At a ceremony in Toms River today, Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) was joined by veterans and other federal, state and local officials to cut the ribbon for the new Ocean County Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic on Hooper Avenue, which will replace the Brick clinic that Smith secured in the 1980s but can no longer accommodate the large veteran population in the area.

            “Words are inadequate to fully convey America’s thanks to our veterans,” said Rep. Smith.

            “Still, we gather here today to solemnly and joyously recommit ourselves to President Lincoln’s powerful challenge to his own and each generation of Americans,” said Smith, who cited Lincoln’s second inaugural address in which he called on all Americans “to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.”

            “Because of your noble sacrifice and bravery and tenacity, we are free and can hope for a sustainable peace and a better tomorrow,” Smith told the veterans gathered at the ceremony.

            Smith, who served two terms as Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, led the successful effort in the 1980s to establish an Ocean County VA clinic to address the overwhelming need he saw for veterans health care in the region. 

            As part of his efforts, Smith authored three separate pieces of legislation that were passed by the House of Representatives to establish a clinic in Brick, including in:

            · 1986;

            · 1987; and

            · the FY 1988 budget.

            In response, the VA finally began work to open the original clinic in 1988.

            When the Brick clinic reached capacity due to a growing veteran population, Smith personally convinced then-Secretary Anthony Principi to open a new VA clinic in Fort Monmouth by 2003. Additionally, in 2014, Smith was part of a leadership team to require the VA to authorize new leases for clinics—like the one in Brick—needing to upgrade and expand its successful operation.

            Joining Smith at the ribbon cutting ceremony today were VA Under Secretary Shereef Elnahal, former Toms River Mayor Mo Hill, Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. Andy Kim, VA New Jersey healthcare officials, medical professionals, clinic staff, veterans, and other public officials.

            This year, Smith introduced legislation in Congress to name the new clinic after longtime Toms River resident and WWII hero Leonard G. “Bud” Lomell. Smith noted the new 68,000-square-foot clinic will provide more appointments, better access and enhanced services for the tens of thousands of veterans living in Ocean and Monmouth counties.

            “Today’s Toms River VA Clinic is designed to better meet the unique healthcare needs of an ever-growing veteran population in Ocean County and the region with enhanced capacity to offer world-class comprehensive medical care in an expanded and modernized setting,” Smith said. “Bottom line: more veterans better served with services they need with fewer wait times.”

            “May God continue to bless and protect and strengthen and where needed—heal—each and every veteran and his or her family,” said Smith.

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