Bush spoke Thursday at Lake Michigan College and to the economic club of Southwestern Michigan.
He said he most misses the inspiration he drew from U.S. military personnel.
Bush also said the 9-11 terror attacks brought about a "fog of war" and an a "roller coaster of emotions."
Commenting on Iraq, Bush said it was right to depose Iraqi president Saddam Husein, which may lead to the spread of democracy throughout the middle east.