The 2025 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo will feature a special speaker and inspirational message from retired Battalion Commander Jack Oehm of the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY). Oehm was a battalion chief who first arrived at Ground Zero after both World Trade Center towers collapsed on Sept. 11, 2001.
It was a tragic day for Oehm, the FDNY, New York and the United States. But Oehm has turned that tragedy into inspiration with his service to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, where he serves on the board of directors.
Oehm will speak on Aug. 20 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa during the Expo’s general session. His presentation will focus on the foundation’s work to provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and to build specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. The organization is fighting to help eliminate veteran homelessness in America. The Tunnels to Towers Foundation has several major projects currently underway in Florida.
Oehm will be introduced by his longtime friend and recent Citrus Hall of Fame inductee Dan Richey. Don’t miss this inspiring story of turning tragedy into service.
Register today for the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo!