[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

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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.