Karen Pence Praises US Armed Forces, First Responders in RNC Speech: We’ve Seen ‘Everyday Americans Reaching Out a Hand in Need’
Second Lady Karen Pence, whose son serves in the Marines, focused on praising members of the United States armed forces and their spouses during her speech at night two of the Republican National Convention — advocating for art therapy to aid PTSD.
“I have had the honor of meeting many heroes across this great country,” she said. “The Pences are a military family. Our son, Michael, serves in the United States Marines and our son-in-law, Henry, serves in the U.S. Navy. And one of my key initiatives is to elevate and encourage military spouses.”
Pence specifically named several military spouses, including Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse, who started their own business, R. Riveter, named after Rosie the Riveter. The company, located in North Carolina, makes handbags designed by military spouses.
Pence later advocated for art therapy, stressing its benefits when treating PTSD in veterans.
“Master Gunnery Sergeant Chris Stowe, a marine veteran I met in Tampa, who employed for combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, said nothing helped him deal with the trauma from his service in the Marines until he finally agreed to meet with the art therapist at Walter Reed Medical Center,” Pence said, noting that nothing helped Stowe more than using art as a therapeutic.
The second lady stressed how many veterans struggle with their transition back to their everyday lives, and urged them to receive the help they deserve.
“In these difficult times, we have all seen examples of everyday Americans reaching out a hand in need. Those in humility considered others more important than themselves,” Pence said of the pandemic, without directly naming it. “We have seen healthcare workers, teachers, first responders, mental health providers, law enforcement officers, grocery and delivery workers, and farmers, and so many others. Heroes all.”
She then celebrated the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote — calling on women to use their right to vote for President Donald Trump.
Watch above, via CNN.
