One emotional moment occurred during the Republican candidate forum on Fox News. Panelist David McArthur, a bakery owner from St. Louis, Missouri, used his opportunity on national television to tell Mitt Romney about the difficulties his son has undergone, as a veteran suffering from a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Holding back tears, McArthur asked Romney to commit to improving conditions for veterans, in light of problems with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“David, my heart breaks for you and your family,” said Romney. “It’s just hard to imagine what it could be like. I have five boys, as you know. Having one of them injured that way, or having his life taken — it’s something you can only imagine, you can’t know if you haven’t experienced it as you have. I appreciate your sacrifice for our country, and I appreciate your son’s sacrifice for our country.”
He also added: “We have such a great debt of gratitude to these individuals, I can’t tell you how much I’m moved by your experience, and how much debt our country owes to you and your son. We’ll keep in touch, David, and I’ll make sure he gets the kind of care he needs, and lives a bright and rewarding life.”
