Former President George W. Bush has a hearty message for troops serving in Iraq -- even when he delivers it on a silly TV comedy show.

Appearing in a pretaped spot during Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report on Thursday, Bush hailed the troops for their great courage and endurance.

Bush said former first lady Laura Bush joined him in the shout-out.

"The Colbert Report," with Stephen Colbert as its blustery host, is originating this week from Camp Victory on the western edge of Baghdad.