Congressman Chris Smith praised Mayor Maurice Hill as well as local veterans organizations and Veterans Administration officials for their dedication to the needs of veterans at groundbreaking ceremonies for a new VA clinic to be located on land off Hooper Avenue near the Seacourt Pavilion in Toms River.
Smith praised the mayor’s more than 35 years in the US Navy, retiring at the rank of admiral as well as his “long and distinguished career as a dentist.”
“No one understands the needs of our men and women in uniform better than you and the absolute necessity of a seamless transition from service member to veteran—especially in the provision of health care,” the Congressman said at the ceremony last week.
Smith also praised Commander Mike Schaeffer of American Legion Post 129 on the post’s 100th anniversary three years ago, and Commander Mike Passeri of Berkeley VFW for their tireless advocacy on behalf of veterans and “for being the eyes and ears in the community to ensure that policymakers at all levels get it right.”
The Congressman also thanked VA Secretary McDonough,, and other VA physicians and directors for their leadership of the VA. He noted the new Clinic is designed to improve healthcare needs for the ever-growing veterans population of Ocean County, the largest of any county in New Jersey.
“By providing world-class comprehensive medical care including primary health care, dental care, women’s health care, mental health counseling, and physical therapy, the new clinic will help fulfill the solemn promise made by President Lincoln that we must “care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan…” Smith said, adding “ A grateful nation must put veterans first and ensure that their sacrifice is tangibly recognized in both word and deed.”
The congressman has been an active supporter of outpatient clinics for veterans since first elected in 1982 when he pushed for an Ocean County clinic, later adding amendments which led to the establishment of the Brick facility. That clinic opened in May 1991, but need has outpaced capacity since. The new 68,000 square foot clinic is almost double the size of the original and will provide a venue for more medical and support staff, enabling veterans to experience shorter wait times in receiving care and attention. There will also be 480 parking spaces.
The VA awarded a 20-year lease for the clinic to FDS Toms River, builder of the almost $61 million facility. It is adjacent to another new three story building which will house Ocean County’s Board of Social Services as well as the Veterans Service Bureau.
