Richard Compson Sater retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve after 24 years of service, having attained the rank of lieutenant colonel. He spent most of his career as a photojournalist and public affairs officer under the "don't ask, don't tell" directive that kept gay service members in the closet. He is a veteran of both Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Rank is his first novel.

Sater earned a bachelor's degree in creative writing from the University of Pittsburgh, a master's in creative writing from Purdue University, and a Ph.D. in fine arts from Ohio University. In addition to his military service, he has at various times been a college professor, classical music radio host, bookkeeper, bartender, and window shade salesman. He lives in Seattle with his handsome spouse and their dog.