Tales From The Back Porch with Woody and Brady

# A Journey from Antlers to the Military: Dylan's Story

> Discover the experiences that shaped Dylan Westmoreland's path.

Dylan Westmoreland shares his journey from a small town in Oklahoma to the military, shedding light on his early life, military experiences, and the people who have influenced him along the way.

## From Small Town Roots

Dylan hails from Antlers, Oklahoma, a town with a population of around 2,000. Before joining the military at 21, he worked various jobs, including in the oil field and at a call center. He fondly recalls his high school days filled with basketball, influenced by his family's teaching background.

## The Call to Serve

In 2014, as the oil industry faced challenges, Dylan realized he needed a better plan for his future. After an inspiring encounter with a recruiter, he signed up and embarked on a military journey that would change his life.

> "You’re going to lay there in your bunk... and be like, what did I get myself into?"

> — Dylan Westmoreland

Dylan's experience in boot camp was both challenging and transformative. He remembers the intense heat of San Antonio during training and the amusing moments, like realizing he was part of the band flight during graduation.

## Memorable Mentors

Throughout his military career, certain individuals left a lasting impact on Dylan. He recalls Technical Sergeants Ortiz and King, who pushed him to succeed and helped shape his perspective on leadership.

## A Twist of Fate

Dylan's journey took an unexpected turn when he traded orders to be stationed at F.E. Warren, a decision he believes was pivotal for his career.

> "Looking back, it was the best move I could have done."

> — Dylan Westmoreland

His time there introduced him to key experiences that pushed him beyond his comfort zone and prepared him for future challenges.

## Facing the Elements

Dylan recounts his arrival at F.E. Warren in December, where he faced the harsh winter conditions head-on, contrasting sharply with his summer boot camp experience. This change tested his resilience but also made for memorable stories.

## The Journey Continues

After serving at F.E. Warren, Dylan transitioned to base security and later deployed to PSAB, where he helped stand up a new base amidst the challenges of COVID-19.

Dylan's story is one of determination, growth, and the connections formed along the way. His journey from Antlers to the military is a testament to the impact of mentorship and the importance of seizing opportunities.

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Reflecting on his path, Dylan encourages others to embrace their journeys, no matter how unexpected they may be. To hear more about Dylan's experiences and insights, tune into the full episode.

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