VA Clinic Naming For World War II Hero In Ocean County Finally Sealed

TOMS RIVER, NJ — An effort to get the new Veterans Affairs community-based clinic in Toms River named for a war hero from Ocean County has finally paid off as a bill for the naming has been signed by President Donald Trump.

Trump on Friday signed the bill to name the Community Based Outpatient Clinic for Leonard G. "Bud" Lomell, the World War II hero from Ocean County, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith announced. It followed months of behind-the-scenes wrangling to get the naming, which had been requested by former Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill in 2023, moved forward. It had appeared to be ready to happen in the days leading up to the ribbon-cutting at the facility in November 2024, but was not finalized in time.

The signing did come in time for the birthday of Lomell's widow, Charlotte, who turned 104 years old on Monday.

The resolution also memorializes Lomell’s heroic military service and countless civilian contributions. You can read the full bill here.

"One of the most decorated Army Rangers of World War II, Bud Lomell served our nation and its veterans with enduring courage and selflessness, and is exceedingly deserving of this posthumous honor," Smith said.

A date has not been set for the naming ceremony.

The clinic opened in November 2024, replacing the James J. Howard Clinic in Brick that had served veterans for more than 30 years. The new facility has state-of-the-art equipment and offers primary care as well as specialty care, including dental care, women's health care, mental health counseling, physical therapy, and laboratory services.

Just as importantly, it provides plenty of parking, which had been a key issue at the Brick location because the veteran population in Ocean County and surrounding areas had long outstripped the facility's space and abilities to serve them adequately.

"This clinic, which has already done so much for the veterans of Ocean County and beyond, will be a lasting testament to Bud’s life of service on behalf of his country, community, and fellow veterans," Smith said.

Lomell had extensive ties to Ocean County. He grew up in Point Pleasant Beach and graduated from high school there, and when he returned from his service in World War II, settled in Toms River where he and Charlotte raised three children. Lomell served on the then-Dover Township Board of Education in addition to the Ocean County Bar Association, the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, on the board of the First National Bank of Toms River, and many more organizations.