About David Burnell

David Burnell is a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, mission-focused entrepreneur, and creative storyteller whose life has been defined by service, resilience, and purpose. With over a decade of honorable military service, David’s career spanned global military operations, intelligence, and joint-service missions, earning him numerous accolades, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the prestigious John Levitow Award for leadership.

After 9/11, David founded the Urban Warfare Center, a pioneering training facility that transformed how military and law enforcement units prepared for real-world combat and high-stress missions. His programs, including the Combat Stress Program, became nationally recognized for saving lives and reducing casualties in combat through stress inoculation and mission-focused tactical training. As a respected defensive tactics and firearms expert, David has trained thousands of soldiers, federal agents, SWAT teams, and civilians in defensive handgun tactics, close-quarters combat, and personal protection, emphasizing simplicity and effectiveness under pressure.

David is also a seasoned Search and Rescue (SAR) expert and former Dive Rescue International Public Safety SCUBA Instructor. He has led and participated in hundreds of SAR missions worldwide, including body recoveries in extreme environments, swiftwater rescues, cave and mine operations, and high-risk disaster deployments in Haiti, Burma, Japan, and beyond. In 2010, he served as Chief of Security for the Utah Hospital Task Force in post-earthquake Haiti, protecting doctors and aid workers during a period of extreme instability.

Driven by compassion, David has founded and led numerous humanitarian missions, delivering aid and hope to communities in crisis zones, including the Karen people of Burma, Indigenous communities in Nicaragua, and tsunami recovery efforts in Japan. His service reflects a commitment to act when others hesitate, often going where few others will to make a difference.

As a filmmaker, David has produced and directed over 16 commercial films and training projects, blending cinematic quality with authentic tactical realism to honor service and share lessons learned from the front lines. His projects include the acclaimed OPSWAR® series and Danger Calls, and he has consulted on major film productions, ensuring accurate portrayals of Special Operations personnel.

David’s commitment to sharing the human stories behind missions extends to his work as an author and writer, producing raw, reflective, and mission-driven content that inspires resilience, faith, and courage. Through his books and speaking engagements, David connects deeply with audiences, offering insights forged in adversity and triumph, encouraging others to lead with integrity and hope.

Most recently, David has brought his mission to life through Echo Valor, blending music, spoken ballads, and the Echo Valor Podcast to honor warriors, rescuers, and everyday protectors. His original songs and storytelling fuse heartfelt tributes with the sharp humor only veterans understand, ensuring the sacrifices and victories of those who serve are never forgotten.

David Burnell’s life is a testament to living with courage, faith, and purpose. From war zones to disaster zones, from training warriors to protecting the vulnerable, he continues to serve by turning missions into messages and stories into sources of hope for all who listen.