Military

DATE= 01/17/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / AFGHANISTAN (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-298514

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

INTRO: President Bush has paid a visit to several soldiers who were injured in U-S military operations in Afghanistan. V-O-A's Scott Stearns has the story.

TEXT: The president and First Lady spent almost an hour (Friday) visiting wounded soldiers and their families in the orthopedic ward at Washington's Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

The five noncommissioned officers they visited suffered a range of blast and shrapnel injuries as well as broken bones. A hospital spokesman said none of the injuries is life-threatening.

President Bush said they were "incredibly brave soldiers" whose service in Afghanistan was "noble and strong."

He said the government should and must provide the best care for anyone willing to put themselves in harms way.

The president and Mrs. Bush stopped at the hospital on their way to the presidential retreat at Camp David. (SIGNED)

NEB/SS/KBK