For most 6-year-old children, deciding which cartoon to watch after school is the most important decision they will make.

But for Jonah Lundy-Williams life is different. For starters, during his short life, his father, Sgt. Rashard Mason, was assigned on an unaccompanied tour in Korea, and he is on his third deployment to Iraq.

"Jonah's father has been gone half of his life," said his mother, Codie Mason. "But Jonah has stepped in, and he does small chores around the house, helps his autistic brother with sign language, and he helps his day care understand what he needs."

The oldest of four siblings - Marcus Mason, 3; Damien Mason, 4; and Jada Mason, 11 months - Jonah is a leader.

"He gets kids together in the neighborhood and coordinates activities for them to do," she said. "He teaches other kids their numbers, letters and colors."

And he does his best to help his mother.

"I take out the trash," he said. "I try to always help my mom.  When Marcus bites his toothbrush because he does not know how to brush his teeth, I help him."

Jonah also helps out with his autistic brother.  "My brother is learning how to say words," he said. "I do sign language with him because his brain does not work like ours.  He has to learn everything he does a bit different."

During his free time Jonah is learning karate, he draws, and he talks to his father. Although he misses his dad, Jonah understands that he is gone for a good reason.

"I feel sad that my dad is gone," he said. "But I know he is helping a lot of people, and I feel proud about that.  I don't miss wrestling with him.  He is too rough on me when we wrestle."

Jonah aspires to follow in his father's footsteps by joining the Army.  He wants to be an Army ranger or a karate instructor.

"I don't know for sure which one I want to do," he said. "Maybe my dad will help me make up my mind."

In the meantime, he is waiting for his dad's return in September.

"I want to go to the skateboard park," Jonah said. "I got my skateboard for Christmas, and I am ready to use it."