Podcast Summary

Shawn Ryan Show | Episode #235: John "Tig" Tiegen - 13th Anniversary of the Benghazi Attacks

Date: September 11, 2025
Guests: Host Shawn Ryan and John "Tig" Tiegen

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode serves as a deep, candid exploration of John “Tig” Tiegen’s life—from a tumultuous childhood through his service as a Marine, his time as a CIA contractor, and his firsthand experience as one of the six GRS operators during the 2012 Benghazi attacks. Marking the 13th anniversary, Tig discusses not only the harrowing events of that night but also the personal struggles, betrayals, and hurdles before and after the attack. The episode provides unique insights into accountability in government and the lifelong aftershocks of trauma, both personal and operational, while aiming to set the record straight about controversial moments and honor those involved.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing John "Tig" Tiegen

• Background: Colorado native, former Marine Corps sergeant, early Blackwater contractor, later member of the CIA’s Global Response Staff.
• Personal Life: Co-author of "13 Hours", Christian, father of twins, running for mayor of Colorado Springs.
  • Quote: “Most importantly, out of everything—you’re a Christian.” (Interviewer, 01:11)
• Creative Side: Brief discussion of songwriting and poetry, collaboration with David Corlew. (02:14–03:31)

2. Reflections on Accountability & Lessons from Benghazi (04:26–08:47)

• Patreon question about whether America is better prepared to avoid another Benghazi.
• On Accountability:
  • “Until people are actually held accountable... nothing changes.” (Tiegen, 05:04)
  • “If somebody gets killed because of your lack of leadership... you should be held accountable—like involuntary manslaughter.” (Tiegen, 05:19)
• Discussion about chronic leadership failures, lack of support, and repeated security mistakes overseas (e.g., Khost bombing, predictable routines, lack of vetting local ‘friends’).

3. Tig's Early Life: Abuse, Neglect, and Survival (12:34–38:48)

• Unflinching Details: Tig recounts growing up amidst poverty, frequent abuse (both physical and sexual by three different adults before fifth grade), and unstable home life.
  • “Three abusers by the time you’re in fifth grade.” (Interviewer, 17:54)
  • “My biggest thing is telling my kids: if anybody ever tells you to keep a secret, let me know, because you know who I am—I’m gonna kill ‘em.” (Tiegen, 22:32)
• Foster System: Time in foster care, more abuse, lack of protection, and chronic hunger.
• Repercussions: Lifelong impact described as mistrustful, guarded, and fiercely protective—attributes later fueling his approach to leadership and camaraderie.
• Advice to Others:
  • “If you don’t trust your parents, call 9-1-1. Find somebody.” (Tiegen, 31:57)
  • “Talk about it; get it out; otherwise that demon is just going to destroy you.” (Tiegen, 43:09)

4. Escaping Through Service: The Marine Corps & Beyond (38:48–68:15)

• Joining the Military: Inspired early by recruiters, Vietnam War research, tough family life; left home as a teen; credits Christian faith and survival instincts for his drive.
• Marine Career:
  • Strengths: Leadership focus, practical guidance (junior leaders must learn jobs above their pay grade).
  • Disappointment: Denied special duty because childhood abuse showed up in records; feelings of betrayal. (67:48)
• Transition to Civilian Life and Contracting:
  • Post-9/11 frustration at not being immediately taken back into military. Entered Blackwater, then became contractor for CIA.

5. Contracting World: GRS, Blackwater, and Overseas Security (72:52–95:02)

• Wild West Era: Early contracting days marked by disorganization, lack of vetting, and high personal risk.
• Progression: Uses initiative to move up; perseverance gets him into GRS after initially being turned down due to not being Special Forces.
  • Training: “You just do it the way they ask... even if you already know how. Adapt.” (Tiegen, 82:50)
• Job Realities: Boredom at static sites, relishes high-activity assignments, pride in expertise.
• Significant Incident (Pakistan Consulate): Applies lessons from previous attacks to stay ready; acknowledged for decisive, fearless action.

6. Benghazi: Setting the Record Straight (109:02–172:20)

The Lead-Up:

• Red Flags: Noted weaknesses, complacency, and Bob (Chief of Base)'s lack of decisiveness; repeated rejections of requests for increased security.
• On September 11, 2012: Tig recounts, in minute-by-minute detail, the full scope of the compound’s fall, the stand-down order from Bob, and the team’s defiance.

