    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [December 22, 2008]
    [Page 1507]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center and an
    Exchange With Reporters
    December 22, 2008

        The President. Every time I come here, I get amazed at the quality
    of care, the professionalism, and the courage of our troops. I can say
    with certainty that the health care that our troops get in the military
    medical facilities is excellent. I am so pleased to hear from spouses
    and other loved ones about the care they get as well, when they come to
    visit their wounded child or wounded husband or wounded spouse.
        And so this will probably be my last time coming here as the
    Commander in Chief. It gives me a great pleasure to thank all those who
    serve here and all those who serve throughout our military, the military
    medical facilities. You know, I oftentimes say being the Commander in
    Chief of the military is the thing I'll miss the most, and coming here
    to Walter Reed is a reminder of why I'll miss it.
        Thank you very much.

    President's Health

        Q. How is your shoulder, Mr. President?
        The President. Yes, good shape, it's about an 80-mile-an-hour
    fastball.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:03 p.m.