At a campaign stop in Iowa today, Mitt Romney defended the fact that his five sons have not enlisted in the military by saying they are serving the country by "helping me get elected."

"The good news is that we have a volunteer Army and that's the way we're going to keep it," Romney told some 200 people gathered in an abbey near the Mississippi River that had been converted into a hotel. "My sons are all adults and they've made decisions about their careers and they've chosen not to serve in the military and active duty and I respect their decision in that regard."

He added: "One of the ways my sons are showing support for our nation is helping me get elected because they think I'd be a great president."

Romney's five sons, ages 26-37, have worked in the past as real estate developers, sports marketers and advertising executives. All five are now active with their father's campaign. Son Josh, 36, just completed a tour of Iowa in a recreational vehicle. Romney said about the tour:

"I respect that and respect all those and the way they serve this great country."