    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 51 (Monday, December 24, 2007)]
    [Pages 1614-1615]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    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 have 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

    [[Page 1615]]

    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. 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.