The new Veterans Affairs clinic on Hooper Avenue in Toms River will be named after Leonard G. “Bud” Lomell, a local Army veteran known for his service during World War II. The decision follows the signing of a Congressional bill by the President.
Frank Sadeghi, Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, said, “The entire Board of Commissioners is exceptionally pleased to learn that the President has signed a Congressional bill naming the VA clinic after Toms River resident and Army Second Lieutenant Bud Lomell. Lomell’s exploits are legendary.”
In 2023, Ocean County’s Commissioners passed a resolution urging the federal government to honor Lomell with this recognition.
Lomell served as an Army Ranger and participated in scaling Pointe du Hoc during the Normandy Invasion. He was instrumental in disabling German artillery that threatened Allied forces landing at Omaha Beach.
Sadeghi highlighted historian Stephen Ambrose’s assessment: “The noted D-Day historian Stephen Ambrose said that aside from General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lomell was the single man most responsible for the success of the Normandy landings. That’s high praise indeed.”
Commissioner Virginia E. “Ginny” Haines reflected on Lomell’s humility and acknowledged all veterans: “We have lost so many of our World War II veterans. The renaming of this clinic honors not only Lt. Lomell, but all of the men and woman who helped pave Liberty Road and freed millions from Nazi oppression.”
Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione pointed out that Rep. Chris Smith announced President Trump had signed the bill just before Charlotte Lomell’s 104th birthday: “We want Mrs. Lomell to know that all of Ocean County and all of New Jersey joins with her in celebrating her husband’s bravery and commitment to freedom,” Bacchione said.
Commissioner Robert Arace noted that Lomell represents many veterans from Ocean County: “Ocean County will never forget our honored veterans,” he said.
Arace also mentioned Lomell’s actions during the Battle of Hurtgen Forest prior to the Battle of Bulge, where he earned a Silver Star for heroism.
“In naming this clinic for Bud Lomell, we honor not only his extraordinary courage, but the service and sacrifice of all veterans,” stated the Board of Commissioners collectively. “This clinic will stand as both a place of healing and a lasting reminder of the bravery, humility, and dedication of those who defended our freedom.”
Located at 1051 Hooper Avenue in Toms River, the new VA clinic opened in 2024 with expanded services for area veterans. The facility aims to improve healthcare access for Ocean County’s growing veteran population while honoring Leonard G. “Bud” Lomell’s legacy.
