He received his bachelor's degree from St. John's University, earned a law degree from the University of South Dakota, and has studied under Chief Eagle Feather and Chief Fools Crow, Sioux holy men. He participated six times in the Sun Dance ceremony. He served in the Marines in Korea. He served as a fighter pilot in the Marine Corps in Vietnam, flying 110 combat missions, receiving 8 Air Medals and 2 Crosses of Gallantry, and was recommended for a Distinguished Flying Cross.