President Bush, center, waves as he arrives at Charleston Air Force Base to speak to the members of the Air Force before going to a fundraiser for the National Republican Committee, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2006, in Charleston, S.C.
The president is escorted by South Carolina Gov.. Mark Sanford, to his left, and U.S. Congressman Henry Brown, R-S.C., second left.
President Bush waves as he is introduced during his visit to Charleston Air Force Base, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2006 in Charleston, S.C.
W: The first thought I want to say is I am proud to be the Commander-in-Chief of such a fine group of young men and women. (Applause.) We have an amazing nation when people say, I want to volunteer to defend this country. I am constantly amazed, enthralled, and buoyed by the fact that I'm the Commander-in-Chief of honorable, decent, courageous men and women. And I thank you for coming to say hello. (Applause.)I'm also proud to be here with our military families. (Applause.) I understand the sacrifices that you make on a daily basis for this country. So, as the President of the United States, I want to tell you plain and simple, the American people respect you, they appreciate you, and I'll do everything in my power to make sure the families and those who wear the uniform have all the support necessary to win this war on terror. (Applause.)
(Click here to read a complete transcript of the president's remarks at Charleston AFB)