SSP History Column: Golf Outing Drives Support For Wounded Warriors

“The attack took place on American soil, but it was an attack on the heart and soul of the civilized world. And the world has come together to fight a new and different war, the first, and we hope the only one, of the 21st century. A war against all those who seek to export terror, and a war against those governments that support or shelter them.”

— President George W. Bush, Oct. 11, 2001

Twenty-five years ago, the United States was attacked by terrorists who struck the economic nerve center of the World Trade Center in Manhattan and the command center of the Armed Forces at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Quickly, Bush ordered American forces into Afghanistan to depose the tyrannical leadership of the Taliban. This brutal regime hurt its own people, denied rights to women, and sheltered Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaeda, which carried out the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks against this nation. In 2003, Bush ordered American forces to attack Iraq and overthrow its longtime dictator, Saddam Hussein.

As the United States sent forces into these hostile places, the costs were extremely heavy for our military. For almost two decades, it was a difficult endeavor to oppose an insurgency that targeted American forces. Through primarily Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, 6,967 members of the Armed Forces were killed and 52,802 were wounded during the War on Terror.

These losses devastated communities with funerals, while Americans witnessed the struggles of “Wounded Warriors” who were seriously injured overseas. In 2008, after a Rocky Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6249 installation dinner, Michael Mauro, a former resident of Baiting Hollow, expressed that more “needed” to be done to care for veterans suffering from terrible injuries.

Right away, he organized a golf outing that just entered its 18th year at The Rock Golf Club in Wading River. Mauro collected raffles, recruited golfers, worked with the golf course, and continued to expand this charitable effort to remember the sacrifices of the American military.

For years, his wife and children helped put together baskets, collected prizes, and were present to see their work at these veterans’ golf outings.

Alongside him were members of the veterans post and its past commander, Joseph A. Cognitore, who were motivated to raise money and awareness while assembling one of the finest sporting-outing raffles on Long Island.

Many golfers sought to win power equipment, tools, signed memorabilia, Broadway show tickets, cars, trips, gift cards, and clothing.

They participated alongside former professional baseball players Art Shamsky, Frank Tepedino and Fred Cambria, as well as longtime New York Mets scout Larry Izzo. Many participants are members of other military organizations, business owners, political leaders, police officers, and firefighters. For almost two decades, they have been constant fixtures at this unique military golf outing.

This past Monday, Sept. 21, the tradition continued under Cognitore’s leadership.

On a rainy day that also featured brilliant sunshine, golfers enjoyed the beautiful surroundings of The Rock Golf Club, a patriotic flag positioned on a hill and visible to golfers, and a day filled with impressive drives and putting.

Cognitore led an “army” of volunteers who sold raffle tickets, watched the longest-drive and car holes, counted donated money, handed out golf shirts and giveaway items, and organized prizes.

Most of these veterans, like “Lieutenant” Dan Guida, are Vietnam veterans and staunch advocates for helping fellow veterans.

When the golfers returned from a tremendous day on the course, they sat down together for dinner. Cognitore addressed the outing and expressed his gratitude for the generosity of the participants.

He also recognized distinguished guests, including Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, and Long Island State Veterans Home Executive Director Fred Sganga.

Cognitore has presided over an event that has raised more than $375,000 to care for Wounded Warriors and their family members, local and national veterans organizations, Tunnel to Towers, and the Long Island State Veterans Home.

Always armed with a smile, Cognitore greets the golfers each year, and they continue to enthusiastically support the event.

VFW Post 6249 Commander Frank Lombardi marveled at Cognitore’s drive to lead the program.

“Our annual golf fundraiser is more than a day on the course — it’s an investment in our veterans, our post, and community,” Lombardi said.

“The support we receive allows VFW Post 6249 to continue helping those who served, assisting veterans and their families, and ensuring that this organization remains a dominant presence for many decades to come. Every golfer, sponsor, and donor helps us carry this mission forward.”

Vice Commander Janet Santeramo echoed Lombardi’s sentiments.

“This golf outing was a powerful reminder of how deeply our community stands behind veterans,” Santeramo said. “We are truly grateful to every golfer, sponsor, volunteer, and supporter who joined us at The Rock Golf Club to ensure that our members of the Armed Forces are never forgotten.”