Kris "Tanto" Paronto is a former Army Ranger and CIA security contractor known for his role in the 2012 Benghazi attack, where he helped save over 20 lives while fighting off terrorists for 13 hours. He served four years in the Army Rangers and four years in the Army National Guard, achieving the rank of sergeant before commissioning in 2003. Paronto later worked as a private security contractor in various regions, including South America, Central America, the Middle East, and North Africa. After his time with the CIA, Paronto became an author and public speaker, sharing his experiences from the Benghazi attack. He co-authored "13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi," which was adapted into a film. Additionally, he wrote "The Ranger Way: Living the Code On and Off the Battlefield" and "The Patriot's Creed: Inspiration and Advice for Living a Heroic Life." Currently, he is the lead instructor at Battleline Tactical, hosts the Battleline Podcast, and speaks at seminars and conferences worldwide. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkoujZQZatbqy4KGcgjpVxQ/join Shawn Ryan Show Links SUBSCRIBE: http://www.youtube.com/@ShawnRyanShow Sign up: https://shawnryanshow.com/pages/newsletter Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/VigilanceElite Download Free Content: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lF-8_5jwRc5eAhzDkqqCOp-6yvd05vAw?usp=sharing Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shawn-ryan-show/id1492492083 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5eodRZd3qR9VT1ip1wI7xQ?si=59f9d106e56a4509 Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnryanshow Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnryanshow/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnryanshow/ Follow on X: https://twitter.com/ShawnRyanShow SRS Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4pqo9Uoh0WuUKxw0BmaK1yrg9Kd7E4lk #vigilanceelite #shawnryanshow Kris "Tanto" Paronto Links: Website - https://kristantoparonto.com Books - https://www.tantosgearlocker.com/booksanddvds YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/BattlelinePodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/real_kris_tanto_paronto Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TantoTribe X - https://x.com/KTantoP LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristantoparonto Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://meetfabric.com/shawn https://hillsdale.edu/srs https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD @goldcopartner https://americanfinancing.net/srs NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.458% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-781-8900 for details about credit costs and terms. 00:00 Introduction 04:46 Concerns About Free Online Training 11:12 Patreon Questions: Benghazi and Obama Administration 27:15 Growing Up: Family and Early Life 41:09 From Football Dreams to Military Aspirations 50:21 A New Beginning: Life After the Army 58:04 The Journey Back to the Military 01:09:54 Contracting in Iraq: The Wild West 01:20:40 A Close Call and Team Bonding 01:37:36 Transition to OGA and Training 02:01:49 Recon Mission with CIA Case Officer 02:21:00 Benghazi Deployment 02:35:03 The Benghazi Attack Begins 02:57:22 The Consulate Rescue 03:14:24 The Hand of God Moment 03:36:46 Facing the Mortar Attack 03:39:11 The Arrival of Reinforcements 03:55:44 The Final Evacuation 04:19:38 Debriefing and Aftermath 04:28:28 Personal Struggles and Reconciliation 04:33:57 Renewed Life and Family 04:45:23 Conclusion and Gratitude