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Kris Paronto

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Retired Army Range; Hero of the 2012 Benghazi Attack & Subject of the Book and Major Motion Picture, "13 Hours"

Kris Paronto
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Authors, Business Coaching, Military, Non-Profit, Personal Growth, Security & Defense, Veterans
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Kris Paronto Biography

Kris Paronto, also known as "Tanto," is a retired United States Army Ranger from the 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment and a private security contractor who has extensive experience in security operations across South America, Central America, the Middle East, and North Africa. Paronto, who has also worked with the U.S. Government’s Global Response Staff, conducting low-profile security in high-threat environments worldwide, is known for his role in the 2012 Benghazi attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission. His military and security expertise is grounded in over a decade of deploying in various hostile environments.

Paronto played a critical role in the CIA annex security team during the 2012 attack on the U.S. Special Mission in Benghazi, Libya, on September 11. He successfully helped to defend the annex and save over 20 lives during a relentless 13-hour battle. His firsthand experiences and leadership during this intense engagement are detailed in the book "13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi," authored by Mitchell Zuckoff along with Paronto and his five surviving team members, which was adapted into the film "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi," where he was portrayed by Pablo Schreiber.

Born in Alamosa, Colorado, Paronto obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado, and his Masters Degree from The University of Nebraska at Omaha. His military career includes serving 4 years in the U.S. Army and an additional 4 years in the U.S. Army National Guard. He reached the rank of Sergeant before becoming a commissioned officer in 2003. He began contracting with Blackwater Security Consulting in 2003 and continued to work on various security contracts, including the Global Response Staff, until 2013.

Beyond the battlefield, Paronto is a respected author and speaker, sharing valuable insights on leadership, teamwork, and decision-making drawn from his extensive field experience. He authored "The Ranger Way: Living the Code On and Off the Battlefield," discussing the importance of excellence and strategic planning, and "The Patriot's Creed: Inspiration and Advice for Living a Heroic Life," published in October 2019. Paronto addresses themes such as turning adversity into opportunity and the importance of values like humility, strength, faith, and brotherhood in overcoming challenges.

Paronto is also the founder of the 14th Hour Foundation, a non-profit aimed at supporting Veterans, Military Contractor Personnel, and First Responders, and the owner and lead instructor of Battleline Tactical. He hosts the Battleline Podcast with Ian Scotto, engaging with his audience on a broad array of topics. His dedication extends into customized keynote presentations, engaging in pre-event activities, and directly interacting with audiences through panel discussions and Q&A sessions.

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Kris Paronto Speaking Topics

  • Crucible of Crisis: Resilience in the Face of Adversity

    Sharing lessons learned from the attacks in Benghazi and other deployments in some of the most hostile environments around the world, retired US Army Ranger Kris Paronto provides insight on how to persevere, lead, stay focused, and make strategic decisions in the midst of chaos and severe trials. From the combat field to business environment, Kris shares why effective collaboration, preparation, accountability and training of the mind and body puts us in a better position to turn adversity into opportunity and establish a “Never Quit!” mentality.

  • Values in Action

    Using examples from deployments in Benghazi, Iraq, Afghanistan and other hostile environments, US Army Ranger Kris Paronto provides insight on how values and faith can help refine our character while overcoming doubts and fears. Sharing from his own personal journey of faith, Kris equips people with tools to overcome adversity in their own battles and how God brought him through the toughest fight of his life.

Kris Paronto Videos

  • 13 Hours Benghazi & Leadership w/ Kris 'Tanto' Paronto
    13 Hours Benghazi & Leadership w/ Kris 'Tanto' Paronto
    Kris “Tanto” Paronto former Army Ranger and security contractor, describes his experience during the attacks of the American compound in...
  • The Story of Benghazi Told By The Man Hired To Defend It | Kris Paronto
    The Story of Benghazi Told By The Man Hired To Defend It | Kris Paronto
    This is the true life story of Kris Paronto along with a group of elite former military operatives stationed at a secret CIA base in Benghazi the...
  • How Benghazi impacted Tanto's family
    How Benghazi impacted Tanto's family
    Benghazi survivor Kris "Tanto" Paronto opens up about how the attacks and the "13 Hours" book and movie that followed impacted life back home with...
See All Videos »

Kris Paronto Books

  • The Ranger Way: Living the Code On and Off the Battlefield
    The Ranger Way: Living the Code On and Off the Battlefield
  • The Patriot's Creed: Speciai Forces Operators Put Everything on the Line for Their Country
    The Patriot's Creed: Speciai Forces Operators Put Everything on the Line for Their Country
  • 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi
    13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi

FAQs on booking Kris Paronto

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  • What topics does Kris Paronto speak about?

    Kris Paronto is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Authors, Business Coaching, Military, Non-Profit, Personal Growth, Security & Defense, Veterans.

  • Where does Kris Paronto travel from?

    Kris Paronto generally travels from an undisclosed location, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.

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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Kris Paronto for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Kris Paronto for your next private or corporate function.

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Kris Paronto is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Crucible of Crisis: Resilience in the Face of Adversity and Values in Action. The estimated speaking fee range to book Kris Paronto for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Kris Paronto generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Joey Jones, Dr. Mark T. Esper, Brian Kitching, Kim Zetter and Mike Sarraille. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Kris Paronto for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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