Hell, they would have done the same for Hugh Hefner. Probably even more so. Hell, Mike Tyson would have gotten the same response if you wanna be honest.
I'm sure the GI's who were stuck on the tarmac for hours awaiting takeoff to get home to their families really appreciated Bush's last minute visit. I know I would love to be stuck inside an aircraft that could be shot at by a missle aiming raghead at any minute, instead of taking off immediately as needed to avoid being killed, for a symbolic visit from my leader.
I sure would have liked to see him in full desert combat gear this time. Then I could have 2 bush action figures to buy for my nephew this Christmas instead of one.