The Toms River Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic has been officially named the Leonard G. “Bud” Lomell VA Clinic, following legislation introduced by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and signed into law by President Trump in September. The naming ceremony took place at the new facility, honoring Second Lieutenant Leonard G. “Bud” Lomell, a decorated World War II veteran and longtime resident of Toms River.
Rep. Smith, who previously chaired the House Veterans Affairs Committee, stated, “Today, directed by an act of Congress, signed by the President of the United States, this world-class VA outpatient clinic is named in honor of local hero Leonard G. ‘Bud’ Lomell, further recognizing Bud as one of the bravest and most highly decorated combat soldiers of World War II.”
At the ceremony inside the clinic, Renee Lomell spoke on behalf of her family and her mother Charlotte Ewart Lomell about her father’s military service and his efforts to help veterans transition to civilian life. She said, “Thank you, Representative Smith, for all that you have done for the veterans throughout the years, particularly for recognizing the need for a VA Clinic to serve this part of the state, first at Brick, and now in Toms River. Thank you for your perseverance through the very lengthy legislative process.” She added that her father would be pleased with the range of services offered at the clinic: “[Bud] would be so pleased that the Toms River VA Clinic offers such a range of services, including help for PTSD and a Women’s Health Department. Dad understood the cost of war and the need for the services of the VA.”
Local officials J. Mark Mutter and former Mayor Maurice Hill also attended; both played roles in advocating for naming the facility after Lomell. Mutter commented on Lomell’s legacy: “This building now stands in memory of a man who stood in the middle of the 20th century—and turned history for the better. In the end, it’s all about what Bud fought for and stood for: freedom and democracy.” Rep. Smith added that while it is impossible to repay Lomell or his fellow Rangers fully: “the naming of this clinic will ensure that Bud’s heroic legacy lives on.”
Smith described Lomell’s actions during World War II when introducing H.R. 2170 to Congress: he highlighted how Lomell led Army Rangers up Pointe du Hoc’s cliffs under fire to destroy German artillery threatening Allied forces during D-Day—a mission critical to Allied success—and noted other battles where Lomell served before being honorably discharged in 1945.
After returning home from service—where he earned numerous medals including Distinguished Service Crosses—Lomell became Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau’s first director and was active in civic organizations such as founding a major law firm locally.
Smith remarked on today’s significance: “The 68,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility bearing Bud’s name provides both primary and specialty care, including dental care, women’s health care, mental health counseling, physical therapy, and laboratory services. This clinic has already done so much for our community—it is only right that it be named after a true war hero who dedicated his life to service.”
Also present was PFC John Wardell—a WWII Army Ranger veteran awarded last year with a Congressional Gold Medal due to legislation supported by Smith—for whom serving alongside Lomell had marked his own distinguished military career.
The new Toms River clinic replaces an earlier Brick Township facility established with Smith’s support over two decades ago; continued advocacy resulted in additional clinics opening regionally—including Fort Monmouth—to meet growing demand among area veterans.
Chris Smith has represented New Jersey’s 4th district since 1981 after succeeding Frank Thompson (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/S000522). He was born in Rahway in 1953 (https://www.house.gov/smith), currently resides in Manchester Township (https://www.house.gov/smith), graduated from The College of New Jersey with a BS degree (https://www.tcnj.edu/).
