Born and raised in Iowa, author Douglas Stream’s first job was as a “cub reporter” for the Globe-Gazette newspaper in Mason City, Iowa. Rather than study journalism, though, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Northern Iowa in 1979. Interestingly enough, it was a burning interest in family history that dissuaded the author from pursuing a career in business, so he later earned a degree in Family and Local History Studies from Brigham Young University.

Myopic eyesight and a faltering economy thwarted the author’s plan to pursue work in genealogical research so after a brief stint in Colorado, the adventurous author enlisted in the United States Army in 1982. Following his discharge late in 1985, Stream travelled extensively throughout Europe before accepting a job offer with the National Security Agency. Serving as an Intelligence Officer in Europe gave the wanderlust author an opportunity to develop his burning passion for adventure and travel. Backpacking and marathon cycling throughout the United Kingdom and mainland Europe are among his fondest memories.

Late in 1991, Stream resigned his lucrative position with NSA for an opportunity to settle down in the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana. Why would anyone abandon a promising career with a federal intelligence agency for a chance to start all over again at the age of 34? A lousy lifestyle created by a very demanding work schedule combined with bureaucratic disenchantment and a desire to operate a bicycle business were the principle reasons. Unfortunately, Stream’s plans to start that business in America never materialized.

When the author returned to the United States in 1991, he never dreamed that he would once again wear a military uniform one day. It’s true that one should never say ‘never’, for Stream enlisted in the Montana Army National Guard in 1993, where he served as full-time Supply Technician. Meanwhile, he started to develop an interest in beekeeping several years later. Due to health problems, Stream was on the verge of leaving the military once and for all when an unexpected opportunity arose in 2004. Just as his elusive dream of operating a commercial beekeeping business had reached the reality stage, he was activated to serve with the 163rd Infantry Company in northern Iraq.

Midway through this extended deployment, the author started writing again for the first time in 14 years. Early in 2006, Stream self-published an autobiography entitled, Catamount’s Quest. For those of you who may be interested in learning more about the author’s adventurous life story, send a check or money order for $14.95 plus shipping to Mr. Stream at:
Douglas Stream
856 Collins Road
Belgrade, Montana 59714.