Landon Ranker - Move United

Move United / Our Athletes /

Landon Ranker

"It provides sanctuary for me to clear my mind when I am struggling with something, and allows me to push the limits of what is still physically and mentally possible for me." - U.S. Army Light Infantry Recon Sniper (retired), Landon Ranker

Ranker served 28 years of active duty in the U.S. Army, beginning as an enlisted Soldier in 1989. His distinguished career included deployments to Desert Shield/Storm with the 101st Airborne's Long Range Surveillance team, peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and Bosnia, and combat tours in Iraq as an Infantry Recon Sniper. In 2008, while serving as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant in Afghanistan, Ranker was wounded by an enemy 82mm mortar round explosion, suffering a traumatic brain injury that required over 15 months of intensive rehabilitation.

During his hospital recovery, a simple walk outside for fresh air became a turning point. Watching groups of Soldiers pass by during their morning physical fitness training, Ranker made a decision that would shape his path forward. Despite his injuries, he refused to compromise his health further by living an inactive life. After learning to walk and eventually run again through extensive rehabilitation, he was determined to get active in some way, no matter the struggle.

Ranker's introduction to adaptive sports came at The Hartford Ski Spectacular, where he learned alpine skiing. The experience of conquering a mountain despite permanent balance problems and head injury amazed him. What seemed impossible became a source of freedom and independence, creating feelings of wonderment he'll never forget. Every time he gets off the ski lift at the top of a mountain and looks down at the run, he's grateful for the opportunity to ski adaptively through Move United.

Today, Ranker's favorite sports are running, alpine skiing, and river rafting. These activities keep him focused, healthy, and connected to the outdoors while allowing him to continue living and enjoying life despite his combat injuries. His chosen sports provide sanctuary for clearing his mind and pushing the limits of what remains physically and mentally possible.

As a Move United Warfighters Ambassador, Ranker continues to expand possibilities and encourage others through his journey from recovery to athletic achievement, proving that barriers are meant to be broken.