    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [December 19, 2007]
    [Pages 1572-1573]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Visit With Wounded Troops and Their Families at the
    National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland
    December 19, 2007

        The President. Admiral, thank you
    very much for your hospitality. You know, it's a great honor to come
    here. It's an honor to see the troops who've been wounded, and it's an
    honor to hug their families, and it's an honor to see the fabulous care
    that these folks receive. You know, our citizens wonder whether or not
    troops in harm's way will get superb medical care. And the answer is,
    absolutely, they get fantastic medical care.
        Sometimes there's bureaucratic snafus that we're straightening out.
    But our citizens should never question whether or not the nurses and
    docs and caregivers are giving it their all in a professional way.
    They're saving lives, and they're healing hearts at the same time. And
    so it's a wonder what takes place here, admiral. And I want to thank you and the colonel for taking the lead. And you know, I'm--I know Americans
    join me in praising our troops and honoring their families.
        Merry Christmas to you.
        Rear Adm. Richard R. Jeffries. Thank
    you, sir. It's an honor to serve them and you.
        The President. Yes, sir. Thank you all. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 2:14 p.m. Participating in the visit were
    Rear Adm. Richard R. Jeffries, USN, commander, and Col. Leon E. Moores,
    USA, deputy commander for integration, National Naval Medical Center.

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