By Jeanne Wall
Published January 13, 2026 at 4:21 AM

             NEW JERSEY— The newly constructed Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient facility was officially named the Leonard G. “Bud” Lomell VA Clinic during a ceremony held this month, honoring the life and legacy of a decorated World War II hero and longtime Ocean County resident.

             The naming follows legislation, covered in a previous TAPinto article, that was introduced by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) in July and signed into law by President Trump in September.

             The new clinic is located in Toms River, in Ocean County.

             Lomell, a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Rangers, was recognized for his extraordinary heroism and lifelong commitment to serving veterans. Below is a photo of Lomell.

             Rep. Smith, former Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said, “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.”

             The ceremony, held inside the Toms River Veterans’ Clinic, was attended by elected officials, veterans, community leaders, and members of Lomell’s family. Bud’s daughter, Renee Lomell, spoke on behalf of her family and her mother, 104-year-old Charlotte Ewart Lomell, who was also present.

             “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,” Renee Lomell said.

             She added, “[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.”

             Also in attendance were J. Mark Mutter, former Toms River Township Clerk and Historian, and former Toms River Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill, who led the local effort to have the clinic named in Lomell’s honor.

             “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,” said Mutter.

             “While we cannot repay Bud and his fellow Rangers for the sacrifices they made to ensure our freedom, the naming of this clinic will ensure that Bud’s heroic legacy lives on,” Smith said.

             During his floor speech introducing H.R. 2170 — legislation formally naming the clinic — Smith detailed Lomell’s extraordinary wartime service. Lomell was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Legion of Honor for his actions during World War II.

             Smith described the “nearly impossible mission” Lomell and his fellow Rangers undertook on D-Day, scaling 100-foot cliffs at Pointe du Hoc to destroy German artillery that threatened the Allied invasion. Despite heavy casualties, Lomell and his unit successfully located and destroyed the concealed guns using thermite grenades, saving countless lives. Lomell later fought in the Battle of Hürtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge before being honorably discharged in December 1945.

             After the war, Lomell returned home, married Charlotte Ewart, a public health nurse, and raised three daughters — Georgine, Pauline, and Renee. He became the first director of the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, helping fellow veterans transition to civilian life. He also maintained close ties with his fellow Rangers and was elected president of the Ranger Battalion Association of World War II in 1965.

             Lomell went on to found one of Ocean County’s largest law firms and served in numerous civic organizations, including the First National Bank of Toms River, the Dover Township Board of Education, and the Garden State Philharmonic Symphony Society.

             “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 the service of his country and its veterans,” Smith said.

             Also attending the ceremony was 100-year-old WWII Army Ranger veteran PFC John Wardell of Point Pleasant, who served alongside Lomell. Wardell was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in June on behalf of all U.S. Army Rangers of World War II, through legislation supported by Smith in 2022.

             Wardell served with Lomell during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest and also fought in the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of Brest. He received the Purple Heart for his service and was honorably discharged in October 1945.

             The Bud Lomell VA Clinic represents the next generation of veterans care in Ocean County. It replaces the VA clinic in Brick Township that Smith helped establish in 1991, which served veterans from Ocean and Monmouth counties for more than two decades before outgrowing its capacity. Subsequent efforts, including the opening of a clinic at Fort Monmouth and legislation authorizing new VA leases, ultimately led to the creation of the new Toms River facility.


This article was published on January 13, 2026 and can be found online at: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/middletown/sections/military-and-veterans/articles/new-va-facility-named-in-honor-of-wwii-hero-leonard-g-bud-lomell