My Benghazi experience is a story about six guys fighting with some serious disadvantages and overcoming some long odds. The politics of the events of September 1, 2012, got a lot of headlines, but the story went far beyond politics. I have come to realize that the idea of our overcoming is an important part of the story. My story has resonated with many people because we all struggle.
Every day, each one of us has to get up and move forward. Some days are harder than others. The truth is that life will eventually improve, but you have to take steps to make that happen— even if you can only take baby steps.
As simple as that sounds, I know it isn’t always easy. It is possible to take a step in the wrong direction, and it is possible to fall down. Moving forward requires that you get back up when you fall. In order to move forward, you need to stay focused on the present and on the future. Moving forward means not wasting your time getting mad about some perceived injustice that occurred in the past. Sometimes moving forward requires removing people from your life who are toxic or removing yourself from situations that bring you down. Moving forward means you will continually try to improve.
The guys you are going to read about in this book have faced some dramatic obstacles. Some of them are carrying scars on their bodies that let you know they have been challenged. It might be easier to understand a physical challenge than to appreciate one that is primarily mental or emotional. You can see someone who has lost his arm or watch a guy learn to walk again.
You can’t see depression or anxiety. But those are real struggles, too. My confidence has been badly shaken, I’ve been scared, I have felt weak and full of self- doubt.
But I did not quit.
You need to have clarity about your values. Once you have identified the values that are important to you, you can set goals and align your choices and your actions with your goals and your values. It’s that simple— and it’s that hard. Because it can be day to day, even moment to moment, and you have to be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses.
Values are the unifying web beneath those choices, and values are what will give you the motivation to keep moving toward your goal.
“Never quit” is one of my mantras. But in order to use “never quit,” you need to get started. Reflect on the Army Values, do an honest assessment of what you want and need to change, set goals that are meaningful to you, and go after it, piece by piece.
The Patriot's Creed
by Kris Paronto
Army Ranger and bestselling author Kris Paronto reveals the values and creed shared by special forces for self-improvement and living a purposeful life.
When Kris Paronto began talking with civilians about his experiences fighting the terrorist attack on the US State Department Special Mission Compound in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012, he was surprised at how often people told him that the story of his extraordinary battle gave them courage to face tough times in their everyday lives. “The odds were stacked against us that night but the truth is that we refused to quit and we beat them with faith, teamwork, and the principles that were first instilled in me when I joined the Army. You can find those in the Rangers Creed and the Army Values,” he says, “and you don’t have to be a Special Operations soldier to use them.”
In The Patriot’s Creed, Kris Paronto uses the seven core Army Values that all soldiers learn in Basic Combat Training, and the experiences of other servicemen and women and First Responders, to explain how anyone can improve themselves, the world around them, and live a heroic life. The stakes are dramatic for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to fight for America, and too many of their acts of courage and honor are unknown. The examples of their persistence and discipline will be inspiring to anyone facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
At a time of national polarization, Kris Paronto draws attention to values all readers can share and use, and to the honor, integrity and courage of true patriots who have gone to great lengths to protect and serve. They embody the best of us and make Kris Paronto proud to be an American soldier.
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Meet The Author: Kris Paronto
KRIS PARONTO, affectionately known as “Tanto” 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 has worked with the US Government’s Global Response Staff, the US State Department High Threat Protection Program, and Blackwater Security Consulting conducting low-profile security in high-threat environments throughout the world. He is the coauthor of the book 13 Hours, describing his experiences responding to the 2012 terrorist attack on the US Special Mission in Benghazi, Libya, with Mitchell Zuckoff and the five surviving security team members. Tanto is currently Lead Firearm Instructor with 88 Tactical and speaks regularly throughout the United States on leadership, faith, and motivation. He lives in Omaha, Nebraska.
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