WINTER ESCAPES
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Volume 2 • 4
THE NEXT
EVOLUTION
84 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
A Retired Navy SEAL's View of the Word's Most Difficult Test
D
arren McBurnett has seen the world in a way that most simply cannot comprehend and now, behind the trusty lens of a camera, he has brought just a small fraction of what he’s endured to the forefront in his new book, “Uncommon Grit.”
Darren is not just a photographer—he is a retired Navy SEAL, making him a member of the most elite military force on the planet and a man who has put his life on the line over and over just to keep us safe at home. After 24 years in the military, McBurnett has captured military life in a way no other has before and has done in exceptional detail. Self-described as “a creative look at Naval Special Warfare Basic Underwater Demolition School (BUD/S),” McBurnett draws from his experience in order to capture those precise moments in SEAL training that perfectly showcase what each candidate goes through. Through stunning imagery, you see the stunning detail of each grain of sand in the hair, each grimace on the face, and those small moments of joy as these men advance through each evolution. Photos like this are rarely seen, but McBurnett knows precisely which moments need to find their way through the lens and he is there to capture each scene. His own experience as a BUD/S student helps craft the unique 86 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
viewpoint that he shows so perfectly in the book. But behind the lens is the man who lived it all and whose commitment to our country runs so much deeper than just photos and ink on paper. “McB” is far from the average bear. What he has seen is so far from the norm that it’s difficult to even grasp at times, yet he travels frequently to speak to large organizations about what his journey has been like. It has surely been no easy journey, but rather one filled with lessons of growth, grit, and the decision to never, ever give up. His speeches help the next group of leaders understand their purpose, understand how to grow through diversity, and how to realize that untapped potential. From Fortune 500 companies on down, McB shares his own tales of leadership and character that define the SEAL teams. So much of Darren’s life prepared him for life as a SEAL. A natural runner and swimmer, McB grew up in a military family and knew his path would follow suit. We caught up with the 51 year old as he prepared for the annual Bone Frog Open, an annual event created to celebrate lives and raise money to support military, first responders, and their families as a way to thank the men and women who run toward danger, not from it. The event honors fallen U.S. Navy SEALs and is rooted in patriotism, remembrance, camaraderie, and fun.
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“You don't decide your future, you decide your habits. Your habits decide your future.” – Darren McBurnett
You come from a strong military family lineage--- having grown up around it, what was the draw to military life that you made you want to pursue it? I was attracted to the travel as a young lad. Every few years, we were in another country or different state. Growing up and watching it unfold, the Gulf War had to have been a catalyst for your military life, yes? At that time there definitely was a sense of American pride and I wanted to be a part of it. You entered the Navy right after college--- when you got in, was the intent all along to pursue being a SEAL? No, that came later. I always knew I wanted to be in the military but as I was in, I thought I was going to be swimming with dolphins and swimming every day. Well, that sort of happened. BUD/S is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure physically and mentally—to what level did you know what to expect versus what was a total surprise to you? I didn't, I just knew that it was going to be hard. The actual physical part was not very hard for anyone with a background of physical fitness. it was everything in between that was soul crushing. Being cold daily, wet and cold all day, thousands of push-ups, running everywhere you went. Brutal! The information about BUD/S and Hell Week is much more available now with Youtube videos, documentaries, and movies but back when you were there, none of those pieces were available. What did you know about BUD/S before going? That they swim all day and scuba dive. This is coming from someone who is a great runner and a great swimmer—did those backgrounds and strengths help you in BUD/S as much as you thought they might? Definitely gave me a physical
advantage but it's mostly the mental challange that most lads can't deal with. Twenty-four years in the Navy has led you to see a lot of the world, both the good and bad sides of it—as you look back on those experiences in country, what do you take away from your time being integrated with different cultures? I have learned that America definitely is the greatest country. You don't know what you have til you spend 8 months away. Preparation and execution are clearly two important pillars to a military operation, but they are valuable pieces to everyday life as well, be it for the business leader, the athlete, the teacher, and so on--- what facets of military life have you pulled into your civilian life that have helped make you successful? You can pursue anything you want to and you are only limited by how far you think you want to go. “You don't decide your future, you decide your habits. Your habits decide your future.” – Darren McBurnett “Most take away from the book is the capture of emotion. I wanted the viewer to see BUD/S through my eyes, the way I saw BUD/S when I went through.” – Darren McBurnett Your legacy as a SEAL is not yet finished as you continue to be an ambassador for the military and the SEALs, including events like the Bone Frog—what do you think the next 30 years will mean for your mission to continue being a great advocate for our armed forces and the charitable ventures you lead? Keep pushing forward and never quit and always no matter what you do, try to make a difference. P+P PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 91
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