Mysterious Goings On

Join host Alex Greenwood for a conversation with Colonel Ralph R. “Rick” Steinke (U.S. Army, Ret.)—West Point graduate, U.S. Army veteran, and author of the award-winning Jake Fortina military thriller series. Steinke draws on 28 years in the Army and 14 with the Department of Defense to bring high-stakes realism to his novels. His latest, Vital Mission—releasing August 26, (note: there will be no pre-orders)—tackles the harrowing issue of Ukrainian children being abducted.Steinke’s distinguished career took him to more than 30 countries, including Afghanistan and Ukraine. His honors include the US Legion of Merit, French National Order of Merit (Commander), and the US Army Ranger Tab. He holds master’s degrees in West European studies and diplomacy, along with security affairs certificates from Harvard and Stanford.In this episode, Steinke discusses the inspiration behind his thrillers, the realities of national security work, and the enduring fidelity to the Constitution that guides a soldier’s service.More