BRIDGEPORT, Pa. — Purdue University men’s water polo alumnus and retired United States Navy SEAL (Sea, Air and Land) Darren McBurnett discusses his book, Uncommon Grit detailing United States Navy SEAL training on the Behind the Shot podcast.
Uncommon Grit is a 224-page fine art photography book of the journey through Navy Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) first phase training.
Additional information on the publication is available by CLICKING HERE with information on the author available on his website, https://dmcburnett.com/
A high school Most Valuable Player with All-State honors in cross country, track, indoor track and swimming, McBurnett graduated from Purdue University in 1994 with a degree in Sports Medicine. While at Purdue, he was on the cycling and water polo teams, and he was the captain of the rowing team. His athletic exploits have continued into his post military career as he has completed hundreds of road races, endurance and swimming events, marathons, and triathlons, including the Boston Marathon and two Ironman triathlons.
After college, McBurnett started a 24-year SEAL career that included numerous deployments to combat zones in support of missions such as Operation Iraq Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Kosovo crisis, Liberia, and Operation Inherent Resolve. He was a SEAL platoon leader, and received 49 individual, unit, and campaign honors, including a Bronze Star.
McBurnett has become an accomplished speaker and motivator, presenting to companies and groups including CDW, AIG, Budweiser, Rite-Aid, Founders Brewing Company, Hilton Hotels, BMO, National Quarterback Club, Arbor Pharmaceuticals, and many others. He is also an award-winning photographer, his professional portfolio including work for NIKE, National Geographic, Fox and Friends, Rolling Stone, CBS SEAL Team, and the movie “Act of Valor”. His work has appeared on everything from album covers to billboards to walls of Fortune 500 companies and is in the homes of Charlie Sheen, Kid Rock, Jim McMahon, John Rich, Brent Burns, Roger Clemens and John Daly.
In addition to his prior service, McBurnett serves as an an ambassador for the Uncommon Grit Foundation, a nonprofit he started in 2020 to assist military, first responders, and their families—those who answer the call. The Uncommon Grit Foundation focuses on raising awareness and inspiring community support for military veterans, first responders, and their families in recognition and thanks for their service and sacrifice to the United States. Learn more about the foundation by CLICKING HERE.
