Chuck Woolery and Mark Young are joined by Benghazi hero Kris Paronto. Kris joins Chuck and Mark to discuss some of the events surrounding Benghazi and share more about what he has been doing recently.
They start off by talking about confidence and being given the “hero” tag. Kris explains why he does not see himself as a hero and still thinks it’s strange when he is recognized in public. Chuck and Mark share some thoughts on why that is different than today’s younger generations.
Mark moves the conversation into the events in Benghazi that almost cost Kris his life. Kris shares more about being abandoned by our government in a time of crisis and how military assets were available in the area but never accessed by the government.
Also, Chuck and Mark ask Kris about his thoughts on our involvement in the middle east. He shares his experiences that illustrate why we should not be intervening. Kris adds that when we do get involved, we do not go in with intention of fixing the issue as quickly as possible.
They finish up by discussing what Kris has been doing lately. They learn more about his latest book and newest series that will be released soon. Kris also shares more about his tactical weapons training that he has been doing across the country and what the classes offer.
More about Kris Paronto:
Kris Paronto – “Tanto” as he is affectionately known in security contracting circles – is a former Army Ranger from 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment and private security contractor who has deployed throughout South America, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa. He also worked with the US Government’s Global Response Staff conducting low profile security in high threat environments throughout the world.
Mr. Paronto was part of the CIA annex security team that responded to the terrorist attack on the US Special Mission in Benghazi, Libya, September 11th, 2012, helping to save over 20 lives while fighting off terrorists from the CIA Annex for over 13 hours. Mr. Paronto’s story is told in the book 13 Hours, written by Mitchell Zuckoff and his five surviving annex security team members.
Mr. Paronto was born in Alamosa, Colorado, and obtained his Associate Degree from Dixie College (now Dixie State University) in St. George, Utah, Bachelor’s Degree from Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado, and master’s degree from The University of Nebraska at Omaha. He served 4 years in the US Army and an additional 4 years in the US Army National Guard reaching the rank of Sergeant, then become a commissioned officer in 2003. He started contracting for Blackwater Security Consulting in 2003 and continued to deploy on various security contracts, including the Global Response Staff until 2013.
Mr. Paronto has been involved in security operations in hostile environments for over 10 years. His team’s involvement with the September 11th, 2012 attack on the US special mission in Benghazi, Libya, was paramount in the saving of US lives and assets. He is a proven leader, teammate and friend to those who have deployed with him, and a devout father to three children.
Connect with Kris Paronto:
Website(s): www.KrisTantoParonto.com
Facebook: @krisparonto13
Instagram: @official_kris_tanto_paronto
Want more BFT? Leave us a voicemail on our page or follow us on Twitter @BFT_Podcast and Facebook @BluntForceTruthPodcast. We want to hear from you! There’s no better place to get the #BluntForceTruth.
