Editor's Note: From the home front to the front lines, we're following one recruit's journey in our American Morning original series "A Soldier's Story." Today, in part four, our Jason Carroll checks in with Will McLain's family to find out what they think about the stress and time away from home. Tomorrow, we look at Will's training and get his feelings about deployment as it draws closer.

By Jason Carroll, CNN

So far, much of the focus of our series has been on Will McLain's impressions and experiences.

Now, we turn the camera in a different direction to get his parents' point of view of what it’s like to have a recruit in the family for the first time.

“Hey Mom and Dad, how are things going at home? I hope well,” Will's letter reads.

Nearly every time Laurie McLain reads a letter from her son, Will – or Junior as they call him at home in Rosamond, CA – it’s hard for her not to become emotional.

“I love you guys and I'll talk to you when I can. Love Junior."

The letters come from Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri where new recruit Will has been at boot camp for the past nine weeks.

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