Presidential Debate on Foreign Policy Reminds Us That All Politics is Local

They say that all of politics is local. No matter how big of an issue, it somehow affects those who live in communities like ours. The final debate scheduled for Monday night at 9 p.m. between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney will focus on foreign policy.

The biggest foreign policy issue for the last three presidential terms has to be terrorism and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As the candidates debate foreign policy, Patch looks back at some of the stories we covered on the local effects on the community of the America's ongoing wars.

Video: Hometown Hero Welcome for Returning Soldier

20-year-old U.S. Army Specialist David Worrell returned home to East Quogue from a year-long tour of duty in Iraq. He received a 'Hometown Hero' welcome at McArthur Airport in Islip planned by his family.

13 Heroes Land at MacArthur

Nicholas Meyer, a 26-year-old staff sergeant from Patchogue, completed a three-day long trip home from Afghanistan in Oct. 2011 with 12 other members of the Westhampton Beach-based 106th Air National Guard Rescue Wing.

500 Cookies Helped Keep U.S. Troops Warm

While stationed in the Ghazhi Province, U.S. Army Sergeant Jacob Lappin said the nights were cold and heaters were in short supply. Troops, he said, started trading anything they could get their hands on for heaters to keep them warm, including boots. And just when they didn't have much left to barter with, they received a care package from the Westhampton Beach Fire Department's junior firefighters that was filled with 500 cookies that the kids baked themselves.

Video: Residents React to bin Laden's Death

Locals provided their thoughts after learning of Osama bin Laden's death by U.S. forces.

A round-up of stories from area residents on how 9/11 touched their lives.

Money Secured for 106th Air National Guard Rescue Wing

Money was provided to secure the 106th Air National Guard to prevent the base from closing. 

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