In the Press...
APP article on official naming of Leonard G. 'Bud' Lomell VA Clinic'Heroism of Toms River VA clinic's namesake lasted long after WWII'By Jerry Carino TOMS RIVER -- On D-Day, Leonard “Bud” Lomell performed one of the great feats of valor in World War II, leading a group of Army Rangers who scaled 100-foot cliffs and disabled five big German guns that threatened the Allied landing at Normandy’s Utah and Omaha beaches. Lomell, who grew up in Point Pleasant Beach and later lived in Toms River, gained worldwide acclaim in the 1990s when his actions on June 6, 1944, were featured in books by historian Stephen Ambrose and NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw. The way his family members saw it, though, Lomell’s heroism didn’t stop when the war ended. He helped countless veterans throughout the rest of his life, until he died in 2011. That’s why, when the recently opened Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Toms River was named the Leonard G. ‘Bud’ Lomell VA Clinic by an act of Congress, it resonated deeply with his loved ones. “Helping veterans had a special meaning for him,” daughter Renee Lomell said. “My dad did not talk about these things — he just did it. After he died, we heard many stories at the visitation about how he had helped people.”
'He would be thrilled about the clinic' The 68,000-square-foot clinic, which opened in November, would be right up Bud Lomell’s alley. It provides primary and specialty care in urology, cardiology, telehealth and an infusion center for veterans receiving chemotherapy. It also includes 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 the service of his country and its veterans,” U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, who authored the legislation, said during the Jan. 5 dedication ceremony. After returning home from World War II, Lomell became the first Ocean County Veterans Services Bureau director, helping veterans transition to civilian life. Then he attended law school on the GI Bill and became an attorney. “He continued to help World War II Rangers personally, and to help many local veterans pro bono,” Renee Lomell said.
The clinic’s placement on Hooper Avenue, and the effort to name it after Lomell, were spearheaded by former Toms River Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill, a Navy veteran, and township planner Dave Roberts. “Ocean County has one of the largest populations of veterans in New Jersey,” Hill said. “The (existing) clinic that was in Brick, they outgrew — it was about half the size of this one, and parking was an issue. Here (on Hooper Avenue) the county has their social services office right next door, with the Ocean County Veterans Affairs Bureau. And it’s on a major roadway, so you’ve got bus transportation there.” Lomell was so humble that Hill never knew about his bravery at Normandy until he read Brokaw’s best-selling book “The Greatest Generation.” When Hill visited Normandy’s World War II museum, he encountered an entire wall panel dedicated to Lomell. If Normandy could honor him that way, Hill thought, Toms River should do the same. “It was important to me that this get done,” Hill said. It was not easy. The naming legislation required signatures from all 14 members of New Jersey's Congressional delegation — 12 representatives and two senators. Of the 12 House members, Hill said, six signed immediately, three more signed after he made calls, and the other three, he had to pin down with Renee Lomell’s help.
“It took forever,” Hill said. It was worthwhile. Bud’s wife Charlotte, age 104, attended the dedication ceremony, and Renee Lomell spoke. The family also saw an artist’s rendering of what the clinic's exterior will look like when the name “Leonard G. ‘Bud’ Lomell” graces the façade, work that should be completed in the coming months.
“He would be thrilled about the clinic. He would be so happy about the accessibility and the services that are offered,” Renee told the Asbury Park Press. “There's a real need for it and it's a beautiful facility.” The legacy that matters most The details of Lomell’s journey up the cliffs at Poine du Hoc remain incredible, 82 years later. As a first sergeant on D-Day, he was shot in the side as he exited the landing craft. Then it was a sheer climb on ropes and ladders. The Rangers suffered a 70% casualty rate during the assault, but Lomell made it to the top, and with a handful of others he found and destroyed the hidden guns, and then commanded a successful defense of the position. Lomell received a Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest military decoration, and later was awarded a Silver Star after being wounded at the Battle of Hurtgen Forest.
“Dad's actions during the war earned him medals and many decades later, public recognition,” Renee Lomell said. “Dad would say he was doing his job and it was a team effort — it was always about the Ranger teamwork. Now that there's been more coverage about his whole life, I feel that the full portrait of the man is inspiring because he continued to help people.” That’s the part of the portrait Renee Lomell wants to shed light on. Every veteran who receives help at the clinic bearing her dad's name will be an extension of the legacy that matters most. “When people would say to us, ‘your dad is a hero’ because of World War II,” Renee said, “we felt our dad was a hero every single day because he was always helping others.” |
