***image1***There was a buzz at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and Ramstein Monday as California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger came to visit troops and boost morale.
“I came simply because I left Israel and Jordan and could not fly over Germany to California knowing that we have all of these wounded people here from Iraq,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “I wanted to come here to cheer them up and show them how much I appreciate them and what they have done for our great country.”
As Governor Schwarzenegger made his way through the throngs of fans at LRMC to different patient wards, calls to the “Terminator” could be heard echoing through the hallways. He visited patients on several different wards, inquiring about their injuries and asking whether or not they had eaten any schnitzel.
“Have you gotten any Wiener schnitzel here at the hospital?” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “Not yet? I am going to have to file an official complaint. Wiener schnitzel is a good Austrian remedy.”
Once he finished visiting patients, he made his way to Heaton Auditorium where he spoke with an enthusiastic group, consisting largely of California reservists. When he walked into the room, the group went crazy. Governor Schwarzenegger quickly tried to quiet the crowd and let them know that it was he, who was in awe.
Governor Schwarzenegger, who grew up in Austria, said it was a pleasure to come here and give something back to the men and women who protect our great country.
Chief Warrant Officer Robert L. Monroe, a Soldier from Bravo Company, 214th Aviation Battalion, who was injured in Iraq, said the visit from Governor Schwarzenegger meant a lot to him because of the sincerity of the visit.
“Arnold would look you in the eye,” said chief warrant officer Monroe. “A lot of politicians who come around look all over the room, but won’t look you in the eye. Arnold did. He was sincere.”
After his hospital visit, Governor Schwarzenegger visited Ramstein to thank hundreds of Airmen and their families gathered in Hangar 1 on the flightline for the “outstanding job (they’re) doing” and said they were “the true terminators and true action heroes.
“It’s all about giving back,” he said. “I would not be where I am today without America, so I am happy to give back.
It’s a great pleasure of mine to make these young men and women feel better. I’m just happy that I am able to do this.”
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