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As a new year begins, Senior Airman Roni Rahmat, 24, a medical technician with the 88th Medical Group at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, is preparing for a challenging assignment.

He is leaving his wife Brandy, 25, and his three children — Jasmine, 8; Teana, 5; and A.J., 9 months — at the base and is flying to Afghanistan for a tour of duty.

"I will miss my family, but deployment goes with my job," Rahmat said.

"I am not dreading my assignment at all. I have been preparing, and actually I am excited about serving in a place where my work can save lives. I am looking forward to it."

Rahmat was born in Indonesia and moved to the United States to be with family members "and to find a better life" when he was 15 years old.

"I am now an American citizen, and I feel very loyal to my country," he said.

"My wife was born in America and she is Christian. I am of the Muslim faith, but we have decided to be open-minded with our children, and to allow them to decide what religion they choose when they are old enough to make decisions."

He said his oldest daughter has already made one decision. "Jasmine is aware that her father works in medicine and helps people who need attention," Rahmat said. "She told us she would like to be a doctor or a nurse one day."

Rahmat said he joined the Air Force "out of loyalty to the country that took me in and made me welcome."

He said he is certain he made the right decision.

"I have been in the Air Force for six years and plan to make this my career," he said. "I have been getting an excellent education in the field of medicine. I worked part time at Miami Valley Hospital for part of my training. We have one of the finest military hospitals right here at the base. I have had excellent teachers and the best training possible."

According to Air Force spokesman Derek Kaufman, about 475 airmen have been undergoing training at the base, and are expected to be deployed to the Middle East between now and April. He said that will include medical personnel, security forces and others involved in communications and intelligence.

Rahmat expects to work with a trauma team and treat patients that are brought into a military hospital in Afghanistan. "I am trained to handle combat injuries and can work on intensive care patients," he said. "That makes me feel good, knowing I may help save lives."

While he is on duty in Afghanistan, Rahmat said he will miss his family, but has made arrangements for basic care for them at home in Dayton.

"The military community is good about that, and if Brandy needs anything she knows who to call," he said. "There is a support system built in for families of airmen who are away. My wife and her friends network and support each other."

He said he is taking a laptop computer with him and will try to stay in contact through the Internet. "I also will have a chance to call home once a month, I think," he said.

Rahmat said he is sorry he will not be home to help celebrate his baby's first birthday. "But we all have to give up some things, and I should have many more years to celebrate with my son."

His daughter Teana drew some pictures of family members, which Rahmat packed to take with him.

"I know my family will send me lots of letters, and will stay close in touch. To get support from home is very important for morale for everyone on military duty away from home," he said.

As 2007 begins I join with families, friends, and all caring Americans who support those who are on military duty and away from home.

May you have a healthy, safe and happy year. We await your safe return.

Dale Huffman wants your ideas. He'd like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend that you find touching or humorous. This column is for you. Got a tale about your child? Have you seen the works of a good Samaritan? Do you want to share a special day coming up in your life? Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 45 S. Ludlow St. Dayton OH 45402. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.