In January 2010, a catastrophic earthquake struck Haiti, killing over 300,000 people and displacing millions. What awaited those who entered in the days after was chaos, danger, and the desperate struggle of a nation already on its knees.

In this gripping episode, David Burnell takes you inside his role as Chief of Security for the Utah Hospital Task Force — a humanitarian mission of doctors, nurses, and translators thrust into the deadliest natural disaster in modern history. With former operators among the early team and only a handful of security personnel, David ensured 120 lives made it home safely.

From protecting medical teams in riot-torn streets, to escorting orphan extractions under threat of violence, to tracking a kidnapped American toddler through Haiti’s mountains, this mission pushed the limits of endurance, resourcefulness, and faith. It’s a story of high-stakes decisions, improvised alliances — including the unexpected support of the 82nd Airborne — and the sobering truth of operating where law and order have collapsed.

This isn’t just a disaster response story. It’s a ground-level look at leadership under extreme pressure, the moral weight of protection, and the stark contrast between the comforts we take for granted and the fragility of life when they’re gone.

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Get full access to Echo Valor: Stories of Service, Sacrifice & the Human Spirit at echovalor.substack.com/subscribe