    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [December 20, 2007]
    [Pages 1588-1589]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Visit With Wounded Troops at Walter Reed Army
    Medical Center
    December 20, 2007

        Thank you all for joining me. I've just come down from a tour of
    the--a couple of the wards up there here at Walter Reed. First, I'm
    inspired by the quality of health care. Americans may wonder whether or
    not our troops are getting the best possible health care, and they are.
    They're not only getting great care from good docs and nurses, they're
    getting a lot of compassion and a lot of love up in the wards. And so I
    want to thank you all. General,
    thank you very much for taking the lead.
        This past month is the lowest number of patients being admitted here
    since '02, and that's good news. It's good news for families who worry
    about their loved ones in harm's way, and it's good news for the staff
    here who would like nothing more to be--to have nobody come in here.
    Every time I come to a facility like this, I count my blessings. And one
    of the great blessings is to be the President of a country that produces
    such brave men and women.
        And so as we head into the holiday seasons, I ask for the good
    Lord's blessings on those in harm's way and their families. And I want
    to thank you again, general, for
    your hospitality. I appreciate you having me. Thank you. Thank you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 4:14 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    Maj. Gen. Carla G. Hawley-Bowland, USA, commanding general, North
    Atlantic Regional Medical

    [[Page 1589]]

    Command and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.