President George Bush came to the Combat Center April 23, to visit Marines, Sailors and their families during a three-day tour of the Southern California area.

Marking the first time a president has visited the Combat Center, Bush attended church services at the Protestant Chapel and ate lunch with the service members and their families at the 7th Marines mess hall, where he addressed those who assembled.

During his speech, Bush expressed his appreciation for the Marines, Sailors and their families for the sacrifices they have made whether overseas or stateside.

You represent the very best of America, he said. You represent men and women who volunteer to serve during dangerous and historic times. And because of your service, we're defeating an enemy overseas so we do not have to face them here at home. Because of your service, we've liberated people from the clutches of a tyrant. And because of your service, we're laying the foundation of peace for a generation of Americans to come. These are historic times, and your service makes me incredibly proud.

And I also want to say something to your families, Bush continued. It's hard when your loved one is overseas. I respect your sacrifice, and want to thank you very much for your service to our country, as well.

Many Marines who ate lunch with the president were excited to meet with their commander-in-chief.

For Sgt. Daniel D. Reuss, an assault gunner with Weapons Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, meeting President Bush was a rewarding experience.

I sat about 20 feet away from the president when I ate brunch with him, said the Redding, Calif., native, and two time Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. He said he was very happy to see us. He told us the Marine Corps was doing an excellent job. It was an awesome experience, which was worth a lot. Not everyone gets to meet the president.

Lance Cpl. Christopher L. Parks, an infantryman with 3rd Platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, wasn't seated as close to the president, but still had the opportunity to meet him.

When he first came in to the chow hall, he became social with all of us who were standing in line,"said the Corpus Christi, Texas, native, and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. After eating, he walked around the whole chow hall to shake hands with everyone. When he got to our table, he told us how much of a good job we're doing. He also asked about our families and how things were going at home. It was a pretty motivating experience. He gave me inspiration to keep doing my job and doing it well. He really showed us he cared and he wanted us to know that. It was an honor to see him because it's something that I might not have the privilege to do again.

Sgt. Matthew L. Barber, a machinegun squad leader with Weapons Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, was motivated by the president's visit. Eating with the president is an experience he won't soon forget.

I was very motivated to even get to see the president," said the Olathe, Kan., native. "When he first got to the chow hall, he busted out with a Semper Fi. That was very motivating.

We all were very happy to have the president come to our base, continued Barber. “He actually took the time from his very busy schedule to come see us for a day. I know everyone in 3/4 was honored to talk to him. It was my best experience here. It was just some motivating stuff.

After spending time with the Marines, Sailors and their families, President Bush made his way to the Combat Center parade field where he boarded Marine One and departed.