ROANOKE, VA (WSLS 10) - An American hero who survived the 2012 Benghazi Attack is sharing his story with Roanoke residents. Kris Paronto was a member of the Benghazi annex security team. He was one of the brave people who responded to the attack on the United States consulate. Politicians and government officials continue debate exactly what happened that deadly night.
Paronto said a "stand down" order was given which delayed his team's response. He said he and a group of American security operators disobeyed the order and fought to repel the attackers and protect others. He said training, experience and his faith helped him remain calm during the deadly attack.
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"What really helps is your faith in your teammates," he said. "The belief that he has your back and that you are going to go down fighting together."
Paronto said he hopes the truth about the 2012 Benghazi attack comes out. Specifically, he said he wants to know why his team was left behind.
Mr. Paronto's story is told in the book "13 Hours" written by Mitchell Zuckoff and his five surviving annex security team members.
Paronto is in town as part of a private event on Thursday in Roanoke.