    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [June 27, 2006]
    [Pages 1223-1224]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks During a Run With Staff Sergeant Christian Bagge
    June 27, 2006

        The President. So I first met Christian when I went to Walter Reed--
    Brooke Army, San Antonio, Texas. And he said, ``I want to run with
    you.'' He was in bed. He had lost both legs. I looked at him, like, you
    know, there's an optimistic person. But I could tell in his eyes that he
    meant it. And after a lot of hard work and a lot of compassionate care,
    this fine man is here on the South Lawn running with the President. And
    he ran the President into the ground, I might add. [Laughter]
        But I'm proud of you. I'm proud of your strength. I'm proud of your
    character. Thank you for your service.
        It's an amazing sight for me to be running with a guy who, last time
    I saw him, was in bed wondering whether or not--I was wondering whether
    or not he'd ever get out of bed. There was no doubt in his mind that he
    would.
        Thanks for your service.
        S. Sgt. Bagge. Your welcome, Mr. President.
        The President. Good man. God bless you.
        S. Sgt. Bagge. It's a privilege.
        The President. We're not through running yet. Get out of the way.
    [Laughter]

    Note: The President spoke at 4:02 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House. S. Sgt. Christian Bagge, USA, was injured in Iraq in June 2005
    while serving in the Oregon National Guard.

    [[Page 1224]]