(July 22, 2025) Merced, CA–What started as a personal journey for Mikhail Venikov, former Army Ranger, MMA fighter, and law enforcement officer, has grown into a life-changing movement for countless veterans across the country. Ranger Road, the nonprofit he founded, is more than just an organization; it’s a mission-driven family fueled by volunteer passion, camaraderie, and a shared desire to help disabled veterans rediscover purpose and community.
Venikov’s transition from the military to civilian life wasn’t easy, but staying active helped him navigate the challenges. Immersing himself in mixed martial arts and pursuing a career in law enforcement gave him the structure and adrenaline that he missed after leaving the battlefield. It wasn’t until he got injured and had time to slow down that he began reflecting and noticed something: a growing number of fellow veterans were reaching out, struggling with everything from addiction and depression to relationship problems and isolation.
He realized that staying busy helped, surrounding himself with positive people, and having a sense of purpose could help others too.
With the support of his wife, Eileen, Mikhail began organizing small outdoor events like team-building obstacle courses and Tough Mudder-style races where veterans and civilians worked side by side. These experiences proved to be powerful. Veterans found themselves opening up, bonding, and even finding employment opportunities through civilian participants.
“We didn’t plan to start an organization,” Venikov says. “We just saw the need and did something about it.”
And so, Ranger Road was born.
Today, Ranger Road runs multiple programs across the U.S., each spearheaded by a veteran who once came for help but now gives back. There’s Ranger Road Skydiving, led by Alejandro, a double amputee whose passion for the sport has become a lifeline. There’s Ranger Road Motorsports, featuring an adaptive race car with hand controls. There’s scuba diving, rustic hunting trips, and even combat sports events supported by UFC connections. These aren’t just hobbies, they’re therapeutic outlets where veterans can feel adrenaline again, find healing through shared experiences, and begin their next chapter.
“We’re not perfect,” Venikov says. “We can’t help everybody. But we’re really good at getting the ball rolling.”
Ranger Road is based in California but has programs across the country in states like Texas, Georgia, Florida, and Washington. And perhaps one of the most symbolic offerings of that healing journey is Ranger Road’s newest initiative: wake surfing and watersports, powered by a partnership with Centurion Boats.
The connection came through a chance meeting with Centurion ambassador Robby Mausshapt, who saw the heart behind Ranger Road and offered to help. Soon after, veterans Alejandro and Josh, both double amputees, were invited to try surfing behind a Centurion on Folsom Lake. Despite physical limitations, they both got up and rode.
“Josh had surfed before and thought it would be easier, but Alejandro got up first and killed it,” Mikhail recalls proudly.
That moment sealed it. Ranger Road would add wake surfing to its program line-up. A new 2026 Centurion Fe25 will now provide new avenues of joy and recovery for veterans. And true to Ranger Road’s philosophy, it’s not about offering a handout, it’s about creating ownership. Each program is veteran-led. Veterans like Alejandro and Josh don’t just participate, they mentor, guide, and lead others on the same path to healing they once needed themselves.
“It might look like we’re helping others,” Mikhail says, “but really, it helps us too. That’s the beauty of Ranger Road it’s healing for everyone involved.”
From skydives to surf wakes, from combat zones to quiet moments on the water, Ranger Road proves that healing doesn’t always happen in an office or with a diagnosis. Sometimes, it happens in a drop zone. Or a racetrack. Or behind a wake.
And that’s where Ranger Road thrives, at the intersection of action, service, and second chances.
About Ranger Road: Ranger Road is a nonprofit charity providing veterans the necessary tools to be successful during the crucial transition from military to civilian life. By pushing towards lasting solutions that bring veterans with and without disabilities together with civilians, we can be part of a community and support system that thrives on community involvement and physical and emotional wellness. The activities and programs developed have been proven to help veterans handle stress, lower rates of anxiety and depression, and improve the overall wellness.
About Centurion Boats: For 50 years, Centurion Boats has produced the World’s best waves, wakes and ride. These historic distinctions and this golden milestone didn’t just happen. We have been maximizing benefit for our boat buyers since 1976. As a Correct Craft company, we are charged with making life better, and our continuous improvement to our boats is a clear indicator we take that to heart. For our 50th anniversary, we’re not just building boats – we’re honoring with innovation. As a Centurion boat owner, you are equipped as a joy warrior to wake waves of positive change in yourself, your family, your community and our world. To learn more about Centurion Boats, visit http://www.centurionboats.com.
About Correct Craft: Celebrating 100 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. Focused on “Making Life Better,” the Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Ingenity boat companies, Pleasurecraft Engine Group, Indmar Marine Engines, Velvet Drive Transmissions, Mach Connections, Merritt Precision, Osmosis, Watershed Innovation, and Aktion Parks. For more information, please visit www.correctcraft.com