[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 36 (Monday, September 15, 2008)]
[Pages 1192-1193]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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. 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.

[[Page 1193]]

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.