A Texas man had a big weight lifted off his shoulders when he realized his childhood dream Thursday.

William Guinn Jr., of Abilene lost more than 200 pounds so he could join the U.S. Army, KTAB reported.

“It can be done, and yes for those that didn’t know, I was trying to go to the military and (it) will be a great start for my career,” Guinn wrote on his Facebook page. “And (I) will push myself harder than ever before.”

Guinn said he decided to start losing weight in February 2016, when he weighed 456 pounds. Over the next 14 months, he went to a local gym and began working with trainers and nutritionists to shed the pounds.

The change was dramatic, as he lost 226 pounds and now weighs 230.

“I do see a change,” Guinn said.

Guinn said one of his biggest motivations was to follow in his grandparents’ footsteps and join the military.

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