SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- U.S. President Bill Clinton offered support and thanks to American military personnel on Saturday as he prepared to visit some of the 37,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea.

The U.S. president, who is in the middle of a five-day Asian tour, used his weekly radio address to recognize the U.S. armed forces for their service.

"Next week, Americans at home and around the world will give thanks for the countless blessings we enjoy," Clinton said.

"Thanksgiving week is also Military Family Week. We must never forget that for every individual stationed abroad, an entire family is also serving our country," he said.

Budget proposals to 'preserve readiness'

He reaffirmed the U.S. military commitment "to build a safer, better world" with its Asian allies.

"That's why I've ordered a thorough review of our long-term readiness. It will generate budget and policy proposals to preserve readiness, to support our troops, to modernize our equipment well into the next century," he said.

Clinton is to visit two military bases in Korea on Sunday -- the Korea Training Center and the Osan Air Base -- to speak to U.S. and Korean troops.

He leaves South Korea on Monday and will visit the U.S. territory of Guam before returning to Washington later that day.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Saturday, November 21, 1998

• GOP governors push party toward issues that 'unite' voters
• Clinton thanks U.S. troops, confirms Asian alliances
• GOP wants rescue of Social Security without tax hike
• Starr defends testimony after ethics adviser resigns

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