Keynote Session: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. | Grand Ballroom in the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Few people have stood at the intersection of courage, duty, and sacrifice the way Robert O’Neill has. A former U.S. Navy SEAL with over two decades of service, he brings a rare, raw, and deeply relevant perspective to the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
The Police Officers Association of Michigan is proud to welcome Robert O’Neill as a featured keynote speaker at the 2026 POAM Annual Convention, and we think you’ll agree, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Secure your spot today. Space is limited, and this is one experience worth showing up for.
Robert O’Neill: A Career Defined by Service
O’Neill spent his career doing what most can only imagine. Serving at SEAL Team Two, SEAL Team Four, and for eight years at the elite SEAL Team Six, he participated in and led over 400 combat missions, earning 54 military decorations along the way, including two Silver Stars and four Bronze Stars with Valor.
His name is tied to some of the most defining moments in modern American military history:
- Operation Red Wings: he was part of the rescue operation that extracted Marcus Luttrell, the Lone Survivor
- The rescue of Captain Richard Phillips: He served as the lead jumper in the operation that freed Phillips from Somali pirates
- Operation Neptune’s Spear: As a Team Leader on the mission to kill Osama bin Laden, he fired the shots that ended the world’s most wanted terrorist
These aren’t just highlights on a résumé. They are moments that shaped history, and O’Neill was there, leading from the front.
Why His Message Matters to You
O’Neill’s story isn’t just about combat. It’s about what it means to serve: to show up when the stakes are highest, to make split-second decisions under pressure, and to carry the weight of that responsibility long after the mission is over.
As someone who has dedicated his post-service life to supporting veterans and speaking to audiences across the country, O’Neill understands the unique mindset of those who run toward danger while others run away. His message will resonate deeply with law enforcement, corrections officers, and public safety professionals who face that same calling every single day.
Part of Something Bigger
This year’s convention carries special meaning. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we also pause to honor the law enforcement heroes who responded on September 11, 2001, many of whom never came home. Having voices like his in the room is a reminder of why that service matters and why we never forget.
O’Neill will be joined on the program by fellow speaker Tim Brown, a retired FDNY firefighter whose own connection to 9/11 makes this year’s lineup nothing short of extraordinary.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be in the Room
The 2026 POAM Annual Convention is a members-only event that brings together Michigan’s finest law enforcement community for professional growth, meaningful connections, and moments like this one.
Secure your spot today. Space is limited, and this is one experience worth showing up for.