It has been eight years since TBM Avenger owners Brad and Jane Deckert decided to host a gathering of flyable Avengers.  It was not planned as an annual pilgrimage; however, this one-off event inspired the community’s patriotic support and introduced thousands to the warbird world.  It is now an annual tradition that many locals simply refer to as “the air show.” Those versed in air shows understand this is far from a typical display of aerial hardware and pilot skill.   This is essentially a warbird-only event where the rumble of radial engines and whine of jet turbines is described by announcer Tim Gillian as “the sound of freedom.”

A massive American flag hanging from a crane at the center of Illinois Valley Regional Airport provides a visual beacon for moms pushing toddlers in strollers and dads with children hoisted onto their shoulders. Along their way an encampment of WWII reenactors display Jeeps, construction equipment, weapons, and uniforms. Inside the Midwest Air Charters maintenance hangar, tables are manned by WWII veterans who give autographs and vendors sell patriotic items and military collectibles. Although some people bypass the hangar, nobody can resist strolling among the iconic warbirds assembled on the ramp, including seven TBM Avengers, a B-25 Mitchell, P-40N Kittyhawk, P-51 Mustang, two T-33 Shooting Stars, L-39 Albatross, plus an A-1D Skyraider, C-45 Expeditor, PT-26 Cornell and at least five AT-6 Texans.

The diversity of warbirds was a testament to event organizers who scrambled to fill the ramp after several warbirds were lured to Chuck Marshall’s hometown air show in Elkhart, Indiana. Also affecting participation were the ever present weather and maintenance challenges.  Charlie Cartledge and Tim Savage were unable to bring their TBMs due to mechanical issues while Daniel Mosley was stymied by bad weather.  Despite several cancelations, Peru can again boast the largest gathering of TBMs in the country, a claim they have been able to make annually since 2016.

The full array of aircraft flew both Friday and Saturday and Friday night featured a night show that started with Matt Younkin’s amazing Twin Beech aerobatics followed by a ground run of six TBMs.  The thunderous roar of six R-2600 radial engines and blue flames jetting from their exhaust stacks was acknowledged by the crowd with unanimous applause.  Photographers were disheartened by the inability to position light towers optimally but the crowd loved the annual spectacle.

On Saturday, a special ceremony was held in which the flags of deceased veterans were escorted to Brad and Jane Deckert’s TBM Avenger, where they were taken on board to be flown by Matt Cropp during the missing man formation pass.  Unfortunately, an issue with the aircraft’s brakes kept it from launching at that time, but Brad flew the precious, symbolic cargo overhead as the National Anthem was sung.

Akin to a Sesame Street limerick, “One of these TBMs look different than the others.”  While the average spectator overlooked the odd, non-military paint job of one Avenger, the avid warbird aficionados drooled over the only flying example of a TBM in its fire bomber configuration.  A significant number of Avengers survive today because they found commercial use as fire bombers and sprayers in the post war years.  Ed Wuerker surprised all when he entered the pattern and landed at the Reunion.  Wuerker seemed to enjoy being a “rock star” for the weekend.  It was a well-earned accolade because it took a big set of “kahoonas” to get the well-worn TBM half way across the country despite radio problems and one of two iPads dying during the flight.

The TBM Reunion was a success on many levels.  Rain was avoided and funding was available to provide the hard-working families of north-central Illinois with a family-friendly, totally free event – a rarity in modern society.  Event organizers went above and beyond to treat owners, pilots, and crews with exemplary hospitality.  To say it was a group effort would be a gross understatement.  Countless people dedicated themselves to making the event a success.  But, there would be no purpose, no need for any of it if not for the veterans who were so aptly honored all weekend.  After the veterans’ flags were loaded into Brad Deckert’s TBM, there was a delay as the TBMs taxied and took off.  Announcer Tim Gillian said it best when he solemnly said, “I appreciate your patience, ladies and gentlemen.  I assure you, they (veterans) are worth it.”

The American flag could be seen everywhere, from a towering crane and scores of flag poles, but when The National Anthem rang out and Brad Deckert flew his precious cargo overhead, tears were unavoidable knowing the flags that had draped over so many coffins were the Stars and Stripes over Peru. Thanks to all those who made the TBM Reunion a success and a special thanks to the new owners of Midwest Air Charters for accepting the baton of a noble and worthy event.