POY SIPPI, Wis. [Nov. 6, 2023] — Tundraland Home Improvements, a LEAF Home company based in Wisconsin specializing in baths and walk-in showers, is changing the life of a deserving Vietnam War U.S. Army veteran in Poy Sippi, Wisconsin by giving him the gift of a walk-in shower as part of its annual Baths for the Brave program. The shower will be installed on Wednesday, November 8, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.,just in time for Veterans Day.
“Tundraland started this program under its founder Brian Gottlieb in 2017 to give back to those who have already given so much for our country,” explained Paul Lukowski, president of Tundraland Home Improvements. “Each year, it is so rewarding to see the smiles on the faces of the veterans we’re helping because it’s more than just a new shower. It’s really the gift of independence and accessibility to take care of one of the most basic human needs without needing assistance from others.”
Lenny Langkau served in the U.S. Army as a radio operator during the Vietnam War. He would be dropped into hostile territories to report strategic locations for attack to the units he was assigned to support. While serving in the Vietnam War, Langkau was dropped a total of 360 times, including multiple times into Cambodia. As a result of being in such dangerous areas, Langkau was wounded twice.
The first injury happened while Langkau was crawling back to his unit. A few men ahead of him set off a trip wire, which caused an explosion. Most of the blast ripped through the radio on Langkau’s back, but some did catch his side. To this day, small wire fragments will work their way out of the scar tissue on occasion.
The second time Langkau was wounded, he was taken in an ambulance back to base. The injury occurred while walking through water with his unit. Langkau had his radio on his back and his rifle over his head. He was shot, and the bullet went through his right side and exited through the left side of his upper torso. Langkau didn’t realize it until he was being put on a stretcher and carried into the ambulance.
“As I am getting older and continue to deal with many of the injuries I received while in Vietnam, it is getting harder to do basic tasks, like taking a shower in the current tub I have now,” explained Langkau. “I am very honored and relieved to know that I will no longer struggle with showering because of the Baths for the Brave program.”
Tundraland will be conducting two other Baths for the Brave installations on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at the same time. Installs will take place at a second southern Wisconsin location and a Minnesota location. All three recipients are near Tundraland locations throughout the country.
Tundraland Home Improvements created Baths for the Brave in 2017. The program is a 100% time and material donation to a veteran or veterans in need within the communities Tundraland serves.
To learn more about Tundraland, Baths for the Brave or the many community initiatives Tundraland supports, visit tundraland.com.
Photo included.
Lenny Langkau when he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
