From Wars to Writing: Rick Steinke on Duty, Ukraine, and the Mission That Never Ends
Description
In this powerful episode of The Mike Litton Experience, Mike sits down with Colonel Rick Steinke (Ret.) — award-winning author, former U.S. Defense Attaché to France, senior diplomat, combat leader, and international security expert.
Rick opens up about decades of global service, from shaping post-Cold-War Europe to training Ukrainian forces, working alongside global intelligence services, serving in Afghanistan, and witnessing the long shadow of 9/11.
He also shares the inspiration behind his acclaimed Jake Fortina thriller series — including his newest release, Vital Mission — praised for its authenticity, moral depth, and real-world insight drawn from his extraordinary career.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why Ukraine became the “prize” in Europe — and how the Budapest Memorandum shaped everything What NATO expansion really meant to Eastern Europe The shocking reality of Russian child abductions during the war How Afghanistan’s corruption and Pakistan’s border shaped a 20-year conflict Rick’s personal accounts from 9/11, global intelligence failures, and the lessons learned How he transitioned from military diplomat to award-winning novelist What drives his writing, characters, and worldview
If you’re passionate about leadership, geopolitics, national security, military life, resilience, or behind-the-scenes intelligence stories, this episode delivers depth, honesty, and unforgettable perspective.
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