Kris Paronto

Kris Paronto

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

  • Speaking Fee:
    Live Event Fee: $20,000 - $30,000
    Virtual Event Fee: Contact us for details
    More Fee Info
  • Categories:

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.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Kris Paronto and other top speakers and celebrities.

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
The Story of Benghazi Told By The Man Hired To Defend It | Kris Paronto
How Benghazi impacted Tanto's family

How do I book Kris Paronto to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Kris Paronto for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Kris Paronto, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Kris Paronto or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Kris Paronto for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Kris Paronto, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $20,000 - $30,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Kris Paronto, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Kris Paronto speak about?

Kris Paronto is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Military, Business Coaching, Security & Defense, Authors, Veterans, Non-Profit and Personal Growth.

Who is the agent for Kris Paronto?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured 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 Schedule 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.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Kris Paronto or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Kris Paronto is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Military, Business Coaching and Security & Defense. The estimated speaking fee range to book Kris Paronto for live events is $20,000 - $30,000. Please contact us for virtual event fees. Kris Paronto can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Brian Kitching, Scotty Smiley and Clint Hill. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Kris Paronto for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 11/11/2024.

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
The Story of Benghazi Told By The Man Hired To Defend It | Kris Paronto
How Benghazi impacted Tanto's family

Kris Paronto Reviews

  • Kris had an awesome presentation. Our attendees and our members never put their phones done. Ever. They always work 7 days a week. But when Kris got on stage, they were mesmerized by his presentation. I guess I'm cynical, but it's nice to know that there are still people out there that will put their life on the line for others!
    Mortgage Bankers Association of Georgia - May 10 2017

  • How do I book Kris Paronto to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Kris Paronto for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Kris Paronto, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Kris Paronto or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Kris Paronto for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Kris Paronto, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $20,000 - $30,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Kris Paronto, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Kris Paronto speak about?

    Kris Paronto is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Military, Business Coaching, Security & Defense, Authors, Veterans, Non-Profit and Personal Growth.
  • Who is the agent for Kris Paronto?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured 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 Schedule 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.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Kris Paronto or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
BOOKING INFORMATION REQUEST
KRIS PARONTO

We are happy to assist you with your interest in booking a speaker or celebrity for your event, your organization, and the type of talent you would like to secure, and an agent will be in touch shortly.

Fill out the form below to or call us at 1-800-698-2536 if need immediate assistance.

Tell us about your event!

We respond to most inquiries within 4 hours. Under special circumstances, it may take up to 24 hours.


This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.