Marines who went to ‘hell and back’ nearly 10 years ago in Afghanistan rely on camaraderie,...

Patterson, a 1st lieutenant during that deployment, created the memorial bike so the Marines who died would be remembered and he could tell their stories when someone asked.

“How ya’ doin?” Marcus Chischilly asked Patterson.

Chischilly, a sergeant, lost his leg during that deployment almost a decade ago — blown to pieces when he stepped on an improvised explosive during a reconnaissance patrol in Khajaki on Oct. 9, 2010, just a week after deploying.

“Livin’,” Patterson answered. “I’ve got air in my lungs. It’s a good day.”

The two fist-pumped and hugged.

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