“The Black Sands of Iwo Jima” is a solemn, cinematic tribute to the Marines and U.S. Navy corpsmen who fought in one of the bloodiest and most iconic battles of World War II. This emotional ballad captures the courage, sacrifice, and brotherhood that defined the Battle of Iwo Jima. With orchestral sweeps, military percussion, and powerful vocals, the song honors the 36-day struggle on volcanic ash, the flag raised on Mount Suribachi, and the legacy left in its wake. This is not just a song—it's a memorial in music.

Black Sand Vow (Iwo Jima Tribute)

He Stood Alone is a haunting and heroic tribute to Technical Sergeant John Chapman, the U.S. Air Force Combat Controller who was left for dead on Takur Ghar in 2002—yet rose, fought, and held the mountain until his last breath.

Crafted in the spirit of warrior-poetry, this song captures the frostbitten silence of Roberts Ridge, the weight of honor, and the echo of a man who stood not because he had to… but because someone had to.

This ballad is a call to remember those who give all—and expect nothing.


He Stood Alone (The Ballad of John Chapman)

Description: On March 4, 2002, a U.S. Air Force Combat Controller was believed to be killed in action during a brutal mountaintop battle in Afghanistan. But the truth—revealed by drone footage years later—was far more heroic, and far more haunting.

This is the spoken ballad of John Chapman, the Medal of Honor recipient who stood alone on Takur Ghar… and fought until his final breath.

A tribute in voice to a man who defined what it means to never quit.

Listen now at EchoValor.com and wherever you get your podcasts.

He Stood Alone - The Last Stand of Technical Sergeant John Chapman Podcast

In this gripping episode of the Echo Valor Podcast, David Burnell shares a raw and personal chapter from his youth, featured in his book Built by Fire. Set in Lawndale, California, “The Boy Named Red” recounts the haunting experience of growing up as the son of an LAPD officer in a neighborhood where that badge made you a target.

Every morning, David walked past a house where a red-haired gang member—ironically named Red—would threaten to kill his father. Red wasn’t just a bully. He was a storm brewing. A ghost-in-the-making. Years later, that threat became real when Red engaged in a fatal shootout with a Torrance police officer just blocks from David’s home.

This is more than a story about fear—it's about vigilance, violence, and the vow of a young boy who learned that the good guys can never truly clock out. Through fire drills and fists, flags and fear, David forged a mindset that would shape a lifetime of service and readiness.

“The bad kids were always ready… so I made myself ready too.”

This episode blends vivid storytelling, emotional reflection, and a lesson that resonates beyond the streets of Lawndale—into the heart of anyone who has ever stood for something in a world that pushes back.

Based on a true story from the book Built by Fire by David Burnell.

The Boy Named Red - The Ghost on the Corner Podcast

The Boy Named Red is a cinematic alternative rock song based on a true story from David Burnell’s memoir Built by Fire. Set in 1970s Lawndale, California, it follows the emotional journey of a boy growing up as the son of an LAPD officer—haunted daily by threats from a red-haired gang member named Red.

When Red is later killed in a shootout with police just blocks from David’s home, the fear doesn’t vanish… it evolves. This song is about facing that fear, learning to live prepared, and carrying fire without letting it consume you.

It’s a story of survival, of coming-of-age in the shadows of violence—and a powerful anthem for anyone who’s learned to walk through danger without flinching.

The Boy Named Red (The Ghost on the Corner)

This gripping spoken ballad tells the true story of a defining moment from David Burnell’s childhood—a moment when fear had a face, a name, and a daily routine. As a young boy, David was relentlessly bullied, cornered, and humiliated. Day after day, he endured it… until one conversation with his father changed everything.

Told in David’s own voice, The Bully and the Boy is more than a tale of playground justice. It’s a raw and honest reflection on what it means to confront fear—not with the absence of it, but in spite of it. With cinematic pacing and vivid emotional detail, the ballad captures the tension of a school bathroom turned battlefield, the crack of a first punch, and the moment a young boy reclaimed his power.

