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By Sarah Gravlee

Story Published: Aug 18, 2009 at 6:32 PM MST

Story Updated: Aug 18, 2009 at 6:32 PM MST

BILLINGS - Birthdays, holidays and summer vacations, all things most families do together. But when dad's in the Army National Guard, he might miss some of these events.

Member's of Montana's 163rd Battalion recently spent three weeks south of Boise, preparing for a possible deployment in 2010. That's three weeks away from their loved ones, and three weeks to miss important events, like your son's 11th Birthday.

Major Michael Moreni is in charge of a tactical operating command with the National Guard. He used to work full-time with the Billings Police Department, but in October he took a leave of absence to work full-time for the National Guard. He's stationed in Belgrade and can only make it home on the weekends.

"That's the worst part about it is leaving them," Moreni said. "Being a weekend dad. It sucks."

The only time he can't get home on the weekend is the three weeks he's at annual training.

"In the summer when he does annual training it's kind of hectic," his wife Heidi Moreni said. "The kids have activities."

Michael's also missed the births of two of his three kids. He was in Bosnia when his daughter, Melissa, was born and in Iraq when his son, Matthew, was born.

"I went for a meeting and the Colonel handed me a satellite phone," Moreni said remembering his daughter's birth. "My wife was right in the throws of labor. I was thinking it's surreal that I'm not here."

"When you're having a special moment like that, of course, you want your husband to be there for that," Heidi said. A national rotation of troops indicates Major Moreni's Battalion may be called to active duty next year, something his family's not looking forward to.

"It would be hard not to see him for a year," Nick Moreni, 11, said. They support his work and appreciate his service.

"I'm proud of him," Heidi said. "I really am. He wanted to do something for other people to help other people."

Moreni said his wife deserves a bronze star for all the things she has to do without him. Heidi said she has lots of help from neighbors and family members while Michael's away.

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CPT DARWIN OAK said on Sunday, Oct 11 at 2:25 PM

I JUST WANT TO WISH THE MORENI FAMILY THE BEST FOR THE FUTURE. CPT OAK -DEPLOYED

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