Veteran | Rescuer | Storyteller | Instructor

About David

David Burnell has spent a lifetime walking into places most people run from—disaster zones, war-torn regions, and the silent battlefields of the human heart. A veteran of the United States Air Force, a tactical trainer, a pioneer of realistic force-on-force training through the Urban Warfare Center®, and a seasoned humanitarian responder, David has dedicated his life to serving, protecting, and lifting others.His missions have taken him from the frozen depths of underwater recoveries in South Dakota to the shattered streets of Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. He has worked alongside the Karen people in the jungles of Burma, navigated radiation zones and aftershocks during body-recovery operations in Japan following the 2011 tsunami, and supported military, law enforcement, and rescue teams across the nation. These experiences forged in him a deep understanding of suffering, resilience, compassion, and the quiet miracles that unfold in the middle of chaos.Through every trial—trauma, injury, loss, divorce, and long nights of spiritual struggle—David discovered a truth that changed his life: the Holy Ghost was guiding him long before he knew how to hear Him. His work now centers on helping others recognize that same divine companionship in their own darkest moments.David is also the founder of Echo Valor, a storytelling and creative platform dedicated to honoring warriors, rescuers, and humanitarians through music, books, spoken ballads, apparel, and multimedia projects. He hosts the Velvet Hammer Podcast and is the author of multiple works, including Built by Fire, Signals in the Shadows, After the Wave, Beyond the Border, and Wander.A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, David writes with a deep reverence for Jesus Christ and the workings of the Holy Ghost. His writing blends battlefield realism with spiritual insight, offering hope to those navigating trauma, grief, illness, faith crisis, or emotional exhaustion.David lives his life with one abiding goal: To bring light to the broken places, strength to the weary, and courage to those still standing in the fire.

Motivational Speaker

David Burnell is a compelling public speaker whose message blends hard-earned real-world experience with deep spiritual insight, drawing from decades of service in military, rescue, humanitarian, and leadership roles. He has spoken to audiences ranging from corporate retreats and leadership symposiums to churches, youth events, military installations, tactical academies, universities, and humanitarian resilience forums. His keynote presentations—including Built by Fire, Faith Under Fire, Combat Stress & Mental Resilience, The Warrior Ethos, Empowering Women, Overcoming Darkness, and Living Clean in a Dirty World—challenge audiences to confront trauma, build resilience, live with courage and integrity, and discover purpose, healing, and faith in the midst of adversity.

Training Programs & Outreach

Certifications & Expertise

Trusted Voice in Crisis Response

Military Veteran

Author and Storyteller

Built By Fire - The Life and Legacy of David Burnell

Built by Fire is the true story of a life forged through courage, service, and unbreakable purpose. From disaster zones to war-torn regions and moments of deep personal redemption, David Burnell’s journey reveals what it means to stand in the breach when the world is burning. Tap the cover to explore the project at BuiltByFire.life, where you can purchase the book on Amazon or stream the audiobook on all major podcast platforms.

Testimonial

★ ★ ★ ★ ★“David Burnell has been a teacher, mentor, friend, and example to me for more than a decade. I have sat and learned at his feet, trained with him, and worked beside him. I have never met a man more fit for a calling in life than David - and this IS a calling. He was born to lead, born to teach, born to fight for what is noble and right, and born to be a force for good against what oftentimes seems to be overwhelming opposition in this world. David has taken his natural physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual gifts and, through the blood, sweat, and tears of service and sacrifice to his fellow man, become the consummate warrior leader. He would charge into a fight or fire all alone and against all odds to save an innocent stranger. He has done it. I would follow him anywhere. He has been one of the biggest inspirations and influences in my life as a husband and father, as a professional businessman, as a paramedic first responder, as a front line emergency medicine provider, as a SAR team member, and as man of faith. If you are striving to be better or if you have been tasked with helping others strive to be better, David Burnell can and will play a major role in helping you accomplish your goals. He has done this in my life on more occasions than I can count. I am a different and much better man because of him and to know him is a blessing beyond measure."- Corbin Allred

Contact David

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The Missions of David Burnell

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Forged by Service. Restored by Faith. Driven by Purpose.