Bush Encourages Troops During California Stop: WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2001 – Men and women in uniform are the true strength of the United States, President George W. Bush told troops and their families Oct. 17. Speaking to a loud crowd at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., the commander in chief echoed themes he's been emphasizing since Sept. 11: America hasn't been beaten, and nations or groups that harbor terrorists are terrorists themselves as far as America is concerned. Planes and crews from Travis carried rescue workers and equipment to New York City and the Pentagon in the days after Sept. 11, and military personnel from Travis are currently deployed to undisclosed locations to assist in the war on terrorism. While repeatedly being interrupted by cheers, Bush said the planes and equipment aren't what make America great. "Our real strength (is) the people who fly 'em and who maintain 'em, the people who make the military go," he said.