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

Former Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill coined the phrase, "All 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 America's ongoing wars.

Lt. Joseph Theinert Honored With 2 Memorial Soldier Rides

The Shelter Island community has kept the memory alive of Army Lt. Joseph Theinert, who was killed in action in June of 2010 while serving in Afghanistan. Most recently, memorial bike rides on the North Fork and Shelter Island honored Theinert. The community has named a major road after Theinert, held barbecues in his name, hosted basketball tournaments, and more. 

Shelter Island Marine Welcomed Home

In tragedy, Theinert's death brought together his family and the family of Lance Cpl. Michael "Zach" Mundy. Mundy returned from a tour in Afghanistan in June, and Theinert's mother requested a motorcade to escort the Marine home to Shelter Island.

Bin Laden's Death Handled Delicately at North Fork Schools

Though some students in the upper grades of North Fork Schools might have been excited upon hearing that U.S. military forces found and killed Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011, teachers and administrators said that they took a more cautious approach to the issue in classroom discussions — if they addressed the news at all.

Southold Marine Charged Following Corpse Desecration Video

An incident that gained attention across the globe hit home on the North Fork, when it was announced in September that a Southold High School alum was one of two Marines facing criminal charges for reportedly urinating on Taliban corpses. A video documenting the incident hit headlines last winter.

20 Homeless Vets Laid to Rest at Calverton National Cemetery

A reminder of what can happen to veterans once they return from serving, in a moving ceremony in January of 2011 at Calverton National Cemetery, 20 veterans – most homeless when they died and all unclaimed by family or loved ones  – were laid to rest with full military honors.

Brecknock Hall Offers Free Wedding to Military Couple

Giving back to those who have given to the country, Brecknock Hall is offering its grounds to a military member for a free wedding. Active duty Army soldiers Cathrine and John Schmanski won last year.