Obama visits a dozen wounded and ill at military hospital

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has concluded a private visit with a dozen wounded or ill service members receiving treatment at a military hospital near the nation’s capital.

Obama spent about an hour making the rounds Tuesday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

The White House says Obama met with eight Army members, two Marines and one member each from the Navy and Air Force. He also met with veterans and family members.

Heavy afternoon rain forced Obama to abandon his customary helicopter trip and travel to the hospital by motorcade through early rush-hour traffic.

With clear skies by the end of the visit, the Marine One helicopter was flown over to take him back to the White House.