TBM REUNION 2025

This year, the TBM Avenger Reunion celebrated its tenth year hosting the warbird exclusive airshow in Peru, Illinois. Ten Avenger aircraft were able to fly in for the two day show. This show is unlike any other because normally its only warbirds on display both on the ramp and in the air. This usually keeps the crowds down a bit and makes it an awesome atmosphere celebrating veterans of all conflicts. Major Heister and the F-16 demonstration team displayed for the community for a first in the ten years this airshow has been around. Thanks to the generous donations from the local community and the city of Peru, they were able to host a modern jet team.

Other than the Avengers, several other vintage aircraft were in attendance. A P-51, FM-2 Wildcat, T-33 Shooting Star, T-38 Trojan, a couple T-6 Texans C-47 Skytrain and a C-45 Expeditor. The Titan Aerobatic Team were also there with their three ship T-6 Texans.

As for the show this year, it was a difficult one in terms of weather. Thankfully there was no rain like previous years but the wind became the major issue. Constant 25+ winds from the south then shifted out of the west as the afternoon turning into early evening. That, unfortunately, grounded numerous aircraft on both days. On top of that, I experienced a first at an airshow: a dust storm. There was a nasty dust storm that, again thankfully, missed Peru and stayed east and made its way north eventually making its way to Chicago.

I can’t wait to see what the 2026 edition of the TBM Reunion brings!!