This story is pulled directly from a chapter in David Burnell’s memoir Built by Fire, where he shares life-altering lessons forged through service, struggle, and faith. Now adapted as a spoken ballad for the Echo Valor podcast series, this piece resonates with anyone who’s ever felt small, cornered, or powerless—and reminds us all that courage is not born… it is chosen.
This is a true story. This is a spark that lit a fire.

One Punch of Courage - Breaking the Grip of Fear in a School Bathroom Podcast

"Hit Back" is a bold, emotional rock track based on a true moment from David Burnell’s childhood. Drawn from his memoir Built by Fire, the song captures the story of a young boy tormented by a school bully—until the day he decided to stop running.

With soaring guitars, driving rhythm, and lyrics that echo the internal battle of fear and fire, Hit Back is a modern anthem for anyone who’s ever felt powerless. It’s not just about fighting back—it’s about standing up, claiming your voice, and remembering that even a trembling hand can hold strength.

Released by Echo Valor, this track reminds us that courage doesn’t come in the absence of fear—it rises in spite of it.

Hit Back (Sometimes you have to stand up… even when you're scared to death)

Actor and emergency responder Corbin Allred shares a deeply personal and powerful testimony about his mentor, friend, and inspiration—David Burnell. From tactical training and search and rescue missions to faith, family, and personal growth, Corbin reflects on how David’s example has shaped his life across every domain. This tribute is more than praise—it's a window into the life of a man forged in fire and driven by purpose. Whether you’re a leader, a first responder, a man of faith, or someone seeking clarity in chaos, this episode will move you.

Learn what it means to lead with honor, to serve with humility, and to live a life that inspires others to rise.

A Warrior’s Legacy - Corbin Allred on David Burnell

Built by Fire is the gripping true story of David Burnell — a veteran, tactical trainer, humanitarian, and spiritual survivor. From dangerous missions across the globe to internal battles few see, this book reveals what it means to be shaped by fire and forged with purpose.

Whether leading rescue teams into post-tsunami Japan, dodging danger in war-torn Haiti, or enduring trauma few talk about, Burnell weaves together life, loss, leadership, and faith into a soul-stirring narrative that challenges you to reclaim your own fire.

True stories from combat zones, disaster sites, and spiritual awakenings

A call to those who walk through fire—and feel like they’re still burning

A roadmap of resilience, purpose, and courage under pressure

Also Available: Amazon Kindle & Paperback

Why You Should Listen Now

This isn’t just a story—it’s a call to action. If you’ve ever faced hardship, fought for something bigger than yourself, or searched for peace in the aftermath, this book was written for you. It’s a companion for warriors, rescuers, survivors, and seekers.

Be inspired. Be challenged. Be forged. Download your copy of Built by Fire now and begin the journey.

Built by Fire: The Life and Legacy of David Burnell (Complete Audiobook)

Before It Happens is not just a book — it’s a life-saving mindset. David Burnell, a veteran of military, rescue, and protection missions worldwide, gives you a powerful guide to real-world personal safety.

This book doesn’t teach you how to fight — it teaches you how to see danger before it starts, avoid becoming a victim, and respond with clarity and confidence when it matters most.

Learn to read people, places, and situations through tested awareness models.

Discover how predators choose targets — and how to avoid being one.

Gain clarity about your intuition.

Learn response timing and decision-making under stress.

Also Available: Amazon Kindle & Paperback

Why You Should Listen Now

You don’t rise to the occasion — you fall to your level of preparation. Before It Happens helps you raise that level with tools you can use daily to protect yourself and those you love.

Download it now and take control of your awareness, safety, and story — before it happens.




Before It Happens: The Art of Staying Safe Before Violence Starts (Complete Audiobook)

Cinematic spoken-word reflections on war, service, and the human cost of duty—told with raw honesty and reverence.

This track is not available anymore.

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