Bush's 'Firsthand' Experience With War

"The president also watched as Lance Cpl. Matt Bradford, 22, of Winchester, Ky., who lost both legs and his sight in an explosion in Iraq, climb a fake rock wall. Other soldiers cheered him on as he slowly scaled the 35-foot wall and captured a red flag at the top.

"'Good man. Isn't he?' Bush said."

Here are some harrowing pictures of Bush with the wounded soldiers. Here is Lcpl. Isaac Gallegos presenting Bush with a souvenir T-shirt.

Don Teague blogs for NBC News: "I arrived at the center this morning, several hours in advance of President Bush's visit this afternoon. What a humbling experience.

"There are hundreds of men and women here, recovering from horrific wounds. Burns, amputations, blindness. They have suffered and lost, and paid the price for service.

"Yet, most are smiling -- even through pain.

"I'm not sure I can explain why. Soldiers and Marines have always had an uncanny ability to 'smoke and joke' under extreme circumstances. I saw lots of that today. Men and women, some burned beyond recognition or with only two limbs, sitting in the warm sunshine, telling stories, anticipating the president's arrival. . . .

"One soldier said it was a big boost for morale for Bush to come and meet them. He wanted the president to know he missed his buddies in Afghanistan and that he's looking forward to rejoining the fight -- with his one good leg.

"Bush, for his part, marveled at the technology. He watched amputees climb a rock wall using prosthetic limbs. He offered encouragement to a soldier who had lost both legs as he balanced on a fitness ball. He spent time talking with dozens of soldiers and thanked them for their service. He came and went.

"But the men and women who need this place can't leave just yet. They have much work to do, fighting to regain any version of normalcy. And smiling."

As The Washington Post's Michael Abramowitz described in his pool report: "Bush worked his way through the gym, looking very engaged and upbeat, chatting animatedly with the wounded marines and soldiers." But, Abramowitz added, Bush "seemed to some in the pool choked up by the end of his hour and a half visit."

From Bush's remarks: "If anybody were to come to this center, they would have to leave inspired and thankful, inspired by the servicemen and women who are recovering from wounds with such courage; thankful that there are instructors and preachers and volunteers who are helping these people get back on their feet and getting their lives together."