Early Life and Military Service

Douglas Jeffrey Cleaves was born and raised in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, a small town approximately 30 miles west of Newark. Growing up alongside his two older brothers and a sister, Susan, Doug developed a passion for the outdoors. Standing at an impressive 6'4" and weighing around 250 pounds, he was a natural fit for the rugged lifestyle he aspired to. Eager to serve his country, Doug dropped out of high school to enlist in the U.S. Army, where he trained as an artilleryman and paratrooper at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. His military service eventually led him to Alaska, a state he fell in love with and chose to make his permanent home.

Life in Alaska

After completing his four-year enlistment and receiving an honorable discharge, Doug decided to settle in Alaska. He initially worked various jobs, including a stint as a bouncer at Swiftwater Bill's, a local bar. Later, he moved to Talkeetna, a scenic town north of Anchorage, where he was employed by an air taxi company. Doug's love for nature and adventure made him well-suited for life in the Last Frontier. He also joined the National Guard and dabbled in construction and welding upon returning to Anchorage....Read More