Retired Chicago Bears cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman will officially open the 2016 Chicago Air and Water Show in grand style when he tandem jumps with the U.S. Army Golden Knights to commemorate the USO’s 75th Anniversary. Tillman is scheduled to touch down in front of the Boat House at North Avenue Beach at 10 a.m. on Aug. 20.
Comedian Bill Murray and actor Vince Vaughn are among the celebrities who’ve participated in the same opening-day jump at the show in previous years.
This year’s military headliners for the annual lakefront spectacle include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs and newcomer U.S. Air Force F-35, among others. Civilian teams include the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, Sean D. Tucker & Team Oracle, The Firebirds Delta Team and more.
According to the official announcement today:
Charles Tillman has demonstrated his commitment to service not only as the 2013 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year but also as the 2015 USO Angel Harvey Heart of a Patriot Award recipient and the NFL Salute to Service Award winner. Charles Tillman has volunteered with the USO through numerous programs including the USO of Illinois’s Pro Tour. Tillman, a self-described Army brat, Tillman spent the majority of his youth traveling the world with his father Donald Tillman, Jr., a sergeant in the United States Army.
The 58th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show runs Aug. 20-21 along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, centered at North Avenue beach. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. For complete show information, visit chicagoairandwatershow.us
The Breitling Jet Team makes its entrance to the 2015 Chicago Air & Water Show at North Avenue Beach in 2015. | Vincent D. Johnson/for Sun-Times Media
Vincent D. Johnson/for Sun-Times Media
