From Burglary to Prison to Best Selling Author with Damon West

Sentenced to 65 years in a Texas prison, Damon West once had it all. He came from a great family, in a home full of God, love, support, and opportunities to reach any dream. Prison life began with a violent baptism-by-fire. Armed with the knowledge that “you don’t have to win all your fights, but you do have to fight all your fights,” he battled for his right to exist independent of a gang. Clinging close to God, his family’s unwavering support, a 12-step recovery program and all the tools available to him, Damon emerged from prison a better man spiritually, emotionally and physically. On November 16, he walked out of prison on 58 years of parole. Today, Damon works for the Provost Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont, TX. When not out speaking to students and athletes about the dangers of drugs and the consequences of bad decisions, he spends his free time volunteering, doing service work, attending 12 Step Recovery groups, exercising and enjoying his new life with his family and faith community at St. Elizabeth’s Church. His message is both a cautionary tale and one of hope and perseverance in the face of the most extreme odds.