Kyriacos "Tony" Sozomenou
Kyriacos “Tony” Sozomenou was born on April 13, 1943, in Cyprus and later moved to the United States as a teenager. He graduated from Pratt Institute in New York City and served honorably in the United States Army, where he fought as a Special Forces Green Beret during the Vietnam War. His bravery earned him the Bronze Star Medal and two Purple Hearts. Tony married his wife, Clare, in 1974 and they quickly started a family. Tony and Clare raised three incredible sons, John, Keith and James. Tragically, Tony's life was cut short when he passed away at the age of 66 on February 5, 2010, while preparing to attend his 19th Super Bowl in Miami, Florida.
– About the Tournament –
On August 1, 2025, we will celebrate the 16th Annual Kyriacos "Tony" Sozomenou Memorial Golf Outing. This tradition began back in June 2010 during a drive home from a weekend golf trip with my close friend, Jonny Baron, where a simple conversation sparked the idea for the inaugural event. Now, years later, we reflect on how far we've come and the lasting impact this gathering has had.
Our annual event has successfully raised and donated funds in memory of my father to several military charities, including Wounded Warrior Project, Unbroken Warriors, and K9s For Warriors. To date, we have proudly sponsored the training of four service dogs for veterans in need.
We are excited to collaborate with Troopers Assisting Troops, Inc. (TAT) to enable our guests to make charitable contributions through their 501c(3) status. Once again, we will work with TAT to gather and donate all funds raised during the event. TAT will then forward the proceeds with the purpose of sponsoring the training of a service dog for a soldier dealing with issues and injuries related to their time in combat. Our first service dog, Soz, successfully completed training in 2020 and has now paired with US Army veteran Eli ever since. Additionally, our second dog, Fairways, graduated in 2023 and has been matched with former Marine Josh, who resides in Wyoming. Meanwhile, our third and fourth dogs are currently undergoing training at K9s.
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 complications with 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
