    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [September 9, 2008]
    [Pages 1189-1190]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks During a Visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center
    September 9, 2008

        The President. General, thank
    you for your hospitality, and thank you for your leadership.
        I come to Walter Reed to do a couple of things; First, I pay my
    respects to those who have been wounded; I've come to pay my respects to
    the healers and doctors and nurses and thank them for their service. I
    can truthfully say that the health care our troops receive here is first
    class.
        I've also come to pay my respects to family members that are praying
    that their loved one can get back on their feet and serve again, or get
    back on their feet and live a normal life.
        It's--this is a interesting experience because, on the one hand, you
    see the horrors of war; on the other hand, you see the courage of the
    people that have volunteered to serve. I marvel when I come to Walter
    Reed, I marvel at the fact that people say to me, ``Mr. President, I'd
    do it again.'' And you see somebody in bed who's been severely wounded,
    and they look and they say, ``I'm honored and proud to have served.''
    They had one kid in there who got hurt pretty bad, and he says, ``I'm
    looking forward to getting back in uniform, getting back on the
    frontlines.''
        America is lucky to have men and women who volunteer to wear the
    uniform and to serve to protect us. And, General, we're lucky--and they're lucky--to have health care that
    can provide for the wounded and provide comfort to those who need the
    care. So I'm honored to be with you.
        Maj. Gen. Carla G. Hawley-Bowland. Well, thank you. You energize our staff, as well as the
    patients and their families, to get even better. So thank you very much.
        The President. Thank you all. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:18 p.m. Participating in the visit was
    Maj. Gen. Carla G. Hawley-Bowland, USA, commanding general, North
    Atlantic Regional Medical Command and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

    [[Page 1190]]