John Tiegen

John “Tig” Tiegen is a former U.S. Marine Sergeant and security contractor renowned for his heroic actions during the 2012 Benghazi attacks. Tiegen served with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, India Company, before transitioning to private security work. He spent several years as a contractor for Blackwater, undertaking missions in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, before joining the CIA’s Global Response Staff (GRS).

On September 11, 2012, while stationed at the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, Tiegen and his team responded to a terrorist attack, engaging in a prolonged firefight to protect American personnel. Their actions were later chronicled in the bestselling book "13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi," which Tiegen co-authored with fellow GRS members and journalist Mitchell Zuckoff, and the 2016 film "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi."

Tiegen has become a captivating public speaker, sharing gripping accounts of the events and lessons in leadership, teamwork, and resilience. His speeches delve into the chaos of that night, honoring the sacrifices made while emphasizing the need for preparedness and accountability in any mission.

Beyond Benghazi, Tiegen adeptly tailors his message for diverse audiences, offering corporate leaders insights into teamwork, guiding veterans through the challenges of transition, and inspiring non-profits to pursue their missions with dedication. With authenticity and humility, Tiegen’s speeches leave a lasting impact, instilling a sense of duty and empowerment in audiences nationwide.

Tiegen is involved in veteran support initiatives. He co-founded the Beyond the Battlefield Foundation, which aims to assist veterans in transitioning to civilian life and addresses issues such as PTSD and veteran suicide.