because that just pulls me strings right you don t. reporter: lori mcclain has seen dramatic changes in will in the three months he s been gone. he dropped 54 pounds and more. it is kind of a symbol of him growing up and doing his thing more like i m not your baby any more, tough stuff. always my baby. reporter: now seconds away from another major change in will s life. fort stewart, lewis, mcclain. fort stewart, georgia, that s already. i can deal with it. down south maybe drive to texas. i m living it up in hawaii. reporter: new assignments always come with a few jokes. get yourself a georgia girl with good home cooking. reporter: mcclain will have a familiar face, his battle buddy demee tree us daniels, assigned to be his partner during basic training.