Members of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association will gather in Grand Junction for an annual convention that will include presentations, a trade show and keynote speech by a security contractor who survived an attack in Benghazi, Libya.

The 150th convention of the trade association is set for June 12 to 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton. More information about the event is available from the website at www.coloradocattle.org.

The convention is scheduled to begin June 12 with meetings of the general membership and various committees of the CCA and Colorado CattleWomen.

The Leopold Conservation Award will be presented to recognize a landowner who demonstrates stewardship and sustainable management of natural resources.

The Colorado CattleWomen will host a high tea. The CCA past presidents’ and Leopold Conservation Award dinners will follow.

The convention will continue on June 13 with a morning presentation titled “150 Years and Beyond.”

Following lunch, off-site tours are planned of Wagner Equipment and wineries and distilleries. An emerging technology workshop also is planned.

The CCA block party will follow.

On June 14, convention activities will begin with a current issues and awards breakfast followed by a CCA business session.

The keynote speech will feature Kris “Tanto” Paronto, a former Army ranger and security contractor who survived the Sept. 11, 2012 attacks on a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi. Paronto was a member of a team of six security operators who fought to repel attackers and protect the Americans stationed there. Their story was told in a book and feature film.

Paronto holds a bachelor’s degree from what’s now Colorado Mesa University and master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Paronto will detail his experiences in Benghazi as well as talk about leadership and standing strong in the face of adversity.