John “Tig” Tiegen is a former U.S. Marine Sergeant and security contractor renowned for his heroic actions during the 2012 Benghazi attacks. Serving with the CIA's Global Response Staff, Tiegen was part of the elite team that defended the U.S. diplomatic compound and CIA Annex against militant assaults on September 11, 2012, saving numerous lives over 13 grueling hours. With over 13 years in high-threat security for Blackwater and government agencies, he has deployed to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq. Tiegen co-authored the New York Times bestseller 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi (2014) and served as a consultant for Michael Bay’s film adaptation (2016). A sought-after motivational speaker, he shares lessons on leadership, resilience, and teamwork through his organization Beyond the Battlefield, supporting veterans and first responders. He continues advocating for truth, patriotism, and mental health awareness, often speaking at events about overcoming adversity. Tiegen is running for mayor of Colorado Springs. 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 John "Tig" Tiegen Links: Linktree - https://linktr.ee/tigtiegen Website - https://tigtiegen.com X - https://x.com/TigTiegen IG - https://www.instagram.com/tigtiegen LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-tig-tiegen-6421455 Book (13 Hours) - https://www.amazon.com/13-Hours-Account-Happened-Benghazi/dp/1455582271 Album - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/johntigtiegen/rest-now-brothers-2 YT - https://www.youtube.com/@TheModernPatriotPodcast FB - https://www.facebook.com/TheModernPatriotMedia Campaign - https://tigformayor.com Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://meetfabric.com/shawn https://helixsleep.com/srs https://mypatriotsupply.com/srs https://ziprecruiter.com/srs https://bunkr.life – USE CODE SRS Go to https://bunkr.life/SRS and use code “SRS” to get 25% off your family plan. https://rocketmoney.com/srs 00:00 Introduction & Welcoming John “Tig” Tiegen 00:45 Background, Military Career & Blackwater 04:20 Reflections on Benghazi & Leadership Accountability 12:00 Childhood Trauma & Military Aspirations 27:00 Family Dynamics & Breaking the Cycle 47:00 Marine Corps & Finding Stability 01:07:00 Post-Military Life & Contracting with Blackwater 01:29:00 Rescue Missions, Afghanistan & Pakistan Operations 01:42:00 Benghazi Attack Begins 01:47:00 The Stand-Down Order & Aftermath 02:13:00 Second Wave of Attacks & Defense Efforts 02:23:00 Rescue, Evacuation & Casualties 02:31:00 Controversies, Testimonies & Public Perception 03:01:00 Writing the Book & Team Dynamics 03:20:00 PTSD, Medical Struggles & Healing 03:37:00 Running for Mayor & Looking Ahead 03:47:00 Final Reflections & Advice