Douglas Beed was raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and grew up with an older brother and three younger siblings. His father died in 1964 during his junior year in high school, leaving his mom alone with five kids to raise. After graduation he attended a junior college for two years, working in construction during the summers. As he finished his tenure in the junior college in January 1968, he knew he didn't have enough money to continue his schooling. His response was to let his student deferment lapse. He received his notice for a pre-induction physical two days later from the local Draft Board. Beed entered the Army in April 1968 and went through infantry training until late November, when he got his orders to go to Vietnam. He spent months on patrols and ambushes, carrying an M60 machine gun until his company's mortar platoon was killed. He then finished his tour as a member of the mortar platoon. After the Army he worked in construction until he met his wife and married her. He then finished his bachelor's degree and worked in construction and maintenance until he started teaching in several community colleges. He finished his career as a professor at Hawkeye Community College, from which he retired in 2010. He and his wife are now living in retirement in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.
