By Lakewood Alerts
Published January 5, 2026

             The newly constructed Toms River Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic was formally named Monday in honor of World War II hero Second Lieutenant Leonard G. “Bud” Lomell, following legislation sponsored by Chris Smith and signed into law by Donald Trump last fall.

             The designation was marked by a ceremony inside the Toms River Veterans’ Clinic attended by lawmakers, veterans, local officials, and members of the Lomell family. The act of Congress directs that the facility be known as the Leonard G. “Bud” Lomell VA Clinic.

             Speaking at the event, Smith, a former chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said the naming recognizes Lomell as “one of the bravest and most highly decorated combat soldiers of World War II,” and ensures that his legacy of military service and advocacy for veterans will endure.

             Lomell’s daughter, Renee Lomell, delivered remarks on behalf of the family and Lomell’s widow, 104-year-old Charlotte Ewart Lomell, who was present at the ceremony. She thanked Smith for his long-standing work on behalf of veterans in Ocean and Monmouth counties and for his persistence in securing both the original Brick Township clinic and the new Toms River facility. She noted that her father would have been especially gratified by the clinic’s wide range of services, including care for post-traumatic stress disorder and women’s health.

             Also attending were former Toms River Township Clerk and Historian J. Mark Mutter and former Toms River Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill, who led the local effort to have the clinic named for Lomell. Mutter said the building now stands as a reminder of Lomell’s role in shaping history and defending democratic values.

             During a floor speech accompanying the introduction of H.R. 2170, Smith detailed Lomell’s actions on D-Day as a U.S. Army Ranger tasked with scaling the 100-foot cliffs at Pointe du Hoc to destroy German artillery that threatened the Allied invasion. Despite heavy casualties, Lomell and his unit located and destroyed the concealed guns using thermite grenades. Lomell later fought in the Battle of the Hürtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge before being honorably discharged in December 1945.

             For his service, Lomell received the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Legion of Honor.

             After the war, Lomell returned to Toms River, married Charlotte Ewart, and raised three daughters. He became the first director of the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, helping veterans transition to civilian life, and later served as president of the Ranger Battalion Association of World War II. He also founded one of Ocean County’s largest law firms and was active in numerous civic organizations.

             The ceremony also recognized WWII Army Ranger veteran PFC John Wardell, a 100-year-old Point Pleasant resident who served alongside Lomell. Wardell was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in June on behalf of all U.S. Army Ranger veterans of World War II.

             The 68,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art clinic provides primary and specialty care, including dental services, women’s health care, mental health counseling, physical therapy, and laboratory services. The facility replaces the earlier Brick Township clinic established in 1991, which eventually outgrew its capacity, and reflects a multi-decade effort by Smith to expand VA services in the region.