Kyriacos "Tony" Sozomenou
Tony Sozomenou was born on April 13, 1943 in Cyprus. After migrating to the United States as a teenager, he would go on to graduate from Pratt Institute in NYC. He proudly served in the United States Army where he fought in the Vietnam War as an Army Special Forces Green Beret. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and two Purple Hearts for his combat service. Sadly, Tony left us too soon in life. He passed away at the age of 66 on February 5, 2010 while preparing to attend the Super Bowl in Miami, FL.
– About the Tournament –
August 2, 2024 will mark the 15th Annual Kyriacos "Tony" Sozomenou Memorial Golf Outing. It all started in June 2010 while on the drive home from a weekend golf trip with Jonny Baron. The conversation led to action and the 1st Annual event was planned and now, here we are.
Our annual event has raised and donated money, in honor of my father’s name, to various military charities such as; Wounded Warrior Project, Unbroken Warriors, and K9s For Warriors. So far we’ve been fortunate enough to sponsor the training of two (2) service dogs for veterans in need.
We are partnered with Troopers Assisting Troops, Inc. (TAT) to allow our guests to utilize their 501c(3) designation for charitable contributions. We'll be partnering with TAT again to collect and donate all funds related to the event. TAT, on behalf of the event, will then make the proceeds contribution to K9s For Warriors. Our goal is to raise enough money to sponsor the training of another service dog for a solider suffering from PTSD. Our first dog, Soz, has graduated from training and has been paired with US Army veteran, Eli (pictured below). Our second dog, Bogey, is still going through extensive training. We’re hoping to have an update on Bogey soon.
Troopers Assisting Troops
K9s for Warriors
US Army veteran Eli and his new service dog Soz at K9 For Warriors graduation in October 2020.
— Previous Event Honorees —
John M. Loosen
John and my father were the best of friends. They met in the mid-1990s while standing on the sidelines for John’s son Sean and my soccer games.
Like my father, John was a decorated US Army veteran. Turning down track scholarships to enlist in the US Army, John would go fight for his country in Vietnam. He became an Airborne paratrooper and LRRP with A Co, 2nd BN, 501st PIR 101st Airborne Division. While in combat, John was wounded by a mortar round, and was rushed back to base camp where his left leg was amputated above the knee. As a result of his Vietnam service John was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Combat Infantryman Badge.
John came home from Vietnam a changed man physically, but he did not let it stop him. He met his wife, Noreen, and they embarked on a terrific life together. John was the father to three incredible children; Elizabeth, Sean & Katharine. After graduating from St. John’s University, he rose through the ranks of the Veterans Affairs (VA) to Chief of NY/NJ Prosthetics after a 30 plus year career. After retiring, John and his lifelong friend, Rich Murray, helped start up a successful government contracting company that is thriving to this day. John’s passion for helping fellow veterans is what led our outing to its relationship with Troopers Assisting Troops, and ultimately K9s for Warriors.
Sadly, the world lost John on February 1, 2021 from COVID-19. He was 72 years young. Having known John personally for over 30 years, I can attest that he was truly one of the greats. It’s with great honor that we dedicate this years event to the memory of John M. Loosen. It’s my hope to raise enough money to sponsor our third service dog. This dog will be named by the Loosen Family in memory of John.
Rest In Peace, John. November 17, 1948 - February 1, 2021
