For Dr. Jeffrey Wallen, supporting the OMS Foundation is more than a charitable contribution – it’s a way to honor the legacy of service that has defined oral and maxillofacial surgery for generations.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Dr. Wallen is recognizing the military roots of the specialty by pledging a $25,000 matching gift challenge to benefit the OMS Foundation. Beginning July 1 and continuing through the 2026 AAOMS Annual Meeting, every gift made to the Foundation will be matched dollar for dollar until the full $25,000 challenge has been met.
“Oral and maxillofacial surgery has a long and proud history of service to our country,” said Dr. Wallen. “The specialty was shaped by the dedication and innovation of military surgeons who cared for wounded service members and advanced the treatment of complex facial injuries. This matching gift challenge is my way of honoring their contributions while investing in the future of our profession.”
For more than a century, oral and maxillofacial surgeons have served the nation in uniform, caring for wounded service members and advancing the specialty through their dedication and sacrifice. Their commitment to excellence continues to inspire new generations of surgeons and leaders.
Through his generosity, Dr. Wallen hopes to encourage colleagues, friends and supporters of the Foundation to join him in strengthening the future of the specialty. Funds raised through the challenge will support the Foundation’s mission to advance oral and maxillofacial surgery through research, education, leadership development and programs that benefit patient and practitioners alike.
As part of the celebrations, donors are encouraged to participate in the Give $250 for 250 Years of Independence campaign. A gift of $250 becomes $500 through Dr. Wallen’s match, creating an even greater impact on the Foundation’s work.
“Together, we can honor the service and sacrifice that helped build our specialty while ensuring that future generations of OMSs have the resources they need to lead, innovate and serve,” Dr. Wallen shared.
The OMS Foundation thanks Dr. Wallen and all the donors who join this challenge and celebrate 250 years of independence, more than a century of military service and the future of oral and maxillofacial surgery.