TOMS RIVER, NJ — A major milestone has been reached in the effort to honor one of Toms River’s most revered residents and national war heroes. The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously approved legislation to name the new Veterans Affairs health clinic in Toms River after World War II hero Leonard G. “Bud” Lomell.
The clinic, a state-of-the-art, 68,000-square-foot facility that opened in late 2024, is on track to bear the name of a man whose bravery and lifelong commitment to service left an indelible mark on the nation—and especially on his adopted hometown of Toms River.
The legislation, House Resolution 2170, introduced by Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4), now heads to the Senate for consideration. Once passed there and signed by the president, the Toms River facility will officially carry the name of Lomell, a U.S. Army Ranger who played a pivotal role in the success of the D-Day invasion at Normandy.
Lomell, who lived most of his life in Toms River after returning from the war, is remembered for leading a daring assault on Pointe du Hoc during the June 6, 1944 landings. He and his fellow Rangers scaled towering cliffs under enemy fire to disable artillery guns that threatened Allied forces—a mission historians credit with saving countless lives.
Though born in Point Pleasant Beach, it was in Toms River where Lomell settled down with his wife Charlotte after the war, raised their family, and launched a successful legal and civic career. He founded one of Ocean County’s most prominent law firms, served as president of the Ocean County Bar Association, and was deeply involved in local education, banking, veterans’ services, and cultural organizations.
Lomell’s contributions extended beyond the battlefield. As the first director of the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, he worked tirelessly to assist former service members in transitioning to civilian life. His civic engagement made him a cornerstone of the Toms River community for decades.
The naming of the clinic is not just a tribute to his military valor but a recognition of his lifelong dedication to public service and veterans’ welfare in Ocean County.
Though efforts to name the clinic began in 2022, the measure stalled until now. Its passage in the House marks a key turning point and brings the community closer to seeing one of its most important healthcare institutions permanently linked to a local hero.
Supporters of the resolution hope the process will be completed soon, particularly as Lomell’s widow, Charlotte, is expected to celebrate her 104th birthday in September.
For Toms River, this renaming effort is more than symbolic. It represents the enduring legacy of a man whose courage shaped history and whose commitment to service helped build a stronger, more compassionate local community.
Once finalized, the Bud Lomell VA Clinic will stand not only as a beacon of care for veterans in the region but as a lasting tribute to a man who exemplified heroism both in war and in peace.
