Christine Romo, ABC News
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 NewsLima Company in Afghanistan
A Marine grabs a nap before the long flight to Afghanistan.Christina Romo /ABC NewsLima Company in Afghanistan
The Marines ready their vehicles for patrol.Christine Romo /ABC NewsLima Company in Afghanistan
The 200 soldiers are based in Helmand Province, a Taliban stronghold that requires them to patrol often.Christine Romo, ABC NewsLima Company in Afghanistan
The Marines meet with local elders to foster good relationships with the townspeople.Christine Romo, ABC NewsLima Company in Afghanistan
Sergeant McGinty points a gun toward the horizon while patrolling Helmand Province.Christine Romo, ABC NewsLima Company in Afghanistan
The Marines set up their quarters in a tent at a combat outpost.Christine Romo, ABC NewsLima 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 NewsLima 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 NewsLima Company in Afghanistan
An Afghan boy poses with his first pair of red Crocs, popular shoes from the U.S.Christine Romo, ABC NewsLima Company in Afghanistan
The company offers donated Crocs to people in need while on patrol in Afghanistan.Christine Romo, ABC NewsLima Company in Afghanistan
A boy and his siblings run away after receiving a pair of shoes from Lima Company.Christine Romo, ABC NewsLima Company in Afghanistan
The Marines set up their quarters in a tent at a combat outpost.Christine Romo, ABC NewsLima 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 NewsLima 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 NewsLima 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
David Zalubowski/AP Photo
Rick Wilking/Reuters
AFP/Getty Images
Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
Kristie Reeves-Cavaliero
