Colonel Tom Brewer adjusts his hat in front of the barracks where legendary Lakota war chief Crazy Horse was bayonetted in the back by an army private at Fort Robinson in western Nebraska. Brewer, an Oglala Lakota from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, served in the U.S. military for 36 years – more than half his life.
After 13 tours of duty, a Purple Heart and a bronze medal, Brewer needed a change. "You didn't survive all of that if your destiny is not to do something worthwhile for this world," Brewer said. He wanted to be the first Native American to be recognized as a Nebraska state senator. His campaign tactic was a Freedom Ride. He formed the Brewer Army, comprised of a couple buddies from the war, to ride with him.
Col. Tom Brewer sits on top of his mule, Chip, at Fort Robinson in western Nebraska before a day of riding. Brewer's Army rode across the Sandhills of Nebraska, spreading the word in the 43rd Legislative District – nearly 17,000 square miles – that he was running for office.
Brewer reflects during a quiet moment in the lodge at Fort Robinson. The lodge was once home to the barracks of soldiers that annihilated his people, however he has no regrets on serving the same military. “The Lakota spirit is a warrior spirit and that’s what drew me to the military,” Brewer says. “We’re a warrior culture, and if you’re going to be a warrior, you should do it in uniform.”
Col. Brewer talks with constituent John Sibbitt during a visit to the Crossroads Nursing Home in Alliance, Neb. on Sept. 15, 2016 as a part of his Freedom Ride across the 43rd district. Sibbitt, a 94-year-old Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee, said “any man that’s got manure on his boots goes for me,".
Col. Brewer rides across a field during his Freedom Ride across the 43rd Legislative District. Brewer eventually did win the race for state senator and is currently serving in Nebraska's unicameral.