. Skydivers from Skydive Chicago descended with the American flag as spectators joined together in singing the National Anthem.

TBM Avengers Attending the 11th Annual TBM Reunion

Following the event, founder Brad Deckert reported that the City of Peru was pleased with the approximately 20,000 attendees and plans to host the reunion again in 2027. The Titan Aerobatic Team has also indicated it intends to return, and there is little doubt that many warbird operators will once again want to be part of this uniquely patriotic and enjoyable celebration of America’s aviation heritage. For more information, visit www.tbmreunion.org.

(Image credit: Photo by Greg Morehead)