Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Army First Sergeant Todd Landen grew up in a loving home with supportive parents and an older brother. His childhood was peaceful, filled with outdoor adventures—shooting, hunting, and fishing—fostering a deep appreciation for nature and resilience.
As a high school student, Landen became captivated by books about the Vietnam War, igniting a profound sense of duty. Inspired by the sacrifices of past generations, he made a life-altering decision to serve his country. In May of 1992, he enlisted in the Army Infantry, embarking on a career defined by unwavering dedication and courage. Over the years, he served in the 25th Infantry Division, the 10th Mountain Division, and the legendary 101st Airborne Division.
Landen thrived in the military, embracing its challenges with determination. His greatest source of pride was fighting for every American and the unbreakable brotherhood forged in combat. Committed to excelling in his role, he became a formidable soldier, even running on the Army 10-Mile Team to push his limits.
Throughout his distinguished career, Landen deployed to Bosnia and Iraq, participating in hundreds of high-value target missions and contributing to the largest air assault in history. He was hand selected for Operation Tapeworm, the raid to capture Saddam Hussein’s sons, numbers 2 and 3 on the coalition most wanted list. The battlefield tested him relentlessly—over four deployments, he endured more than 300 firefights and survived thirteen IED blasts, but the most devastating attack came after two decades of service, in Kirkuk, northern Iraq. An IED detonated directly beneath his vehicle, leaving him with traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, broken ribs, punctured lungs, and other severe wounds. His recovery was long, painful, and continues to this day, a testament to his perseverance.
Landen earned numerous awards and badges including the prestigious Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, and the Purple Heart.Â
Now residing in Sioux City, Iowa, Landen embraces the outdoors whenever his health allows, finding solace in shooting, hunting, and working out. A passionate motorcycle enthusiast, he shares this love with his daughter, Brianna. As he settles into his new smart home, Landen looks forward to building a deeper sense of community and to continuing on as a member of the Tunnel to Towers family.
Still driven by his innate desire to protect others, Landen volunteers in school security and maintains close ties with local law enforcement, ensuring his service extends beyond the battlefield. As he looks ahead, he remains hopeful for the future, embracing new opportunities and challenges with the same fearless spirit.
For Army First Sergeant Todd Landen, fighting for the American people was not just a duty—it was an honor beyond measure. Given the chance, he would do it all over again, without hesitation, without regret, in a heartbeat.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided Army First Sergeant Todd Landen with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.