Staff Sergeant Christian Bagge is what America is all about.

Thank you, Sergeant, for your service to our country and for your courageous example.

CBS: GI Amputee Jogs With Bush
Determination is a living thing for Army Staff Sgt. Christian Bagge, 23, who took a run with the president Tuesday despite having lost over half of his right leg and some of his left leg to a roadside bomb in Iraq.


Christian News Wire: Remarks by the President During Run with Staff Sergeant Christian Bagge

THE PRESIDENT: I first met Christian when I went to Walter Reed -- or Brooke Army in San Antonio, Texas. And he said, "I want to run with you." He was in bed -- he had lost both legs. I looked at him, like, you know, there's an optimistic person. But I could tell in his eyes that he meant it. And after a lot of hard work and a lot of compassionate care, this fine man is here on the South Lawn running with the President. And he ran the President into the ground, I might add. (Laughter.)

But I'm proud of you. I'm proud of your strength, proud of your character. Thank you for your service.

It's an amazing sight for me to be running with a guy who, last time I saw him, was in bed wondering whether or not -- I was wondering whether or not he'd ever get out of bed. There was no doubt in his mind that he would.

Thank you for your service.

STAFF SERGEANT BAGGE: Your welcome, Mr. President.

THE PRESIDENT: Good man. God bless you.

STAFF SERGEANT BAGGE: It's a privilege.

THE PRESIDENT: We're not through running yet. Get out of the way. (Laughter.)