The Attack:

• Initial Stand-Down:
  • “Bob goes, ‘No, stand down. You need to wait.’ ” (Tiegen, 114:42)
  • “That stand down order... is why Ambassador Stevens and Sean Smith didn’t make it. They’re dead because of that stand down order.” (Tiegen, 117:58)
• Fighting Back:
  • Tig, Roan, and others move in, use superior tactics, and undertake rescue efforts.
  • Multiple failed attempts to find survivors in burning buildings; personal acts of heroism.
• Tragedy on the Roof:
  • Mortar attack disables and kills; Tig alone renders aid under fire, describing an agonizing process of checking for life and ultimately pronouncing Roan gone.
  • Deeply disturbing account: “They just push him off. He comes down right next to me… That was a disgrace.” (153:23–157:50)
• Post-Attack Controversy:
  • Sets the record straight on “who did what”—Delta Force members, awards, and later attempts to embellish their own actions at the expense of Tig and surviving GRS.
  • “If those guys get that [Medal of Honor], I’ll never be able to look at a Medal of Honor the same way ever again… It’s a disgrace.” (174:05)
• Aftermath & Reception:
  • The State Department’s disregard and lack of support stings deeply, including being forced to buy their own tickets home and receiving paltry recognition.

7. Trauma, Recovery, and Integrity (195:35–214:33)

• Personal Impact:
  • Struggles with sleep, swelling, unique medical diagnoses; does not self-medicate or abuse substances.
  • “For me, honestly, for the whole thing, it was just hearing them getting tossed off that roof. That’s the hardest thing for me.” (Tiegen, 203:42)
• Nightmares and Healing:
  • Only with medication did he experience nightmares, which led him to stop all sleep aids.
• No Survivors’ Guilt, Just Resolve:
  • Emphasizes that everyone volunteered, and the best way to honor the dead is to “always move forward. If you degress versus progress, it dishonors their sacrifice.” (Tiegen, 214:28)

8. Life After Benghazi: Speaking, Family, and Public Service (211:29–end)

• Speaking & Foundation Work: Overcame extreme introversion to speak on behalf of veterans’ and children’s issues; advocates for honesty and helping others.
• Advice for Veterans: “Have a plan… Don’t just get out, that’s the dumbest thing you can do if you don’t have a plan.” (Tiegen, 215:50)
• Political Ambitions:
  • Running for mayor to return control to citizens and free law enforcement from political manipulation.
  • “I want to give more control back to the people, back to the community, and even back to the police.” (Tiegen, 223:39)
• Marriage & Christian Faith:
  • Met his (now) wife during the last mayoral campaign; credits her and faith with helping him heal and stay driven.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s not your fault. At least I did know growing up, I knew it wasn’t my fault. But talk about it—get it out. Otherwise that demon is just going to destroy you.” (Tiegen, 43:09)
• “You have to tell your story, because you know, somebody else is probably going through it… Especially with kids.” (Tiegen, 43:00)
• [On leadership failure:] “If you are in that position…your responsibility is to make sure they have what they need to make sure they come out alive.” (Tiegen, 05:14)
• “That stand down order…is why Ambassador Stevens and Sean Smith didn’t make it. They’re dead because of that stand down order.” (Tiegen, 117:58)
• “If those guys get that [Medal of Honor], I’ll never be able to look at a Medal of Honor the same way ever again.” (Tiegen, 174:05)
• “Never give up. Always push forward. Your life’s hard. Sometimes you get knocked down. Just—you always got to get back up.” (Tiegen, 227:11)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Opening and Introduction: 00:33–02:00
• Music and Poetry: 02:14–03:31
• Accountability/Benghazi Lessons: 04:26–08:47
• Early Life & Abuse: 12:34–38:48
• Marine Corps & Early Service: 38:48–68:15
• Contracting/GRS/Job Realities: 72:52–95:02
• Benghazi Attack—Full Timeline: 109:02–172:20
• Delta Force/Military Honors Controversy: 173:15–179:58
• Returning Home & Recovery: 195:35–214:33
• Advice for Veterans: 215:47–217:09
• Running for Mayor: 217:18–226:12
• Final Thoughts for His Children: 226:54–227:19

Closing Tone

The conversation is unfiltered, often dark, and bracingly honest, but underpinned by Tig’s determination, sense of duty, and hope for the next generation. This is not only the definitive oral history of one of America’s most contested recent battles but also a powerful statement on resilience, accountability, and leadership in the face of adversity—both abroad and at home.