    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [November 10, 2008]
    [Page 1353]
    [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
    November 10, 2008

        Admiral, thank you very much for
    leading an amazing group of men and women who provide such compassion
    and skill for those who have been wounded.
        You know, I'm--appreciate the families who were so gracious to me
    here. One of the things I tell them is that their loved one is going to
    get fabulous medical care, and they do. It's inspiring to see the hard
    work. It's also inspiring to see the courage of the patients. I met some
    of the men that I'd seen 6 months ago; I came back, and they're totally
    different looking people. That's because of the good health care. It's
    also because of their mental framework. They've decided that nothing's
    going to get them down, and they battled back. And they're--a lot of
    them are doing really well.
        So I want to thank you for your time, and it's been an honor to be
    the Commander in Chief of such fine men and women.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:19 a.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    Rear Adm. Matthew L. Nathan, USN, commander, National Naval Medical
    Center.