This story of Spc. Moses Brave Heart highlights a powerful journey of personal and cultural reconciliation within the military.
Growing up in Pine Ridge with strong Lakota values, Brave Heart made a significant sacrifice when he first enlisted, believing that to serve, he’d need to cut his hair and temporarily set aside his cultural heritage.
However, his determination to serve while staying true to his identity led him to seek an exception to the hair policy, a process facilitated by supportive leaders like Capt. Nathan Johnson.
Now, with his hair regrown and serving in the South Dakota National Guard’s 235th Military Police Company, Spc. Brave Heart embodies resilience and represents a pathway for other Native Americans who may feel caught between their desire to serve and their cultural traditions.
His stance underscores a broader message about the importance of cultural expression in the armed forces and the value of diversity within its ranks.
Through his journey, he hopes to inspire young Native Americans to pursue their dreams in the military without feeling they must compromise their cultural identity, standing as a testament to the military’s evolving inclusivity and his commitment to representing his community with pride.