RALPH RICHARD “RICK” STEINKE is the award-winning author of a memoir, Next Mission: US Defense Attaché to France (to be republished in 2026/27). He is also an award-winning author of the Major Jake Fortina series, which includes Major Jake Fortina and the Tier One Threat (2022); Jake Fortina and the Roman Conspiracy (2023); Change of Mission: A Jake Fortina Series Novel (2024); and Vital Mission: A Jake Fortina Series Love Story (2025). All Jake Fortina books have received awards, individually and as a series.

Steinke has spent a lifetime in US national security roles, including twenty-eight years in the US Army and fourteen in the Department of Defense. His official duties have taken him from the US Military Academy at West Point to over thirty countries on the Eurasian landmass, including Afghanistan and Ukraine. Steinke holds master’s degrees in West European studies and diplomacy from Indiana and Norwich Universities, respectively, as well as post-graduation certificates in national and international security affairs from Harvard and Stanford Universities. His passions include faith, family, fly fishing, and travel.