Lima Company in Afghanistan

Lima Company, a reserve unit from Columbus, Ohio, lost 23 men and had over 40 wounded in the Iraq War. Five years later the unit prepares to deploy again, this time to Afghanistan.
Christine Romo, ABC News
Lima Company in Afghanistan

A Marine grabs a nap before the long flight to Afghanistan.
Christina Romo /ABC News
Lima Company in Afghanistan

The Marines ready their vehicles for patrol.
Christine Romo /ABC News
Lima Company in Afghanistan

The 200 soldiers are based in Helmand Province, a Taliban stronghold that requires them to patrol often.
Christine Romo, ABC News
Lima Company in Afghanistan

The Marines meet with local elders to foster good relationships with the townspeople.
Christine Romo, ABC News
Lima Company in Afghanistan

Sergeant McGinty points a gun toward the horizon while patrolling Helmand Province.
Christine Romo, ABC News
Lima Company in Afghanistan

The Marines set up their quarters in a tent at a combat outpost.
Christine Romo, ABC News
Lima Company in Afghanistan

Corporal Potts, the unit's gunner, readies for patrol from inside an M-ATV, an all terrain vehicle the Marines for travel.
Christine Romo, ABC News
Lima Company in Afghanistan

The Marines from Lima Company distribute food, toys and shoes to needy children throughout the province as often as possible.
Christine Romo, ABC News
Lima Company in Afghanistan

An Afghan boy poses with his first pair of red Crocs, popular shoes from the U.S.
Christine Romo, ABC News
Lima Company in Afghanistan

The company offers donated Crocs to people in need while on patrol in Afghanistan.
Christine Romo, ABC News
Lima Company in Afghanistan

A boy and his siblings run away after receiving a pair of shoes from Lima Company.
Christine Romo, ABC News
Lima Company in Afghanistan

The Marines set up their quarters in a tent at a combat outpost.
Christine Romo, ABC News
Lima Company in Afghanistan

Sgt. Ken Pompilli waits for 17 hours on Thanksgiving Day in an up-armored vehicle to witness his first daughter's birth – via Skype.
Christine Romo, ABC News
Lima Company in Afghanistan

From thousands of miles away, Pompilli encouraged his wife, Melanie, to push. Melanie was in labor in Ohio for 18 hours, before giving birth to the couple's daughter, Reilly.
Christine Romo, ABC News
Lima Company in Afghanistan

In November, Corpsman Resprim decorated his room for the holidays. Many members of Lima Company will be spending the holiday season away from their families.
Christine Romo, ABC News